Rebuilding Biloxi, Mississippi

New Urbanism is a controversial response to Hurricane Katrina.

Biloxi is being tested with the classic “Tragedy of the Commons” — a contest over who will and who will not be allowed access to community space. Will it adopt the New Urbanist style or retain its own tradition of community and select Universal Design?

Jim Barksdale, head of the Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal explained in an open letter to the community, "In the face of this tragedy, we have an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild and renew this region we all love so much. " He added, "We can have all the best ideas in the world, but if they don't work for your communities, this whole process will be for naught."

Writing for the online journal, Edge-Centric, Eleanor Smith observed,

New Urbanists, whose ideas are influencing community design all over the country, tout walkable communities, decreasing energy waste from suburban commuters by revitalizing inner cities, and other socially advanced principles. Proponents repeatedly assert that such home-office-store communities, because of their density and proximity to shopping and public transportation, are excellent for older people who can no longer drive.

The contradiction is that, by and large, the homes constructed in these "ideal" communities are neither livable nor visitable by people with mobility impairments— and not a wise choice for temporarily able-bodied older people, either.

New Urbanists have been the chief designers who, beginning in the 1980's, brought back the "classic" multi-stepped houses with front porches high above grade — houses that are worse for disabled and older people than the typical house styles of 40's, 50's, 60's, 70's — this at a time when the aging of the population is a widely reported trend, and younger disabled people are surviving longer than ever before.

Greg Smith, of of Ocean Springs, Mississippi argues that exclusion by design is one idea that won't work for Mississippi communities. He asks, "Since everybody is starting from scratch anyway, wouldn't this be a great opportunity to build a community that is accommodating to everyone?"

He promotes Universal Design.

There are seven principles to Universal Design :

1. Equitable Use: The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users.

2. Flexibility in Use: The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences and abilities.

3. Simple, Intuitive Use: Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user's experience, knowledge, language skills, or current concentration level.

4. Perceptible Information: The design communicates necessary information effectively to the user, regardless of ambient conditions or the user's sensory abilities.

5. Tolerance for Error: The design minimizes hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions.

6. Low Physical Effort: The design can be used efficiently and comfortably, and with a minimum of fatigue.

7. Size and Space for Approach & Use: Appropriate size and space is provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use, regardless of the user's body size, posture, or mobility.