Exploring Resilient Zoning Through Data Visualization

Zoning reform sits at the intersection of environmental justice and housing accessibility, presenting a unique opportunity to foster equitable and sustainable communities. Our Interactive Data Visualization and Society project, undertaken in the context of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) region, explored these dynamics using innovative data visualization techniques. This article highlights the key insights, methods, and design decisions behind our visualizations, with a focus on maps that illuminate the intricate interplay between single-family housing density and environmental justice (EJ) populations.

Project Overview

Our study began with the question: How can zoning reform support environmental justice populations in the Metro Boston area? We examined municipal zoning data alongside parcel and demographic data to understand how zoning practices impact housing availability and equity. Through geospatial data analysis and visualization, we revealed:

1. Single-family housing is prevalent, even in cities like Cambridge with relatively low land area that is zoned single-family.  
2. A majority of all parcels in the MAPC region are used for single-family residences, highlighting challenges in housing diversity.
3. EJ populations are significantly less likely to live in neighborhoods dominated by single-family zoning.

Mapping Methods and Findings

The maps I designed played a critical role in the project's narrative, capturing spatial patterns that mere statistics could not. By transforming parcel and EJ population data into shapefiles, we visualized zoning characteristics across municipalities like Cambridge, Newton, Bolton, and Hanover. For example, one map juxtaposes single-family housing percentages with EJ population densities, demonstrating a clear negative correlation.

Another key visualization explores how different EJ criteria—such as income, minority representation, and language proficiency—intersect with zoning. These maps help unpack the systemic barriers that zoning practices impose on vulnerable communities.

Design Choices

Crafting these visualizations required deliberate design decisions aimed at accessibility and clarity:

1. Audience-Centered Approach: Since policymakers were a primary audience, simplicity was essential. The maps balance detailed data with intuitive color gradients and categories, allowing insights to emerge at a glance.
2. Cartographic Precision: Given zoning's inherently spatial nature, maps were our primary storytelling medium. Graduated features and colors highlight housing density variations, while categorical data emphasize EJ criteria.
3. Aesthetic Cohesion: Inspired by peer critiques, we employed serene color schemes—shades of blue, yellow, and red—to ensure visual harmony and focus.

Reflection

I found the geospatial visualization process particularly meaningful, as it brought abstract datasets to life. The maps provide a compelling case for policy interventions to diversify housing options and promote equitable access.Through this project, I gained a deeper appreciation for the power of data visualization in advocacy. By bridging complex datasets with clear visuals, we can foster understanding and drive change in addressing critical urban challenges.

For a closer look at the full project and its interactive components, visit our website.

Khadija Ghanizada is a Master’s candidate in the Department of Urban Studies and Planning at MIT, specializing in environmental planning, policy, and international development. At MIT, she serves as a teaching assistant for the D-Lab courses Introduction to Energy in Global Development and Applications of Energy in Global Development. Additionally, Khadija works as a Research Assistant with Professor Brent Ryan, focusing on the redevelopment of West Bengal’s jute mills in post-industrial Kolkata and U.S.-funded infrastructure projects in Afghanistan.