Sustainable Community Planning

Abstract

Stasis is not a condition of life, things are constantly evolving. Design excellence is achieved through a proactive effort to foresee, and be equipped for, this metamorphosis. This thesis argues that for design to truly be sustainable it must accommodate this need for change. There are two scales to be considered in community design: the urban scale and the building. Investment in public buildings and open spaces is a commitment to the present and future states of a community and, thus, must be able to adapt as those states change.The focus area for this thesis is Landover, Maryland.This thesis first explores how the abandoned mall site can be reintegrated into the fabric of the community and reincarnated as a place where their needs can be served. Next, this thesis explores ways in which municipal buildings can be design to play a larger role in supporting the present and future needs of the community.