By adhering to these basic - but often forgotten - Principles of Design, we have
created neighborhoods that make you feel like you are in a very Real and Memorable Place.
The neighborhoods we have created have an almost indefinable,
intimate feeling of "A Very Special Place", a true "Living Place".
To accomplish this, we have followed these Principles:
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Public spaces, streets, buildings and houses are all designed
for people - they respect the Human Scale.
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Public spaces must promote Social Interaction.
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The diverse, but compatible, building and architectural styles
create a balance in their uses.
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Work, Worship, Education, Recreation, and Relaxation within
easy walking distance.
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Commercial services - stores and offices - are within easy
walking distance.
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Compatible, but mixed, Housing Types - mixed both
Horizontally and Vertically - will enhance Social Interaction.
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A diverse population of different incomes, ages, races, and
housing preferences, will enhance everyone's Life Experience.
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Pedestrian friendly "traffic calming" regimes and
design methods promote both Safety and Social Interaction.
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Planning that is Environmentally Sensitive.
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Encourage Neighborliness while enhancing Security and respecting
Privacy.
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Integrate identifiable Community focal points into the Land Plan.
i.e. church/school complex and Town Square.
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Create a compatible Architectural Vocabulary
( style and material ) for Continuity.
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Consider streetscapes, 'street walls', 'outdoor rooms' and
integrate any natural features into the Land Plan.
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Narrower streets help slow traffic ( traffic calming ) and
enhance Social Interaction.
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Trees planted along street curbs for traffic calming, safety,
and to enrich the Visual Experience.
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Shallow front yards to promote Social Interaction and
enhance Security.
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Narrower lots to promote Ease of Maintenance, lessen
Environmental Impact, and promote Security.
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Front porches promote Social Interaction and emphasize Human
Scale.
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Garages at side or rear of homes to help de-emphasize the
automobile.
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Enclosed rear yards to emphasize Privacy.
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Sidewalks and walking paths to promote Exercise and Social
Interaction.
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Foliage, topography, aesthetic placement and use of drainage,
detention and retention.
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Attention paid to details - Street Lights, Landscaping, Outdoor
Furniture, Fencing, Walkways, etc.