Community catalyst: designing for a sustainable urban future

Abstract

In a 2008 article, architect Terri Meyer Boake proposed that architects must quickly adapt to the increasing issue of climate change. She proposed a more holistic approach to sustainability, one that favored net-zero energy and carbon neutrality as the baseline for architects. However, as cities and cultures continue to change it becomes increasingly evident that architects must expand upon this concept of holistic sustainability. Modern sustainability must not only include building efficiencies and environmental impact, but also look to the social and intrapersonal aspects of architecture, integrating building performance with active community interactions and occupant experiences. As a demonstration of this view of holistic sustainability, a community park is proposed in the underdeveloped neighborhood of Monon Yard in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Sitting along the Monon Trail and adjacent to multiple community features, this development will serve as a catalyst for the neighborhood through the demonstration of community-focused sustainability, community programs that actively engage the public and residents of the neighborhood, and the presence of a carbon-neutral community center.