PLANNING, DESIGN, AND RELIGION: AMERICA'S CHANGING URBAN LANDSCAPE

In the study of cities, the significance of religion has fluctuated over time. In the recent past, religion has not been a major concern for planners and designers, and today there are few writings on religion in planning, and little is taught on the subject in academic planning departments. Is it important to consider religion in planning in the United States? This paper describes the changing religious landscape in the U.S. along with the various ways religion is being expressed. We describe five areas in which religion currently interfaces with public life and impacts urban design: religious communities and neighborhoods, religious institutions and structures, religious use of public space, religion and housing, and religion and health. We also discuss why planners and designers should consider religion as potentially salient. The conclusion summarizes the major issues for planners and designers in a multi-religious society; offers a few caveats; delineates the consequences of neglecting religion; and provides recommendations, including a special religious sensibility, a multi-faith approach, and pragmatic strategies and actions.