Swanson School of Engineering

Knowing the entire design of Pienza was intentional adds a whole new layer to the experience of the town. Everything in the town feels incredible close together, in a cozy way. Instead of being claustrophobic, there is plenty of open space and the edge of town opens up to breathtaking views. The streets are also wide enough for cars and even busses to navigate. The grid layout also makes the town compact and incredibly easy to navigate. Most of the buildings are mixed-use, with shops on the bottom and housing on the upper levels. Overall, this town works incredibly well as a model for sustainable design within its smaller scale.