Transformational Neighborhoods: Artful, Affordable, Sustainable, Shared | THE Georgetown BEND
What will make a “good life” for now, and for next generations?
How can we operationalize a “just, green transition” to contribute to both local and global urgencies?
This studio investigated planning and design considerations for creating neighborhoods that center healthy, sustainable, affordable and artful living, for all – taking the inspirational Georgetown community project of The Bend as our applied test case.
The Watershed Community Development non-profit is the organizer and funder of The Bend District’s Plan, with the overarching goal that it foster a community that is “Healthy, Equitable and Sustainable.” Guiding documents for our work have been the proposed Live/Work Street Concept which is based upon the intersecting goals of Ecology, Industry and Art; the envisioned “Meanders and Mews” for the 9-block development; and the Bend‘s District Plan, built around the 5 Key Values of: Art as Convener, Diverse and Inclusive, Affordable Spaces, Environment & Stewardship. We have also been inspired by the possibility for art to provide dual function in addressing our climate crisis, though the Land Art Generator Initiative, and the work of Green Futures Lab Scan Design Interns on identifying actions to promote a Climate Responsible City.
Our planning and design students worked on a variety of public spaces and neighborhood connections to address the complex opportunities and challenges that The Bend offers, with a particular emphasis on livable, supportive public space and streets, artful approaches to local energy generation, and integrated ecological responses to water and habitat.
Studio publication coming soon.