Seaside
Internationally renowned for its distinctive architectural style and its role as the birthplace of the New Urbanism movement. This master-planned community along Scenic Highway 30A combines classic Southern coastal charm with thoughtful urban design principles, creating a picturesque and walkable environment.
Architectural Style
- Key Influences
- Seaside’s architecture is deeply rooted in traditional Southern design while incorporating elements of Victorian, coastal, and classical styles.
- Homes reflect influences from the Caribbean and Gulf Coast, with an emphasis on functionality, beauty, and a connection to the environment.
- New Urbanism Design
- Developed in the 1980s by urban planners Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, Seaside was designed as a pedestrian-friendly community with a small-town feel.
- The development was initiated by Robert S. Davis, who envisioned a new kind of community on his family's 80-acre Gulf Coast property.
- Streets are laid out in a grid pattern, with narrow roads to calm traffic and wide sidewalks to encourage walking and neighborly interaction.
- Mixed-use buildings, public green spaces, and proximity to shops, restaurants, and beaches define the New Urbanism principles.
Architectural Features
- Classic Southern Coastal Design
- Simplicity and Elegance: Homes are designed with clean, simple lines and a timeless aesthetic.
- Wooden Exteriors: Many homes feature wood siding painted in pastel or neutral tones, giving the town its signature coastal vibe.
- Metal Roofs: Reflective metal roofs are a common feature, offering durability and a nod to traditional Southern architecture.
- Porches and Outdoor Spaces
- Nearly every home has spacious porches, often wrapping around the house, creating shaded outdoor living areas perfect for socializing or relaxing.
- Second-floor porches and balconies are also common, taking advantage of Gulf views and sea breezes.
- Distinct Rooflines and Cupolas
- Homes in Seaside are known for their unique rooflines, including steep pitches, gables, and cupolas that allow natural light and ventilation.
- Uniform Yet Individual
- While there is a uniform aesthetic, each home has its own unique architectural details, such as decorative trim, shutters, and columns, ensuring variety within cohesion.
- Walkways and Paths
- Homes are connected to the town and the beach by sand paths and boardwalks, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.
- Public Spaces and Pavilions
- Seaside features nine uniquely designed beach pavilions, each created by a different architect. These structures provide beach access and are landmarks in their own right.
- The Seaside Chapel, with its elegant steeple and minimalist design, is a focal point of the community.
Seaside’s architecture is more than just beautiful; it’s a model for sustainable and community-focused living that continues to inspire architects and urban planners worldwide.
