SUBURBAN ECOVILLAGE: A SUSTAINABLE, MODERN COMMUNITY LEVI WALL/ STUDIO CONDIA/ SPRING 2012
SUMMARY “I have suggested that the suburban developments are mechanisms for providing access to a generalized image of residual agrarian life and values. Paradoxically, many qualities associated with that life- closeknit community, deep and specific connection to a particular place, personal involvement with a unique past, a definite identity peculiar to the locale- are qualities inadmissable to the generalized image.” from the Written Suburb: An American Site, An Ethnographic Dilemna, John D. Dorst The success of suburbia in America represents a widespread desire to re-create the country in the city (or vice versa), fostered by both the nostalgic view of America’s agrarian past, and its abundance of land and natural resources. But why does this desire to live in some image of the past exist? Why are so many city-dwellers taken with the idyllic imagery of the countryside? Perhaps the way ‘they used to live’ represents a more holistic approach to life, one in which the human being understood his connection to the earth and his fellow human beings. Although farmhouses and agriculture are institutes of mankind just as cities and cars are, the former are intrinsically linked with natural processes and encourage interdependence, where the latter create a false view of the human individual’s potency and importance. Alternatives exist to modern urban and suburban lifestyles. Among these, the model of the eco-village stands out as a particularly interesting combination of low-tech organic farming, high-tech energy systems, and the desire to live in community. Life in an ecovillage is ideal for some. However, these places are often membergenerated over a number of years, and thus lack a consistent, intentional plan of development or architectural expression. Also, although members often are integrated into the greater society in some capicity, the isolated setting of most ecovillages does make it harder for people to adapt the lifestyle. My thesis project will focus on creating a prototype housing/multipurpose development that fosters community and ecological connectedness. It will seek to find authentic experiences, which are necessitated by the search for truth defined by the ecovillage’s rejection of modern life, specifically “the outmoded dominant western worldview.” The goal is that in the authenticity of architectural expression, a holistic truth will be revealed about human nature that encompasses physical, mental, spiritual, vocational and ecological dimensions. As a part of this holistic approach, the development will be largely self-sustaining. Unlike the typical isolated ecovillage, the prototype development will be adaptable to modern life. The development will be located in the southern part of Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, KS, on the cusp of suburban development and patches of rural remnants. The suburban setting of the eco-village makes a statement about the status quo of modern suburbanites verses the possibilities of quality of life and sustainability. The development will accomodate around 100 residents, the same or greater population density as the surrounding area, while producing a large portion of its own food and energy. My project will attempt to answer these questions: -How can architecture encourage holistic living? -How can architecture foster community? -How can a development be as self-sustaining as possible while avoiding isolation with its context?
SITE
JOHNSON COUNTY
KS
KANSAS CITY SHAWNEE OVERLAND PARK LENEXA OLATHE
SUBURBAN VS. RURAL CONTEXT
KC CONTEXT
151st STREET
ENGLANtD STREET
SITE
PROGRAM LIST DWELLING The community will be anchored on housing for a variety of people,supportding around 100 people, based on sharing spaces and resources, and fostering community. 2
Single Family Homes (4-8 residents) 1200 ft 2 Shared Family Homes (6-12 residents) 2000 ft Single Apartments (1-2 residents) 500 ft2 Apartments W/Shared Space (4-6 residents) 1800 ft2 Communal Homes 3600-4800 ft2
COMMUNITY
Outside of the dwelling units, community spaces will provide a backdrop for gathering and events. These will foster the ideas of shared resources, communal living, and the celebration of life. Community Center [5000 ft2] Market/Restaurant Chapel [900 ft2] ‘Community Rooms’(3) [600 ft2] Outdoor Pavillions [700 ft2]
PRODUCTION
The site will include around 30 acres of farmable plots. The system of growing food organically will be accomodated by facilities for food and equipment storage. The sustainable systems will also include solar and rainwater collection. Farmable Plots: 30 acres Greenhouse 10,000 ft2 Food Storage 5,000 ft2 Equipment Storage 10,000 ft2 Solar Battery Storage 2,000 ft2 Rainwater Storage