Going back to the way we once were
Upstate Forever- Light Imprint New Urbanism: Cost-Effective Conservation
05/26/2007
Upstate Forever's Monthly Bulletin on Important Issues and Events in the Upstate
Light Imprint New Urbanism: Cost-Effective Conservation
How can we conserve natural resources while reducing development costs by nearly one-third? An answer is Light Imprint New Urbanism (LINU), a new development strategy which aims to lie lightly on the land by coordinating engineering practices and New Urbanist design techniques, offering different solutions for different transect (development intensity) zones. Duany Plater-Zyberk, the architectural firm that has been at the forefront of the New Urbanism movement, recently completed a report on Light Imprint New Urbanism, using Greenville’s Griffin Park development (which the firm designed) as a case study. There, the LINU strategy resulted in a 27 percent cost increase with the introduction of tree protection fences. Yet a 50 percent cost savings was realized by: 1) the reduction of curbs and gutters; 2) the reduction in the number of stormwater pipes and inlets; 3) the reduction in pervious pavement in alleys and streets; and 4) the introduction of rain gardens. The study concluded that LINU’s emphasis on sustainability, pedestrian–oriented design and environmental and infrastructural efficiency reduced the community’s anticipated total construction and engineering expenses by 31 percent! Griffin Park, a “traditional neighborhood development”, is one of the first examples of LINU development in the nation. The first phase of construction offered an opportunity to document the evolution of this environmentally sensitive community; one that lies lightly on the land by coordinating engineering practices and New Urban design techniques; preserves mature tree stands; and lowers the construction and engineering costs without compromising design priorities such as connectivity and the public realm. To read the full report analyzing Griffin Park, visit www.dpz.com/pdf/Research/Light%20Imprint%20NU%20Report.pdf. You can also learn more about LINU at our May 1 Low Impact Development Breakfast Series event; see “Upcoming Events” below or visit www.saludareedy.org/events.html for details and registration information.
These materials are intended to provide general information about certain proposed plans of Griffin Park. These materials, and all photos, renderings, plans, prices, land uses, improvements and amenities depicted or described herein, are conceptual in nature and subject to change or cancellation (in whole or in part) without notice. These materials do not constitute an offer or solicitation of any kind, nor are they intended to be an offer to sell or lease property. Void where prohibited by law. No Governmental agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property.