As populations swell and density intensifies, community design is becoming an increasingly important element in the sustainability discussion. Community Design is the idea of creating a built environment that best enhances the natural environment in which it is being developed. Taking into account not just buildings and roads, but also an area’s walk-ability, proximity to public transit, safety and placement of parks and open spaces, will lead to more sustainable communities and an improved quality of living for residents. Well-designed, efficient communities can also increase their functionality. Gone are the days of building for ourselves; we must now take into account building spaces for future generations to enjoy.
Building a healthy community is a complex task and may seem overwhelming. One question you may find yourself asking is “who is the responsible party for such a project?” While there is no definitive answer as to who should be in charge of making a community more livable, one thing is certain: collaboration must exist on both the state and local levels. According to the
Active Living Leadership Project “collaboration among planners, school boards, community development corporations, housing authorities, public health professionals, public works departments and other agencies” must take place at the state level. At the local level, it also involves input from residents, community organizations, business leaders and real estate professionals. A single person does not hold the answer to a sustainable community, it takes full stakeholder participation in order to turn the idea into reality.
Photo provided by Denver Union Station Project Authority
