The times call for an atmosphere that is conducive to economic innovation. How can we work together to create a thriving local/regional, resilient, innovative, sustainable economy? Several months ago, a group of us met in Santa Fe to brainstorm a “Think and Do Tank,” an interdisciplinary, affordable, innovation/fabrication lab to support turning creative, social, economic and ecological ideas into real …
Sustainable Neighborhoods in Santa Fe
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 fill out the survey, and be a part of a focus group or the design group that will work …
Onsite, Integrated Energy, Food, Water, and Solid Waste Design Workshop
You’re invited to help design localized, integrated food and utility systems on March 3rd, 2013! Amory Lovins and the Rocky Mountain Institute have been redesigning industrial facilities to increase energy efficiency by 90%! Can We, here in Santa Fe, capture similar savings by designing sustainable neighborhoods that integrate and localize energy, water, food , and solid waste streams? I’ve chosen a mixed-use, common courtyard as a starting point for a prototype neighborhood, similar to Sena …
Linear park in the middle of Boulevard by Sergio Yamada/DPS
Dekker/Perich/Sabatini envisioned a Paseo de las Artes, a linear park down the middle of St Michael’s Drive that is home to artists, craftsman, and other creative entrepreneurs… Studios, galleries, shops are part of 70′ wide linear park, with parking below St. Michael’s Boulevard Design / Redevelopment Project The city of Santa Fe invited seven urban design firms to participate in a competition to …
A Social Catalyst for St. Michael's Drive by Roy Wroth
Roy Wroth calls for a “development from within”, building local capacity in surrounding neighborhoods. His vision calls for neighborhood “gateways” to St. Mikes to function as community centers/small business incubators… Existing neighborhoods (yellow) build new civic and economic districts (blue) as “gateways” to St Michael’s Drive. Just few years ago, a conventional approach to redeveloping St. Michael’s Drive was still feasible. …
What if we could create a deeply sustainable lifestyle in Santa Fe? – Part 3
Commons Vignettes, or 144 Reasons to Live in Community compiled by Ken Hughes By Brian, on September 6th, 2011 The Commons on the Alameda is a 28 home clustered, co-housing compound in Santa Fe. With parking on the perimeter, a delightful pedestrian path connects a series of placitas. (editor note * with more space online, the GFT article 101 Reasons …
Conservation Easement Preserve New Mexico’s Land Heritage
By Brian, on September 4th, 2011 Conservation easements are a valuable tool for protecting open lands such as farms and ranches, wildlife habitats, historic and cultural sites, scenic open space and recreational lands from development while keeping them in private ownership. A conservation easement is a voluntary, legal agreement between a private landowner and a qualified conservation organization – such …
Earthship Village Design with Michael Reynolds by Brian Skeele
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 …