The suggestion that cities “speak” has become a growing interest in communication scholarship, yet the particular ways city spaces communicate remains under theorized. I argue that the intersection of people with spaces, the networks between texts, objects, and movement are all implicated in the rhetorical process of place-making in which individuals are both shaped by and shaping space. I envision this process to involve three interdependent modes of symbolization: textual constructions about place, symbolic activities of place, and movement and action in space. The mode of inquiry proposed here contributes to a body of scholarship interested in exploring the multiple ways cities “speak” by forwarding a reading of space as text. Focusing on the new urbanist community Atlantic Station in Atlanta, GA, this analysis reveals the dynamic tensions between the community’s textual representations, the structural symbolization of the development, and the uses of the space.

Thesis (M.A.)--Georgia State University, 2009. / Title from title page (Digital Archive@GSU, viewed June 28, 2010) Jeffrey Bennett, committee chair; Katherine Hankins, Mary Stuckey, Tomasz Tabako, committee members. Includes bibliographical references (p. 127-134).

This research is an exploratory investigation of the potential of New Urbanist planning and design principles to create thriving and successful neighborhoods. New Urbanism is an urban design movement started in the early 1980s that promotes the development of walkable, compact, and diverse neighborhoods. It is the objective of this research to shed light on the value of creating a higher quality of life and more time for ourselves and our families. I hypothesize that New Urbanism may pave the way for recapturing commute time for time with family, creating authentic and successful communities, and engaging with neighbors. Furthermore, by utilizing the design principles of New Urbanism, traditional neighborhoods that re-integrate the activities of daily living may be possible. In short, this research is an explanatory and exploratory investigation that examines whether incorporating the design principles of New Urbanism can create walkable and successful communities that promote community-making with urban patterns that facilitate knowing neighbors, communication among neighbors, community activities, and a long term sense of belonging. This research focuses on three case studies of New Urbanism: a large scale development in Atlanta, Georgia with approximately 3,500 residents, a moderate scale development in Tampa, Florida with approximately 2,000 residents, and a small scale development in Fernandina Beach, Florida with approximately 700 residents. These three case studies provide successful examples of the integration of the design principles of New Urbanism. New Urbanism can be used as the stimulus for the types of neighborhoods Americans has been missing since World War II. At each of these sites, observations were made of the ways in which the design of the development has fostered community and created walkable and livable neighborhoods.

Bound by environmental regulations, many potential developers shy away from brownfield projects because of the high cleanup costs associated with remediating contaminated groundwater. These circumstances create tension between economic and environmental interests, and sometimes between equity interests as well. In Texas, one piece of legislation called the Municipal Setting Designation (2003) aims to reduce liability associated with the redevelopment of contaminated properties. It uses an institutional control to eliminate the ingestion exposure pathway for contaminated groundwater when property owners develop a response action to the contamination. By eliminating risk associated with human consumption, the MSD is designed to reduce costs and accelerate the process for environmental remediation. Some parties praise Texas for taking such steps to quicken the redevelopment of contaminated properties, while others have reservations. This report will explore Texas’ MSD program using case study analysis and GIS analysis. It will examine risks associated with proximity to other water resources, and the principle of “polluter pays.” What are the effects on the environment? What are the implications of extending MSD practices to cover large metropolitan areas over the long-term? Answers to these questions may identify successes and shortfalls that have emerged over the last eight years as municipalities and professionals have put this law into practice. As we continue to learn from experience, these insights may aid in refining Texas’ environmental stewardship policies for future generations. / text