Doomed densities don’t derail development… do they?

Our series of bar talks a.k.a. Architecture on Tap finished its three part discussion of “Exploring Urbanity” this past Thursday at The Mason Bar. The concluding topic was simply, “Housing,” and although the title was simply named, the discussion and ideas were far from.

Panelists this month included Kevin Sloan, Principal at Kevin Sloan Studio; Dennis Wilson FAICP, MRAIC, CNU-A, Principal at Townscape, Inc.; and J. Mark Wolf AIA, Principal at JHP Architecture
Urban Design.

We kicked off the discussion with asking our panelists what aspects of urbanism were most important to its success. This spurred discussion of past projects for reflection; one of which was Vitruvian Park (a fairly new urban infill project) which Mr. Sloan was a part of. Few models of direct urbanism are more recognized than multi-family over retail (live/play). The discussion then focused on this model’s success along with other approaches currently being utilized. One approach is the phasing of projects which although very appealing to developers can hinder the success of the urban feel of a place. Many parts contribute to the idea of urbanism as well as its success, and these ideas need to be addressed as early on in scope as possible.

T.O.D. or transit oriented development then folded into the discussion. The placing of housing developments along circulatory nodes of transportation is an amazingly successful, smart, simple way of promoting positive sustainable growth for Dallas as well as any other city. The expansion and utilization of DART depends upon well informed developers willing to take advantage of the failures of sprawl and the success of T.O.D.

Uptown became a point of discussion when Mr. Wilson mentioned his early involvement in its development. We took note of the appropriateness of this due to the fact that the discussion was taking place in a renovated bar located in uptown. What is the opposite of irony? …oh yea, anecdotes with successful outcomes.

Where do we go from here? The treatment of how a person perceives their urban environment is reduced to between the curb, the treatment of a building at grade, and the tops of the trees we walk by. Design professionals, city representatives and anyone else who reads this, take note of this and help promote this success of urbanism in Dallas. Annnnd come join us next time for drinks and an interesting discussion.

Luke Archer
JHP Architecture / Urban Design