Reconnecting

The Townlet was originally intended to provide a place for people to reconnect by creating public spaces with strong Human Network Potential. What if architectural design could enhance the human connection with nature?

Science has shown that humans are biologically related to all living things, therefore, it is logical that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Health and a sense of well being are strengthened by the bond. The bond has been disrupted by modern life.

The Townlet design can be refined to strengthen the human connection with nature by employing ideas proposed by a variety of experts. The basic idea can be explained by the the photograph above. Given a choice in an open park, the majority will gather around the largest most protective tree since it provides the most shelter and sense of well being. The thinking is that the quality, sizes and distribution of tree elements, from main trunk to branches to stems to leaves is common to all organisms and therefore strengthens a sense of connection and well being.

The level of articulation for planning and architectural elements in The Townlet can be adjusted to levels appropriate to the function of the place.

The original architectural elements in the Townlet were very simple, many felt too simple. The number, size and distribution of elements in the original can be increased dramatically and expressed as surface articulation. I'd be interested in getting any reactions as to whether this approach strengthens the sense of well being in the Townlet.

The Architecture page in the website has been changed to contrast the original design with images of the transformed design.

A Unique Architecture for each Townlet

The Townlet's architecture is intentionally simple and diagrammatic since it is located in a generic small town. The American reality is a rich mix of cultures that rarely finds expression in contemporary architecture. The Townlet provides a platform for any number of unique architectures.

Examples of unique architectures are common in the third world and rare in the first. However there some important contemporary exceptions.

The architecture of Santorini evolved in a pre-industrial culture and was flexible enough to be adapted to a first world culture, from farm community to high end resort. A product of unique geography, climate and artistic traditions, the simple elements have been adapted to an endless variety of unique topography and uses to create an organic whole that continues to grow and improve.

Savannah has a rich mix of architectures that have been adapted to each generation's needs, from armory to college administration building in the example above.

The architecture of Sanaa provides strong identity with simple local materials.

Each Townlet will develop its special architecture. Our cultures are rich enough and diverse enough to generate an infinite number of unique expressions.

Flexible Use Buildings

Most residential design is single use with few possible options for change.  Location, structure and layout are rarely adaptable to anything other than small office functions.  Isolated in a field of houses, commercial potential is minimal. The future for most single family houses is at risk since future demographics don’t support growth in their resale market.  The Flexible Use Building provides the diversity of use, small scale individual ownership and adaptability required for the Townlet's economic health. 

The Flexible Use Building is built to change. A typical scenario would be that a young person could purchase a three story building and:

• Age In Place
• Single and Young Married No Childern
• Rent the ground floor to a retail tenant.
• Live on the second floor.
• Rent the third floor apartment.
• Married With Childern
• Rent the ground floor to a retail tenant.
• Live on the second and third floors.
• Empty Nest
• Rent the ground floor to a retail tenant.
• Live on the second floor.
• Rent the third floor apartment.
• Elderly
• Move to the ground floor.
• Rent the second and third floors as apartments

Aging in place has many advantages, however, it is just one of many possibilities that include:

• Apartment Rental All Floors
• Office Rental All Floors
• Ground and Second Floor Office Rental, Third Floor Apartment Rental
• Ground and Second Floor Retail Rental, Third Floor Apartment Rental
• Ground Floor Restaurant Rental, Second and Third Floor Apartment Rental
• Etc.

The Flexible Use Building is designed to accommodate the engineering and fire code requirements of most community uses while adjacent buildings within a connected group can expand into adjacent floors to allow flexible expansion. Central utilities and modular construction allow change with minimal disruption.

Age and Movement

Life is a major challenge for the young, old and poor who don’t have a car, can’t drive or don’t live close to public transportation. The U.S. population under 14 and over 65 will grow from 104 million in 2011 to 125 million in 2020. These groups would be well served if all their daily needs could be met with a short walk. Better yet, The Townlet makes it an interesting safe short walk.

When trips outside The Townlet are needed those without a car can use a vehicle from the car sharing program or take The Townlet super bus for longer trips. The Car Sharing program is part of a larger collaborative consumption program. The Superbus is an express bus that Townlet commuters use to travel to jobs in a nearby city. 

Many residents own cars but their daily use is minimized.