Design
Contemporary Community Design The Subdivision Model by Don Westphal and Emeka Nnadi
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In our practice as Landscape Architects, we plan residential subdivisions in addition to manufactured housing communities. We find similarities between the successful examples of both housing types in several areas: Creative planning, Recognition of existing site features, Home selection for curb appeal, Project imaging, and Landscaping. Creative planning and Recognition of existing site conditions go hand-in-hand. Plans that grow out of the land are not only more interesting but also less costly to build. Two examples of this are illustrated here. Oakland Hunt, a subdivision planned with recognition of the woodlands and wetlands, has a curvilinear street pattern and maximizes the value of adjacent open space to neighboring homesites. The Land Lease community, Woodcreek, was similarly planned. Preservation of the wetlands and woodlands on site there dictated the layout of streets and lots. Many of the homesites back up to environmental areas and add to the value of the individual sites. Preservation of these valuable natural resources assisted in the zoning and site plan approval process of both projects. Home selection for curb appeal played a significant role in the success of both projects. Proper treatment of the home as »
66 | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 EDITION
