Abstract:
This thesis is a presentation of alternatives for sustainable land development in Hamilton Proper, a planned unit development currently being built in Hamilton County Indiana by Mansur Development Corporation. The basic assumption in this study is that developments targeted at the upper income market can incorporate sustainable development techniques while maintaining profit potential characteristic of developments that do not include sustainable techniques. The research and case studies examined in this project illustrate that sustainable developments are energy efficient and environmentally sensitive when compared to more traditional developments. Also, sustainable developments can be cost effective and marketable.After considering the developer's goals for the development and several issues, the project focused on two -- land use and density. Particular emphasis is on the viability and cost effectiveness of the techniques used to address the issues because providing realistic alternatives is an important aspect of this project. The result is four proposals that are recommended to achieve a more sustainable development. One, develop "pockets" within Hamilton Proper that combine residential, retail, office, recreation and open space land uses. Two, link pockets together by transportation systems with an emphasis on non-vehicular systems. Three, develop higher density housing types throughout the project while preserving the image of prestige. Four, increase density by utilizing different site planning techniques such as clustering and zero lot line.What can be gleaned from this study is that planned unit developments can incorporate alternative techniques that have a significant effect on energy consumption and less impact on the environment while remaining cost effective and marketable.
