Greenvale in East Riverdale - Urbanism inspired by Sustainable Community Acion

Abstract

Greenvale, situated in East Riverdale is an Agrihood designed around three main ideas – community, sustainability, and wellness. This mixed-use development aims at creating an environmentally friendly neighborhood that remains relevant through ensuing climate change. The development seeks to bring equitable housing to the area in a manner that will incorporate economic growth in the form of jobs and affordable rents for its residents. It further seeks to preserve and enhance the existing diverse community through inclusive zoning, educational opportunities, and cultural programming.

Through carbon reduction, storm water management, heat island mitigation and urban farming, the neighborhood models a contemporary method of incorporating mixed use developments in transit-oriented zones, giving the residents access to public modes of transportation, and connecting them across the DMV area. This thesis looks at how urban agricultural techniques might play a role in mitigating gentrification, while providing affordable and equitable housing, addressing climatic environmental change, considering integrated economic opportunities for communities facing displacement in the area and looks to model a seedling of change through the proposed development.