Most Commonly Used Urban Planning Terminologies in Bangladesh

1. Zoning: Zoning is a regulatory tool used by local governments to control land use within their jurisdictions. It divides land into different zones or districts, each with specific regulations governing how the land can be used. For example, zones may be designated for residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed-use purposes.

2. Land Use: Land use refers to the specific purpose for which a piece of land is utilized, such as residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, or agricultural. It plays a crucial role in urban planning by determining the spatial distribution of different activities within a city.

3. Density: Density measures the concentration of people, buildings, or activities within a given area. It is usually expressed in terms of people per unit of land area (e.g., inhabitants per square kilometer) or buildings per acre. High-density areas typically have more compact development, while low-density areas have more spread-out development.

4. Mixed-use Development: This term refers to urban development projects that combine a variety of land uses in a single area. For example, a mixed-use development might include residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity, encouraging pedestrian-friendly communities.

5. Transit-oriented Development (TOD): TOD is an urban planning approach that focuses on creating walkable, compact, and accessible communities around public transportation hubs, such as train or subway stations. TOD aims to reduce dependency on private cars and promote more sustainable modes of transportation.

6. Greenbelt: A greenbelt is an area of open land, often encircling a city, that is protected from urban development. Greenbelts serve various purposes, including preserving natural habitats, promoting agriculture, and providing recreational opportunities.

7. Master Plan: A master plan is a comprehensive, long-term blueprint that outlines a vision for the growth, development, and land use of a city or region. It provides a framework for making decisions about land use, transportation, infrastructure, and other key aspects of urban development.

8. Infrastructure: Infrastructure refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a city. This includes roads, bridges, public transportation systems, water supply networks, sewage systems, and utilities.

9. Brownfield: A brownfield is a previously developed or industrialized area that may have been abandoned, vacant, or underutilized. Brownfields may have environmental contamination from past activities, which may require remediation before redevelopment can occur.

10. Gentrification: Gentrification is the process of urban renewal in which higher-income residents and businesses move into a historically lower-income area, often resulting in increased property values, improved infrastructure, and changes to the character of the neighborhood. Gentrification can lead to displacement of existing residents.

11. Complete Streets: Complete streets are designed to accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. They feature elements like sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, and transit stops, creating safe and accessible transportation options for everyone.

12. Eminent Domain: Eminent domain is the government's power to acquire private property for public use, provided fair compensation is given to the property owner. This power is typically used for projects that benefit the community, such as building roads, parks, or public facilities.

13. Brownfield Redevelopment: Brownfield redevelopment involves the process of revitalizing and redeveloping previously used or contaminated properties for new purposes. This often requires environmental remediation to ensure the site is safe for future use.

14. Form-Based Code: Form-based code is a type of zoning code that emphasizes the physical form and design of buildings and public spaces, rather than just land use. It focuses on creating harmonious and contextually appropriate urban environments.

15. Historic Preservation: Historic preservation involves the conservation and protection of historically significant buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural heritage. It aims to maintain the historical character and significance of an area while allowing for compatible development.

16. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): The Community Development Block Grant program is a federal grant program in the United States that provides funding for a wide range of community development activities, including affordable housing, infrastructure improvement, and economic development projects.

17. Green Building Standards: Green building standards encompass guidelines and practices for designing, constructing, and operating sustainable and environmentally-friendly buildings. These standards focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and use of renewable resources.

18. Infill Development: Infill development involves the process of developing vacant or underused parcels of land within existing urban areas. It encourages the efficient use of land and revitalizes established neighborhoods.

19. Smart Growth: Smart growth is an urban planning approach that promotes sustainable and compact urban development. It emphasizes mixed-use development, walkability, public transportation, and environmental conservation to create livable and resilient communities.

20. Urban Renewal: Urban renewal is the redevelopment of blighted or deteriorated areas to improve the physical, economic, and social conditions of a city. It often involves demolishing outdated structures and replacing them with modern, functional developments.

21. Bicycle-Friendly Community: A bicycle-friendly community is one that has implemented infrastructure and policies to support safe and accessible cycling. This includes bike lanes, designated paths, secure bike parking, and programs to promote cycling as a mode of transportation.

22. Civic Engagement: Civic engagement involves the process of involving residents and stakeholders in decision-making processes related to community development and planning. It fosters participatory democracy and ensures that the community's voice is heard in the planning process.

23. Green Infrastructure: Green infrastructure comprises natural or nature-based systems, such as parks, wetlands, green spaces, and vegetative roofs, designed to provide environmental, social, and economic benefits. It helps manage stormwater, improve air quality, and enhance overall quality of life.

24. Place-making: Place-making is the process of creating and enhancing public spaces to improve the quality of life and promote community well-being. It involves the design, activation, and management of spaces to make them more inviting and functional for residents and visitors.

25. Smart City: A smart city utilizes technology and data-driven solutions to enhance the quality of life, sustainability, and efficiency of urban services and infrastructure. This may include innovations in transportation, energy, waste management, and communication systems.

26. Urban Heat Island: An urban heat island is an area within a city that experiences significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and structures. This phenomenon can have negative impacts on energy consumption, air quality, and public health.

27. Walkability: Walkability measures how pedestrian-friendly an area is. It considers factors such as the presence of sidewalks, crosswalks, well-connected street networks, and proximity of destinations. High walkability encourages people to walk as a mode of transportation.

28. Community Land Trust: A community land trust is a nonprofit organization that holds land in trust for the benefit of the community. It helps ensure affordable housing, community gardens, and other community-oriented uses, while preventing speculation and gentrification.

29. Tactical Urbanism: Tactical urbanism involves short-term, low-cost interventions or projects designed to improve public spaces and test out ideas for longer-term changes. These initiatives are often community-led and aim to demonstrate the potential for positive urban transformations.

30. Social Equity: Social equity refers to the fair and just distribution of resources, opportunities, and benefits within a community. It takes into account historical and systemic inequalities, aiming to ensure that all residents have access to the same advantages and opportunities.

31. Agricultural Zoning: Agricultural zoning is a form of land use regulation specific to rural areas. It dictates the permissible uses of land for farming, ranching, and related agricultural activities. This zoning helps protect agricultural land from incompatible development.

32. Conservation Easement: A conservation easement is a legal agreement that restricts the development or use of a piece of land to protect its natural, historical, or cultural features. It is typically voluntary and is used to conserve important natural resources or cultural heritage.

33. Farmland Preservation: Farmland preservation involves strategies and policies aimed at protecting agricultural land from conversion to non-agricultural uses. These efforts may include purchasing development rights, offering incentives to farmers, and implementing zoning regulations.

34. Rural-Urban Fringe: The rural-urban fringe is the transitional area between urban and rural regions where urban and agricultural activities coexist. It often experiences pressures from both urban expansion and agricultural needs, requiring careful planning to balance these competing interests.

35. Open Space: Open space refers to land that is undeveloped or has limited development. It is often reserved for recreational, environmental, or agricultural purposes, providing a break from built-up urban areas.

36. Cluster Development: Cluster development is a land use planning technique in which buildings are grouped together on a portion of a site, while the remainder is left undeveloped. This approach helps preserve natural features and open space while allowing for human settlement.

37. Greenfield Development: Greenfield development involves the development of previously undeveloped land, often in rural or suburban areas. It typically starts with a blank slate, allowing for comprehensive planning and design from scratch.

38. Agritourism: Agritourism is a form of tourism that involves visits to farms or agricultural operations for educational, recreational, or leisure purposes. It provides opportunities for urban residents to connect with rural environments and learn about agricultural practices.

39. Rural-Urban Continuum: The rural-urban continuum is the spectrum of human settlements ranging from dense urban areas to sparsely populated rural regions. It recognizes that areas can exhibit characteristics of both urban and rural environments to varying degrees.

40. Rural-Urban Interface: The rural-urban interface is the area where urban and rural environments meet. It is often characterized by a mix of urban and agricultural land uses, and can present challenges in terms of land use compatibility and planning.

41. Rural Enterprise Zone: A rural enterprise zone is a designated area where policies and incentives are in place to encourage economic and social development in rural areas. These zones may offer tax incentives, grants, or other benefits to attract businesses and stimulate local economies.

42. Rural Healthcare Access: Rural healthcare access involves strategies and policies aimed at ensuring access to healthcare services in rural areas, where healthcare facilities may be limited. It addresses the unique challenges of delivering healthcare in less densely populated areas.

43. Rural Tourism: Rural tourism encompasses tourism activities that take place in rural areas, often focused on showcasing natural and cultural attractions. It provides opportunities for visitors to experience the countryside and engage with local communities.

44. Land Trust: A land trust is a nonprofit organization that works to conserve land by acquiring, managing, and protecting it for future generations. Land trusts play a crucial role in preserving natural habitats, open spaces, and cultural heritage.

45. Rural Resilience: Rural resilience refers to the ability of rural communities to withstand, adapt to, and recover from economic, environmental, and social challenges. It involves building capacity to navigate and respond to various stressors and disruptions.

46. Telecommuting: Telecommuting is the practice of working remotely, often from a home office, using technology to stay connected to a workplace located elsewhere. It can reduce the need for daily commuting and impact urban transportation patterns.

47. Rural-Urban Migration: Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural areas to urban centers in search of better economic opportunities, amenities, and services. It can lead to population growth in cities and changes in the demographic makeup of rural areas.

48. Rural Regeneration: Rural regeneration involves the process of revitalizing and reinvigorating rural areas through economic, social, and environmental interventions. It aims to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life in rural communities.

49. Natural Resource Management: Natural resource management encompasses strategies for the sustainable use, conservation, and protection of natural resources in rural areas. This includes managing forests, water resources, wildlife habitats, and mineral deposits.

50. Agrarianism: Agrarianism is a philosophy or way of life that values and promotes agricultural pursuits. It emphasizes the importance of farming and rural life as foundational to a healthy and sustainable society.

These detailed definitions provide a comprehensive understanding of each urban planning terminology and its significance in the field of urban and rural planning.