By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 Michael Reynolds points out how “Pockets of Freedom” are essential for innovation. His latest Earthship Village design redefines the neighborhood corner market. By connecting Earthships along a commons bike path/ food jungle, he integrates sewage treatment, water catchment, the growing of fruit and vegetables, fish and chickens all together in a year round tempered climate. … Water catchment, food production, …
Transitioning Santa Fe by Elizabeth Christine
By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 We are currently facing the end of what might be called The Age of Cheap Oil. This brief age has been the most exciting and innovative period in our human history as humans discovered thousands of ways to use fossil fuels to better our lives. The stored power within oil allows us to accomplish …
Sustainable Urban Village – Part 2
By Brian, on July 26th, 2011 The September issue of the Green Fire Times is a compilation of ideas and visions on Sustainable Urban Villages. How do we make sustainable real? How do we have a high quality lifestyle and yet lower our impact on the planet? How do we grow our economy and yet lower our consumption? Our proposed answer is in …
September’s Green Fire Times: Envisioning a Sustainable Urban Village
By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 Sustainability is a Puzzle of 1000 Pieces. As we rearrange the pieces to design a Sustainable Urban Village (SUV), Green Fire Times asked the paradigm shifting questions… “What would make a SUV such a great place, you’d move in?! What are the best practices emerging in your field, and how can we rearrange these puzzle pieces for maximum affordability and beauty?” …
Design Your Dream
By Brian, on May 9th, 2012 What is the Most Important to you when designing your dream of a Sustainable neighborhood ? What are the great things you wish were happening within a convenient walk? What floor plan arrangements and shared amenities would fit your needs? Maybe a deeply affordability lifestyle with a place to play music on a Friday …
Small is Beautiful-Life at the Crossroads
By Brian, on April 11th, 2013 The times call for a comprehensive overhaul of our suburban lifestyle and you’re invited to join with fellow innovators, designers, architects, engineers, and enthusiasts to brainstorm efficient, elegant, and ingenious possibilities for well-lived, sustainable futures! If you are looking to live in a sustainable neighborhood, you too are invited to the next session April 27-28 …
Designing Your Well-Lived Future
By Brian, on June 3rd, 2012 Ready for Something Other Than Suburbia? “I’m tired of living alone.” “We just would like to live together and share a house. We’re not lovers; we need two master suites. “I’m fine by myself with breakfast and lunch. At 4:30 though, I need community.” These are a few of the comments of exasperation from …
What do Two Young Professionals, a Wine Bar, a Twelve-step Program, and a Day Care Center Have in Common?
By Brian, on May 9th, 2012 The answer to the above riddle is… a well-designed house with a flexible floor plan that meets the needs of the current and future residents. Change, flexibility, affordability, and convenience together spell a thriving, resilient, and sustainable future! The job before us is nothing short of a reinvention of the America Dream. Here’s some ideas to …
St Michael Drive the New Creative and Cultural Corridor? by Kris Swedin
By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 Could this new creative and cultural corridor become a vibrant neighborhood and not just a place to drive through after picking up groceries? Kris Swedin calls for participation in the discussions and the sharing of your ideas… “What? The center of the city is St. Mikes?” Imagine a vibrant and innovative community stretching along St. …
St Mike’s below, Train above by Lloyd & Associates Architects
By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 Lloyd & Associates proposed a large, circular shaped park surrounding a train station, with the mainline of St Michael’s running underneath the train station. ”Frontage side streets” would serve local traffic while thru traffic traveled the length of St. Mike’s… Lloyd & Associates Architects took a bold approach to a future St. Michael’s Boulevard …