Critical Regionalism in Anderson SC

Anderson, SC, like many small American cities has seen its heyday come and go. However, in a wave of urban revival, Anderson has been seeking to maintain its identity as “The Friendliest City in America” and “The Electric City.” As Anderson evolves it utilizes Kevin Lynch’s five elements of mental mapping as a form of critical regionalism.

• paths, the streets, sidewalks, trails, and other channels in which people travel;
• edges, perceived boundaries such as walls, buildings, and shorelines;
• districts, relatively large sections of the city distinguished by some identity or character;
• nodes, focal points, intersections or loci;
• landmarks, readily identifiable objects which serve as external reference points.

Downtown Anderson maintains its historic facades, renovated interiors and local restaurants. Walking down the original brick pathways of main street you are greeted with landmarks singing the history of the city. Edges demarcated by lamp posts, landscaping and buildings create a sense of place, a enfilade from beginning to end. By holding onto the history of place and allowing it to inform design and cultural, we can encourage critical regionalism throughout small cities of America.

"View of motorists and cars in public square in front of Hotel Chiquola at Anderson, South Carolina during the 1909 New York to Atlanta Good Roads Tour."