Redefining Rural

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REDEFINING RURAL

APPLYING URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES TO RURAL CONTEXTS

BY THOMAS LINDENSCHMIDT

Urban design principles are traditionally associated with cities, but their application in rural areas holds significant potential. This project integrates urban design principles in a rural setting to address modern challenges. Research for this project focuses on the case study of Jackson, Kentucky. Jackson epitomizes the complex issues faced by many rural communities in eastern Kentucky. These issues include the region’s historical economic reliance on coal mining and recurring flooding. Over time, the flooding has been exacerbated by some of the practices that mining companies used. This project proposes the relocation of the city of Jackson to higher ground. This will include a comprehensive redesign that is guided by principles of urbanism, including the creation of walkable communities, the prioritization of human-scale design, and social cohesion. Through thoughtful architectural choices rooted in local history and landscape, the project demonstrates the potential for urban design principles to revitalize rural communities while preserving their unique identities.