Thursday, April 19, 2012

What is good community design?








I do not intend for this blog to be nothing more than criticisms of everything wrong with design. I actually want to put some ideas out there that will create a better home, streetscape, neighborhood, community, and city. I am a community developer, an artist if you will, of the largest canvases there are. More than streets, homes, detention ponds, and parks, I design charm, nostalgia, energy, introspection, simplicity, and calm. I love the considerations held in esteem for New Urbanism, Transit Oriented Development, and Livable Centers, but I also am a strong beliver in the market system, supply and demand. The markets will determine much of what is the best use of a property, but only when the people get a varied choice. I beleive that when good design is an option, it will stand on their own because they are appealing, and maintain their value over production communities that are all too common.
The issue with being a community artist is that the canvas and tools for the art can cost quite a bit. I won't say it is expensive, because good design does not have to be expensive, but it does cost. Land, infrastructure, marketing, building materials, architects, engineers, hard and soft scapes. It requires a lot of capital investment, but expensive, no. That infers that it does not provide good value. Good design is a great value for so many reasons including having that timeless appeal.

Look at the websites for the following neighborhoods... they are some of my favorites

Prairie Crossing IL-- A FANTASTIC mix of a Transit Oriented Developement, public gathering spaces, classic and simple architecture, mixed with an farming theme. 



Serenbe, GA  a beautiful community where the urban and farm blend beautifully together...








Seabrook WA  An amazing neighborhood with thoughtful architecture, layout, and a selling price 200%+ higher than similar sized lots just up the road... tell me now that thoughtful design does not add value.  My friend Troy and I spend a fantastic afternoon touring this development and had enlightening conversation with the town founder Casey Roloff and his charming mom.





Seaside Fl  The town that was planned by the founders of New Urbanims Duany Plater-Zyberk is iconic for what it not only did to define seaside living, but also to the definition of what to expect of a neighborhood as a whole...








just a few neighborhoods that display a strong sense of design and that  i want to emulate in a future creation







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