The architecture of refuge

I really enjoyed reading the interview of David Adjaye in the new issue of dwell (at the stands already for nonsubscribers like me):

As cities grow, and as the experience of urbanism becomes overwhelming or intoxicating, I think the notion of the domestic retreat becomes more and more important.

That and more insights...Highly recommended to you urban developers who can't figure it out!!

The Beatties Ford Plan is Now Online

...Finally! Definitely my proudest planning endeavor to date, the Beatties Ford Road Corridor Small Area Plan for the Town of Huntersville will not only help protect the critical watersheds protecting our main water resource, but shape growth in the region towards more sustainable patterns of development.

As a firm that almost solely deals with urban development it was very nice to work on the other side of that coin, preservational land use and transportation planning. If urban and preservation planning do not work together the gains by doing either are nil. The two mutually reinforce one another. So it was more than just a privilige to work in such a beautiful and historical area - a treasure to our cultural heritage, with its little legacy to the American Revolution. Together with the residents, we've secured a huge victory (however meager it might seem) for our children in Mecklenburg County. It's nice to see how it is having an impact in every development decision impacting the corridor already. Of course, the plan now has to be revised with the falling through over the Latta Village proposal...The only thing that was out of our hands from the beginning (but I'm glad the residents seem to be getting their desires--NIMBY's in preservational districts are people I can live with, ha!)

Here is the effective master plan:

Image above was provided by Christa Rogers of Natural Resources

Except for Christa's flower image, all images are the work of Neighboring Concepts, PLLC.

(specifically yours truly) =)

I'm designing my own townhome!

Chicago roof terrace to be featured in the coming March issue of Dwell, originally Uploaded by BLDGBLOG

...well, potentially...if my firm allows me to incorporate the green features I want. We're co-developing a "green townhome" project on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. The first requirement I have is a green roof...which the image above provides some mighty, mighty great inspiration. ')