michael sanchez

Introduction

  • Speaker: Michael Sanchez, a registered landscape architect and educator.

  • Background: Over 18 years of practicing landscape architecture in California and Oregon. Licensed professional.

  • Teaching: Teaches design studios and courses on construction technology and drawing, focusing on drawing as a design tool, thinking tool, and communication tool.

  • Research: Explores how designers use representation, sketches, diagrams, and visual studies to create meaningful places.

  • Notable Project: Visual exploration at Mission Santa Barbara combining history, architecture, and drawing.

Overview of Presentation

  • Main Focus: Using drawing as a design tool; integrating community development with landscape architecture.

  • Reflection Questions:

    • What role does community play in the built environment?

    • Can community be designed?

Community in the Built Environment

  • Definition of Community: Groups of like-minded individuals connected through a shared interest or experience.

    • Example: Community of Subaru drivers.

    • Example: Community of electric scooter riders on campus.

  • Importance of Community Layout: Housing should feel more like a community, not just a place to sleep.

Housing and Community Development

  • Market Demands (Daniel Parolek's "Missing Middle Housing"):

    1. Walkable and accessible amenities.

    2. Variety of transportation options (walking, biking, public transit).

    3. Affordability in housing.

    4. Sense of community.

  • Walkable Cities: Desire for neighborhoods where basic needs can be accessed without a car.

  • Transportation Variety: Importance of having alternative transportation modes (electric scooters, walking, public transport).

  • Affordability:

    • Growing concern for future generations as entry-level jobs may not provide sufficient income.

    • Equity and accessibility in housing are critical for community health and vibrancy.

  • Sense of Community: A driving factor that influences housing design and market demand.

Challenges of Sprawl

  • Definition of Sprawl: Unregulated growth, often carelessly executed, leading to inefficient land use and lack of community.

  • Types of Sprawl:

    1. Snout Houses: Designed primarily for cars, contributing to lack of community interaction. Characterized by garages facing the street, promoting automobile-centric living.

    2. Leapfrog Development: Development that jumps to undeveloped areas without filling in existing urban spaces, heavily reliant on automobiles.

    3. Low-Density Sprawl: Spread-out development that requires significant infrastructure without effectively utilizing land.

    4. Greenfield Development: Development that consumes natural landscapes or farmland for housing.

    5. Pork Chop (Flag) Lots: In-filling of low-density lots that strain existing infrastructure.

    6. Typical Suburban Developments: Limited community interaction spaces leading to isolated living.

Designing for Community

  • Reflection Question: Can community be designed?

  • Key Design Principles:

    • Pocket Neighborhoods:

      • Clusters of homes (ideal size: 12-16) around a shared common space to foster community.

      • Common spaces that are visually and physically accessible to encourage interaction.

    • Active Commons: Design interventions where community activities occur.

    • Right-Sized Homes: Compact homes designed to meet basic needs without excessive extra space.

    • Layers of Personal Space: Incorporating private and semi-public spaces to enhance privacy while fostering community ties.

    • Corralling the Car: Creating designated parking areas away from the primary living space to enhance the aesthetic of the neighborhood.

    • Commons Building and Gardens: Shared spaces for community interaction, encourage community gatherings and activities.

    • Place for Planting: Integration of green spaces to foster a connection to nature.

Examples of Successful Pocket Neighborhoods

  • Village Homes (Davis, CA): Built in the 1970s showcasing principles of early pocket neighborhoods with a focus on shared community spaces.

  • Serenby Community (Atlanta, GA):

    • Emphasizes biophilic design: blending nature and community living.

    • Preserved open space while providing dense, walkable neighborhoods.

  • Moscow Affordable Housing (UI Collaboration): Incorporates principles of pocket neighborhoods for diversity and community sense, built through student engagement.

Future Considerations for Community Planning

  • Importance of integrating city services (transportation, emergency) into the design of new neighborhoods.

  • Collaboration between designers, engineers, and community members necessary for sustainable development.

  • The necessity of community-driven designs to accommodate growing populations while maintaining accessibility and affordability.

Conclusion

  • Reflection on design experience and responsibilities as future designers.

  • Promoting community-centric designs over auto-centric developments.

  • Encourage continued engagement in community planning discussions.