Case Study Clemson 2

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Name	name of project
Location	location
Country	country
Office	office or planner/designer
Client	please enter the client here
Completion	Please enter the date of completion
<googlemap version="0.9" lat="-23.581609" lon="-46.590271" type="satellite" zoom="9" width="300" height="250"> </googlemap>

Core Question 1: In how far does this project reveal your concept of future landscapes?

On August 13, 2003 New York City went dark. Cities all along the eastern United States coast experienced the same problem, a blackout. A series of chance events beginning with the shut down of an energy plant in Ohio, a state in the upper mid-western part of the country, ended in a blackout ranging from Baltimore, Maryland all the way into Canada. The outdated electric grid was to blame (http://www.aip.org/tip/INPHFA/vol-9/iss-5/p8.html).

Geos, a new development in Arvada, Colorado, aims to be the United States’ first net-zero energy use community. This small community will make an enormous contribution to the outdated energy grid – it will provide housing while giving the grid a rest, and a boost. Upon the completion and the anticipated success of this community, it will serve as a model for future developments hoping to eliminate dependency on a power grid that will not be able to support much more American suburban sprawl.

Landscape and/or urban context

• Biogeography, cultural features, overall character, history and dynamics

The site was strategically selected with an emphasis on being close enough to shopping, bike trails and public transportation to significantly reduce residents' automobile use. It is 20 minutes from downtown Denver and 20 minutes from Boulder in Arvada, CO.

Project data below from the ASLA Professional Awards Site:

Total Acreage: 25.2 acres

Number of Residential Units: 282

Net Density: 23.2 Dwelling Units/Acre

Commercial Square Footage: 12,000 sf — neighborhood service oriented

Civic Buildings: CoHousing Community House on Central Square

Parks & Open Space: 8.5 acres 34% of site includes: Percolation Parks with fruit tree co-ops, gardens, play areas. Town Squares with civic amenities, play grounds, event spaces. Mixed Use Meadow with native habitat, active & passive use areas, and agriculture. Energy Systems: 1.3 Megawatt PV System; 5,000,000 BTU Geothermal System CARBON FREE — NO FOSSIL FUELS

Process: 2004–2007 Development Plan and Sustainable Mixed Use Design Code Completed. 2007 Planning Commission and City Council Approval 2008 Planning Staff Approval of Construction Documents 2009–2010 Phase 1 Construction. 2010–2012 Phase 2 and 3 Construction.

LEED Status: Qualifies for LEED-ND (Neighborhood Design) at Silver Level.

Cultural/social/political context

• Brief explanation of culture, political economy, legal framework

The area surrounding Denver, Colorado is a unique mix of small towns, large cities, industry and majestic mountains. Geos is uniquely situated to be close to the urban core of downtown Denver, the hip, progressive and funky town of Boulder, next to Golden, home of the Coors brewery and less than a half hour from the majestic Rocky Mountains. Three distinctly different places, Golden with its industry, Boulder with its reputation for being environmentally conscientious and Denver being one of the largest cities in the western United States each offer opportunities for Geos residents.

Spatial analysis of area/project/plan

• What are the main structural features?

Geos is bordered by the Croke Canal on the western side and Ralston Creek on the southern side, in a very small scale the neighborhood is contained by a natural boundary (the creek) and a manmade boundary (the canal).

In the 25 acre parcel, there are four distinct districts. The 'Entry' area mixes ground level retail with apartments and townhomes at the entrance to the community. This main street district has the most affordable housing. The 'Checkerboard' neighborhood mixes single family attached and single family detached homes. The 'Garden' neighborhood is comprised of single family attached housing with private patios and gardens. Finally, the 'Beachfront' neighborhood, named for the adjacent meadow to the south nicknamed 'The Beach', is a mixed use neighborhood with restaurants, shops and housing.

• How has it been shaped? Were there any critical decisions?

While the western and southern boundaries of the development were defined by water, the eastern and northern portions are defined by something ubiquitous with western US planning – the Cartesian grid property lines. Inside the property, the plan follows a grid pattern ensuring both permeability and maximum solar energy production.

Analysis of program/function

• What are the main functional characteristics?
• How have they been expressed or incorporated?

Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes

Analysis of design/planning process

• How was the area/project/plan formulated and implemented?
• Were there any important consultations/collaborations?

Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes

Analysis of use/users

• How is the area/project/plan used and by whom?
• Is the use changing? Are there any issues?

Illustration: Map/diagram/sketches photos and background notes

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References

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