WithersRavenel’s Post

What sets communities and subdivisions apart? Amenity centers. Dive into the conversation with Project Director Sergio Yamada as he unveils the top three priorities of amenity center design to meet client and community goals. https://bit.ly/45igIkF #Community #AmenityCenters #CommunityLife #RVi #Design #CommunityDesign

Smart Pocket Parks: What are the Benefits?   Pocket parks differ from neighbourhood or community-scale parks in that they are not intended to serve as a destination for an entire community. They usually have specific users in mind and do one of the following beneficial things: 🔹 Revitalize neglected and blighted areas. 🔹 Enhance and strengthen the local character. 🔹 Make communities safer and more sociable. 🔹 Reduce pollution and traffic. 🔹 Protect and conserve local wildlife and landscape. 🔹 Tell a story of the local history and heritage. 🔹 Transform otherwise underused real estate. 🔹 Improve fitness and health. 🔹 Add to the overall urban tree canopy. 🔹 Turn residents into community decision-makers. 🔹 Serve as a catalyst for additional investments in community improvements. To learn more about Pocket Parks read https://lnkd.in/gYrdM9SZ   #Smart #Approvals #smartcities #smartcitystrategiesandsolutions #smart #development #approvals #approval #SPD #townplanning #planning #urbandesign #design #innovation #architecture #innovation 

Check out our insightful blog that outlines simple strategies to transform the urban and suburban fabric. From enhancing safety and accessibility to fostering social interaction and promoting environmental sustainability, sidewalks play a crucial role in shaping vibrant communities. Let's reimagine our streetscapes and prioritize pedestrians to create healthier, more connected neighborhoods. Click below to read the blog and discover how thoughtful sidewalk design can make a difference.

Amsterdam’s Bold Move to Create More Accessible Streets Amsterdam is addressing the growing issue of urban accessibility by tackling what they call the “flowerpot jungle” — street clutter like planters and benches that may look decorative but impede mobility. While these objects can enhance aesthetic appeal, they can make navigating the city difficult for disabled people, particularly wheelchair users and those with visual impairments. This initiative highlights the delicate balance between urban beautification and inclusivity in city planning. https://lnkd.in/eh26hQW2 What other design elements in city environments do you think should be reconsidered for greater accessibility? #UrbanAccessibility #InclusiveDesign #DisabilityInclusion

Accessibility level: terrifying! The world would be a much better place if only we had our fellow humans in mind, be considerate and mindful in the very basic of ways. Show me your eye-popping accessibly examples in the comments. #design #urbanplanning #street #pavement #disabilityawareness #userexperience

This Pineapple award is for community spaces, indoor and out, that enhance the life of a place – including community centres, common houses, play spaces, gardens or other completed projects designed to bring people together or serve as a community asset.   The judges will be looking for an approach that contributes positively to urban life, and encourages people to connect. We’ll also want to know how you’ve made a positive environmental and social impact. Start your entry, or find out more: https://lnkd.in/dXkGUJfX   Submission requirements: The project must be complete, either ongoing, in use or have happened. There is no restriction in terms of the completion date for a project, however we recommend that this has been a notable or meaningful year for the project and/or that the impact of the project is demonstrable.   Shortlisted places must be presented to the judges at the Festival of Pineapples, a major digital event in February 2025. After which a winner or multiple winners will be selected and awarded at The Pineapples prizegiving Party in March 2025. #CommunitySpaces #UrbanLife #Placemaking #EnvironmentalImpact #ThePineapples

How Mixed-Use Developments Build Stronger Communities Mixed-use developments are essential in creating vibrant neighborhoods that foster social interaction, community engagement, and local business support. Here are the key social aspects: 1. Community Engagement Shared Spaces: Parks and community centers serve as gathering spots, enhancing a sense of belonging. Events: Community activities encourage residents to connect. 2. Support for Local Businesses Walkable Areas: Proximity to shops encourages residents to support local businesses. Diverse Offerings: Mixed-use spaces attract various businesses, enriching the community. 3. Social Interaction Mixed Demographics: Inclusive designs promote interactions among different age groups and backgrounds. Networking: Layouts encourage spontaneous encounters, strengthening relationships. 4. Active Lifestyles Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly designs promote walking and biking. Recreation: Access to parks enhances opportunities for outdoor activities. 5. Sense of Place Cohesive Design: Unique architecture and public art foster local pride. Cultural Integration: Incorporating local history enhances community identity. Mixed-use developments strengthen communities by promoting engagement, supporting local businesses, and encouraging social interactions, leading to vibrant, resilient neighborhoods. Source: (Urban Land Institute) . . . #premiumpropertytrust #birminghamalabama #bhamal #realestateinvesting #realestate #architecture #pptreit #realestateinvestment #realestateinvestmenttrust #buildinggenerationalwealth #mixedused #newurbanism #generationalwealth #investing #reit #ppt #verticalintegration #premiumbydesign

Loving the natural wood in this urban environment! In the quest to enhance our urban landscapes, the development of public play facilities stands as a cornerstone for fostering community engagement and promoting healthy childhood development. Here's why the strategic design of these spaces matters: Adaptability to Location: Understanding that each area has unique needs, influenced by local politics, technical standards, and aesthetic preferences. Inclusive Design: Crafting spaces that are welcoming to all generations, ensuring they cater to various age groups and are accessible to everyone, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity. Developmental Support: Offering a diverse range of play opportunities that nurture children at different developmental stages, enhancing their growth and learning experiences. Safety and Social Connectivity: Prioritizing sightlines for social control to maintain safety, while fostering social interactions among community members. Environmental Stewardship: Demonstrating a city's commitment to sustainability through the use of durable, eco-friendly materials like wood in playground equipment. This reimagined urban space used a holistic approach to its play area development, not only enriching the urban environment but also solidifying the foundation of a vibrant, inclusive communal area. #urbandevelopment #playground #sustainabledesign #3dvisualization

I often get asked for an overview of cohousing basics and precedent communities when talking to people who are excited about or new to cohousing. For years I've simply written a quick description of cohousing and provided some links to websites like cohousing.org (by the Cohousing Association of the US), Schemata Workshop's blog series on cohousing patterns and common house design (https://lnkd.in/ebT_3HGM), and PBS's "Cohousing communities help prevent social isolation" video (https://lnkd.in/ezfsympA), among other resources. After writing this overview email again recently, I decided I should have a place that I can point people to that highlights what I personally find beautiful and valuable about cohousing communities. That is what I aim to achieve with this blog post. In it, I dive into not just the basics of what cohousing is and why people choose to live in these remarkable communities, but also some of the benefits, design best practices, and precedent communities I often reference in my work. The post has all of my go-to links and it highlights remarkable communities like Vindmøllebakken (designed by Helen & Hard) and Jystrup Savvaerket (designed by Tegnestuen Vandkunsten) and shares examples of some of the urban, suburban, and rural cohousing communities that have stood out to me in my research. You can read and share the post using this link: https://lnkd.in/ezm3KFdG #AgingInPlace #Cohousing #Community #Independence #Loneliness #MissingMiddleHousing #PocketCommunities #UniversalDesign #IntentionalLiving #CommunityBuilding #SustainableDevelopment #HousingDevelopment #RealEstateDevelopment #Architecture #Construction #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableLiving #HousingSolutions #FutureofHousing #CommunityEngagement

Today, let’s remember the importance of embedding inclusive design in the masterplanning concept stage. 🌱 As urban designers, planners and activists we understand cities must work for everyone, not just a privileged few. 🌆 This resonates with the work of Dr Léonie Tanczer, who advocates for inclusivity in design to tackle social inequalities. 🤝 https://lnkd.in/eJa-JKma Let’s create urban spaces where everyone feels they belong! 💡 #InclusiveDesign #Masterplanning #UrbanEquity #SustainableCities