Toward Socially-inclusive Sustainable Development Toward Socially-inclusive Sustainable Development

Warrensville Heights, Ohio is an economically challenged, post-industrial, inner-ring suburb of Cleveland. At the heart of this community is a 17-acre brownfield site that the city would like to re-develop with a cluster of community-oriented programs: public library, YMCA, day-care center, elementary school, open-space/athletic fields, etc. The broader goal of this project is to kick-start the redevelopment of a large portion of the downtown with a large affordable housing development. Such a decision has twofold implications: first the contaminated site must be cleaned (and the project site has been remediated) and then to be developed for appropriate uses for the community, subject to any residual contamination. This research seminar will focus on both issues, following a real world approach for this large-scale development. Aiming toward an environmentally sustainable and socially-inclusive development, we will emphasize the inherent values of using less: less materials, less money, less land, while helping the local economy, employing local labor, and using local materials.The class will visit the site and meet with the community members, the environmental consultants responsible for the site remediation, and the local government officials. Then, the entire class will develop a master plan for the site and each student or group of students will proceed with specific community-oriented projects (e.g. library, YMCA, health clinic, open space/athletic fields, etc.) with clear explanations on how they will fit in with the community\’s goals.The success of the class projects will be measured not just by architects and other designers but also by users and local government entities based on the following criteria:- How \”socially inclusive\” is the development?- Does it use resources efficiently, e.g. money, water, land, energy, etc.? Thus, a cost and other estimates will be required.- How close to carbon neutral it can be? Can its carbon footprint be reduced by inclusion of on-site solar or wind energy generation? What government incentives may be obtained for this purpose?- Does the project promote the economic development goals of the city? Is it viewed as a meaningful amenity? Does it facilitate the future development of affordable housing contiguous to the site?- How successful it could be as a stand-alone project?- How does it fit into the city\’s overall development plans- What is the business plan and the funding mechanisms? Please note that this course will meet twice per week on the following weeks:9/7, 9/21, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 11/2, 11/30