NEIGHBORS, HOUSEHOLDS, AND FRONT PORCHES - NEW URBANIST COMMUNITY TOOL OR MERE NOSTALGIA

New Urbanists believe that front porches, along with narrow streets, b ack-alley garages, shallow setbacks, and street trees, may promote sma ll town neighborliness of the 1920s. Critics dismiss such design ideas as simply nostalgic yearnings. Social uses of 1920s era and more mode rn porches were studied to add data to the debate. Although reported p orch use has declined over time, porches still provide a leisurely set ting for conversing with one's neighbors or simply watching the neighb orhood. However, the New Urbanists have underestimated the other posit ive functions reported by front porch users: Residents enjoy the setti ng as a place to be alone, with multiple members of the household, or with neighbors. A variety of fond memories are attached to the front p orch, even in the modern era with the multiple competitors for free ti me.