Planned Communities include projects of large scale mixed use development with a predominant focus on residential development with supporting commercial, office and recreational uses. Planned Communities usually encompass wetlands and natural resources that need to be addressed creatively in the … Continue reading
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Downtowns / Urban Redevelopment
Infill development for downtowns and urban redevelopment pose unique challenges not found in most suburban or rural sites (i.e. small parcels under multiple ownership and constraints posed by historical buildings, existing street networks and grand trees). Site development standards tailored … Continue reading
Transportation
Highways, airports, rail systems and city streets connect us together. These connections must reconcile relationships to the environment and urban fabric. Impact assessment and mitigation through design enhancement are critical components of a transportation related design approach. Projects include: Tampa … Continue reading
Commercial Development
Commercial development includes projects that involve shopping centers, retail outlets, office parks, industrial parks, hotels and resorts. Planning and design for commercial facilities requires a knowledge of land development codes and spatial requirements of the user. Not to be overlooked … Continue reading
Single Family Subdivisions
Subdivision platting has been for many years the specialty of civil engineers. While civil engineers are a crucial part of subdivision development, they often lack the perspective of a planner, landscape architect or ecologist. Creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional … Continue reading
Alternative / Assisted Housing
Special needs groups include Nursing homes, Alzheimer’s treatment facilities, Assisted Living, Children’s Homes and Recovery/Treatment facilities. Housing for special needs necessitates a custom approach to design development. Most benefit from the inclusion of privacy courts, outdoor gathering spaces or sensory … Continue reading
Affordable Housing
A successful affordable housing project is indistinguishable from market rate housing in exterior form. Preservation of natural features and landscape amenities are some of the most economical ways to enhance the image of a project and to make it compatible … Continue reading
Community Centers and Public Facilities
Public facilities demand the knowledge of commercial development and the needs of government agencies with a public end user perspective. These facilities are often sited in parks or other open space and may need to respond to broader use needs … Continue reading
Resorts and Estates
The design approach for resorts and estates are closely related and are differentiated by intensity of use and privacy. Successful examples of both rely heavily on thematic approaches to design and are the result of programs tailored to the intended … Continue reading
Schools
Schools, and in particular public schools, require a minimalist approach that achieves project goals with an efficient and long lasting design scheme. School design should include educational elements into the design so that the school can act as a learning … Continue reading
Aquariums / Zoos, Museums, Exhibits
High profile public projects such as Aquariums, Zoos, Museums, and Nature Centers rely on a thematic approach to design. The goal is to engage the visitor to see the vision and to feel the intent of the project. A successful … Continue reading
Greenways and Parks
Park uses include playfields, playgrounds, gardens, community centers and linear parks or greenways. Trends in park planning include an increasing application of trails and greenways as park space that provides both non-vehicular transportation and recreation. Due to the small percentage … Continue reading