Backwards Houses

These homes near Defoor Mills in West Atlanta are modern versions of the backward houses of early 20th century suburbia. The front of the homes face the street, but the homes are accessed by automobile in the back. While the backs of the homes do not face a courtyard, they do share a wooded parking area and other recreational items, such as a basketball hoop. There is a long sidewalk that runs along the front of all of the houses and connects each front door. This sidewalk serves to create a sort of walking culture that would cure the isolatedness of the suburb. The homes are very close together, but the sidewalk provides an easy and inviting way for neighbors to visit and greet each other without use of the automobile. The backward set up of the homes, with the front of the houses facing the street and only accessible by foot, give the neighborhood a unique sense of community in a clearly suburban setting.