Incorporating Open Spaces In Urban Planning Case Study: Three Pines Development, LLC

Abstract

The study and practice of urban and city planning has occurred since ancient Greco-Roman times. Only since the 19th century, however, has the design of open spaces within city planning been seriously considered. Frederick Law Olmstead, a well-known landscape architect of the 1800s, created and preserved open spaces such as Central Park in New York City. He also influenced American and European city planners to include the design of open areas and parks in city layouts. Unfortunately, much of what Olmstead achieved in open space design during his lifetime was soon lost with the advent of urban sprawl and suburban development that grew exponentially after World War II due to a population boom and economic growth. Today, this phenomenon of suburban growth continues to exist, but city, regional, and state planners are beginning to appreciate the importance of open space for both recreational and practical uses. In addition to giving a history of open space and land use planning, this thesis explores the unique land use planning laws of Oregon and provides a case study example of incorporating open spaces in urban developments: Three Pines Planned Unit Development in Bend, Oregon. A combination of my own experiences and extensive research on this topic has resulted in a broad look at open space and the processes necessary for the preservation of open spaces for future generations.