Less Charlotte, More Copenhagen
Rethinking Asheville’s Urban Future
As a designer, realtor, and longtime Asheville resident, I’ve often found myself wondering what our city might look and feel like if we had taken a different path. One less shaped by the sprawling, car-dominated models of American cities like Charlotte—and more by the pedestrian-first, sustainability-minded approach of European cities like Copenhagen.
This isn’t just idle fantasy. It’s a reflection born out of years of professional and personal conversations—with clients navigating our housing market, with friends dreaming of a more connected community, and with neighbors frustrated by the pace and character of development. It’s clear that many of us are yearning for something more thoughtful, more human-scale, more sustainable.
In short, we're asking: What would it mean to grow Asheville deliberately, not just quickly?
A Different Model: The Scandinavian Way
The cities of Scandinavia—particularly Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, and Helsinki—offer an alternative that feels surprisingly applicable to Asheville. They’re not perfect, but they consistently rank among the most livable, sustainable, and happy cities in the world.
What makes them so compelling?
1. Human-Scaled Urbanism
Scandinavian cities are built for people, not for cars. Streets are designed with pedestrians and cyclists in mind. Public transportation is seamless and reliable. Neighborhoods are compact, walkable, and anchored by local businesses, parks, and shared spaces.
In contrast, Asheville—like many American cities—has increasingly catered to cars. New developments on the outskirts stretch our infrastructure thin, while downtown and established neighborhoods struggle to balance charm with density. We need to flip the script and start designing with people at the center again.
2. Design with Purpose and Restraint
Scandinavian architecture is rooted in simplicity, function, and craftsmanship. Buildings are designed to last—not just structurally, but emotionally. Materials are often natural and local. Light is treated as a design element. Spaces are made to be used, not just admired.
Asheville is fortunate to have a rich architectural legacy—from Craftsman bungalows to Art Deco gems. But newer developments often prioritize volume over value, speed over substance. If we want a city that ages gracefully, we must start demanding better design—thoughtful, timeless, and locally inspired.
3. Sustainability as a Core Value
Scandinavians don’t treat sustainability as an afterthought. It’s built into everything—from energy systems and building codes to public policy and cultural habits. Copenhagen, for instance, aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2030.
In Asheville, we’re lucky to be surrounded by natural beauty. But without intentional policy and design, that beauty is at risk. We should be leading the Southeast in green building, renewable energy, and smart urban planning. Not playing catch-up.
4. Strong Civic Culture and Social Trust
In Denmark and Sweden, there’s a strong belief that public spaces, public schools, and public transportation should serve everyone. This equity-centered approach fosters trust, belonging, and a shared sense of purpose.
Here in Asheville, we face stark challenges in housing affordability, racial equity, and income disparity. Adopting a more Scandinavian mindset means asking: how can we create systems and spaces that uplift everyone—not just tourists or transplants?
Lessons from Abroad, Applied at Home
Over the years, I’ve come across writings that beautifully capture this way of thinking. One example is the work of Build LLC, a Seattle-based architecture firm deeply influenced by their time in Scandinavia. In their piece “Studies, Scandinavia & Schnapps,” they write:
“The principles that the Danes operate with and the philosophy that they exude seem to make for an ideal environment — a deliberate environment. What we learned about life and design while living in Scandinavia influences every house we design and every dinner party we throw.”
It’s this idea of deliberate living that feels most relevant to Asheville’s future. We’re at a crossroads—a city growing faster than our infrastructure, our housing, or our collective sense of direction can comfortably accommodate. But growth, in itself, isn’t the problem. Unconscious growth is.
Asheville’s Opportunity: A New Path Forward
So what might a more Copenhagen-inspired Asheville look like?
More walkable, bikeable neighborhoods with safe, tree-lined streets and connections to greenways, not just widened roads for cars.
Mixed-use development that integrates housing, retail, parks, and civic space within walking distance—not just isolated housing pods or big-box centers on the edge of town.
Thoughtful infill housing that respects historic character while increasing density where it makes sense—accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and courtyard apartments included.
Affordable, high-quality housing that isn’t just a checkbox, but a cornerstone of our shared values. Homes that locals can actually afford, designed with beauty and dignity.
A robust public transportation system that connects neighborhoods efficiently and reduces our dependence on cars
Public spaces designed for connection—not just for events or aesthetics, but for spontaneous, everyday encounters.
And just as importantly: a culture that values intentionality over speed. That prioritizes long-term livability over short-term profit.
How Do You Want to Live?
Ultimately, the future of Asheville is not just in the hands of developers or city council. It belongs to all of us.
So I ask: How do you want to live, and what kind of city do we want to become?
Do we want to follow the path of sprawl, traffic, and generic development—or do we want to become a city that reflects our shared values of creativity, community, and care for the planet?
The Scandinavian model is not a template, but an inspiration. It reminds us that another way is possible. That growth can be beautiful, equitable, and intentional. That cities, like people, can choose who they want to become.
