Program Overview

Livable Communities

Communities of all sizes across the United States are applying the concept of livability to holistically address a range of challenges, such as a growing population of older residents, rising housing costs, and limited transportation alternatives. AARP has defined a Livable Community to be “one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options. Together these facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.”

This competition calls for the design of a mixed use development that incorporates housing, retail and community amenities. Students must also look at how the development fits within the larger master plan of the neighborhood to help create a livable community. Participants should consider how “Universal Design” is incorporated in the development so that people can use the development easily. 

It is also important to note that this competition provides an opportunity to begin preparing for the future. The U.S. Census reports that by the year 2011, a citizen will turn 65 every 8 seconds.  By the year 2030, more than half of all Americans will be over the age of 50 and one in every five persons will be age 65 or older. We must begin planning now for this dramatic demographic shift. It is equally important to note that as the population continues to get older, many older Americans are faced with a new set of circumstances. Therefore, it is important to design buildings that are adaptable or “universally designed” to meet the needs and abilities of multiple generations. 

The competition encourages competitors to develop strong ideas about sustainable design with regard to the site and building. All designers should consider the site and building from a “Universal Design” standpoint.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL
Design a new construction urban mixed-use development with total square footage up to 60,000 SF.  Height requirement is limited to no more than 4 occupied stories above grade and 1 story below grade.
Occupants refers to the total number of persons using the building to live, work, or shop.  Residents refers to the total number of persons who live in a residential unit, one person per bedroom.
Minimum Design Requirements

HOUSING

• 30 residential units ranging from 600 SF to 1,500 SF.  Residential units must vary from 1-3 bedrooms, 1-2 ½ bathrooms, kitchen(ette) with or without integrated dining, living space.

• 100% of residential units should be designed to be ADA accessible or adaptable.  Design for wheelchair counter and cabinet height, open floor plans, and other universal design features.

• 5-10 residential units should be in an assisted living wing/area with 24 hour health care providers nearby.  Provide 400 SF medical supply storage room.

• Simple, flexible, and intuitive universal design measures that are adaptable for maneuverability, re-configuration of space, and accessible by all users.

RETAIL

• Provide street level retail space consisting of at least 10,000 SF for commercial tenant space.  Provide for delivery and 1,000 SF storage room for commercial goods.  Provide 600 SF break room/kitchenette for employees.

COMMUNITY

• Exercise room(s) including cardio machines, weight machines, and exercise pool for at least 20 people.

• Provide 2,000 SF for shared community lounge(s), wide interior doors and hallways.  Include large television displays, fixed and movable furniture: tables and chairs, couches, with ample natural sunlight and views.  This may include outdoor areas: garden/patio/walking paths exclusive to residents.

• Provide a laundry room for 10 clothes washers and 10 dryers for residents.  Large sized apartments may contain washer and dryer in addition to laundry room.

• Provide 2,000 SF for shared community lounge(s), wide interior doors and hallways.  Include large television displays, fixed and movable furniture: tables and chairs.

SITE

• This project is to be sited in a urban area, with nearby access to public transportation, and several community basic services (Refer to SS c2*)

• Site development should be considered for view, daylighting, orientation, and access.  Include sidewalks and drop-off areas.

SUSTAINABILITY / LEED CONSIDERATION (encouraged, but not required. *Refer to LEED - New Construction & Major Renovation Version 2.2 Reference Guide*)

• Vehicular Access (SS c4.3*)
• Driveway close to building entrance for elderly resident or accessible drop-off.
• Provide on-site parking for 75% of residents with 5% accessible and 5% preferred/hybrid spots.  Provide 5 on-site visitor parking spots dedicated for resident guests.   Consider integrating a car-sharing program providing fuel-efficient vehicles for 3% of residents and provide preferred parking for these vehicles.

• Bicycle Access (SS c4.2*)
• Covered and secure bicycle parking for at least 15% of residents.

• Pedestrian Access (SS c4.1*)
• Easy pedestrian access from public transportation by use of site sidewalks, ramps, and safe crosswalks.

• Site Lighting (SS c8*)
• Consider lighting with regards to community experience, safety, and light pollution reduction.

• Storm Water (SS 6.1*)
• Consider ways to mitigate storm water run-off.

• Innovative Wastewater Conservation (WE c2*)
• Reduce generation of wastewater and potable water demand through use of rain harvest scuppers, low flow fixtures, rain water cisterns, and other means.

• Green energy (EA c2*)
• Consider implementing use of on-site renewable energy collection to offset building energy cost through use of solar, wind, geothermal, and other strategies.

• Trash Collection/Recycling (MR p1*)
• Consider site access for trash outside storage and removal and facilitate a recycling program for building occupants.

• Recycled materials (MR c4.1 & MR c6*)
• Consider using alternative or recycled materials for building construction, new uses for existing materials, or rapidly renewable materials.

• Green Roof (SS c7.2*)
• Consider the use of a green or vegetated roof to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas.

• Daylighting and Views (EQ c8.1*)
• Consider the benefits of the introduction of daylight and views into the regularly occupied areas of the building for 75% of spaces.
  
  
• Maximize Open Space (SS c5.2*)
• Provide open space adjacent to the building that is equal to the development footprint to promote biodiversity whereas 25% is vegetated.

• Innovation in Design (ID c1.1-1.4*)
• Consider implementing creative sustainable approaches which merit LEED ID credit(s).