#24 Thomas Dougherty: Designing a One Acre Infill Townhome Neighborhood & Good Suburban Development

Sep 5, 2024

01:19:58

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I invited Thomas Dougherty, or lead urban designer, back on the Podcast to discuss real life lessons behind several of our current projects at Building Culture. We discuss Townsend, a 1+ acre infill site with 19 townhomes, a couple live/works and 10,000 SF of boutique commercial, that we are nearing approvals on. We get into some really practical stuff we’ve learned, such as how we are parking it, dealing with trash, utilities, and balancing privacy with connection. We also discuss an 80-acre master plan we are working on and how we are taking a slightly different approach than many current TNDs. And of course, we bring it back to the human experience, and how we can serve people through building and architecture!

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TAKEAWAYS

Innerblock development creates human-scale spaces within blocks, allowing for the creation of vibrant and intimate urban environments.
Centers and courtyards are essential elements of innerblock development, providing identifiable and delineated spaces for human interaction.
Utilities and fire safety are important considerations in innerblock development, and creative solutions such as geothermal HVAC systems and land condos can address these challenges.
Balancing public and private spaces is crucial in creating a cohesive and livable urban environment.
Thoughtful design and attention to detail, such as trash management and parking solutions, can enhance the overall experience of innerblock development. Public spaces play a crucial role in fostering community and building relationships.
Missing middle building types and diverse housing options are essential for creating inclusive and attainable communities.
The design of a community should be responsive to the topography and natural surroundings.
The layout of streets and the integration of nature can enhance the pedestrian experience and create a sense of place.