The Urbanist Agenda

The Superior Form of Housing (with Justin from WTYP)

Jul 28, 2023

In this conversation, Justin Roczniak, a co-host from the Well There's Your Problem podcast, advocates for the timeless charm of rowhouses, a housing style prevalent in cities like Philadelphia. He explores their historic significance, unique community dynamics, and the practicality they offer compared to single-family homes. The discussion also highlights the potential for 'gentle density' in urban planning and argues for the legalization of rowhouses in North America to tackle the housing crisis and enhance urban living.

44:20

Episode guests

Justin Roczniak

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Rowhouses provide an efficient, affordable housing solution by maximizing land use while fostering community interaction in urban areas.

Despite their benefits, zoning laws and misconceptions favoring single-family homes hinder the promotion and development of rowhouses.

Deep dives

The Superiority of Row Houses

Row houses, also known as townhomes or terraced homes, are positioned as an ideal form of housing due to their inherent affordability and efficient use of space. These homes typically feature a connected row format, allowing for individual ownership while promoting community interaction. The construction of row houses often requires less land, reducing overall building costs and making them more accessible to a broader demographic of residents. This housing type not only provides private living spaces but also addresses density issues, making it easier to sustain vibrant urban neighborhoods.

Intro

2min

Row Houses: Community, History, and Charm

11min

Concerns in Timber Construction

5min

The Evolution of Philadelphia's Row Houses

12min

Gentle Density: Rethinking Urban Living

13min

The Case for Row Houses: A Path to Higher Density Living

2min

Celebrating Collaboration and Educational Content

1min

Rowhouses have been around for literally thousands of years: a house that's connected to the house next to it. This type of housing is illegal in huge swaths of the US and Canada, but it's extremely common elsewhere because it is the greatest form of housing.

Jason from Not Just Bikes is joined by Justin Roczniak from the Well There's Your Problem podcast to discuss why rowhouses are the superior form of housing, and why we should bulldoze every city to build them.

References and further reading:

https://statisticalatlas.com/neighborhood/Pennsylvania/Philadelphia/East-Passyunk/Population

https://www.phila.gov/media/20190521124726/Philadelphia_Rowhouse_Manual.pdf

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Well There's Your Problem: https://www.youtube.com/@welltheresyourproblempodca1465

Not Just Bikes: https://youtube.com/@notjustbikes

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