APPLICATION OF THE TRANSECT URBANISM AND FORM- BASED CODES IN AMERICAN CITIES

Context. The American experience is one of the first and most important in applying form-based codes and transect urbanism in the world, as tools for regulating urban development, that ensures its implementation, in a way that achieves the principles of smart growth and new urbanism, in addition to reinforcing the character of the area. The study of the town of Seaside, state of Florida, is considered as the first true form-based code. It was applied in 1981 by the firm of Duany Platter-Zyberk and company. The development plan aims to incorporate a strong sense of community and "asserting the primacy of public over private" by steering away from typical design patterns that alienated contemporary towns and cities. After 11 years from Seaside's plan, the study of the city of Hayward, state of California, was developed, also considered as one of the earlier urban form-based codes projects. The development plan aimed to revitalize downtown Hayward, by restoring the economic vitality and pedestrian character of downtown. The study of the city of Flagstaff, state of Arizona, aims to create a form-based code, that reinforces the unique character of the city, and also establishes a foundation for long-term sustainable development. For the development of Blue Springs Downtown, state of Missouri, a sample code document was intended for the development and implementation of municipal regulations. The aim is to create a pedestrian-friendly and attractive urban environment. Discussion. A comparison has been made between American cities, at the following levels: purpose, work methodology, elements of FBCs, output/models. The general purpose of before mentioned studies was development, achieving some or all sustainability and smart growth principles. They used FBCs and transect to enssure the implementation of these principles. The work methodology differs from one case to another, and some cases were systematic, such as the city of Flagstaff. The elements of code were mainly the following: building form standards, public frontage standards, landscaping standards, thoroughfare standards. However, there are sometimes differences in the nomenclature from one case to another. Outputs varied according to the city, but all cases included the text and graphics. There were cases more clearly detailed, like the case of Flagstaff, which have illustrative plans, localized studies, guiding principles, regulating plans, transect zone plan for the area. The city of Blue Spring inclu