Clarence Perry – Creator of the Neighborhood Unit
Concept
Key Contribution: Neighborhood Unit
Neighborhood Unit: A planning concept that defines a self-contained residential
area designed for community living.
Main Features of Neighborhood Unit
Feature Description
Population Size About 5,000 to 9,000 people (size of a school district)
Size and Boundaries Bounded by major roads to keep traffic out of neighborhood
Central School Elementary school located at the center for easy walking access
Parks and Open Spaces Provided inside the neighborhood for recreation
Limited Commercial Area Small local shops near neighborhood edges, away from homes
Pedestrian Safety Street layouts minimize through-traffic; safe for children
Purpose
Create a safe, convenient, and social community environment.
Reduce traffic hazards.
Encourage walking and neighbor interaction.
Promote efficient urban planning at a human scale.
Memory Aid:
�"Perry’s Neighborhood = People + Parks + Pedestrian Safety + Schools at Center"