Delivering on the community promise of “more nature in your day"
Finding a place to call home in California can be difficult given population growth, the high cost of housing, and lengthy commutes. Owner/developer Somers West is creating a community in north central California that lives lightly on the land and where work, school, amenities, entertainment, and recreational areas are within walking distance or a short ride via EV shuttle or e-bike. Somers West engaged us to provide landscape architecture design services.
Collaborating with land planner Peter Calthorpe and architect Lake Flato, we’re working to provide easier access to nature and high-quality outdoor spaces. A signature piece of the community will be the “park blocks,” which contain a wide median within the central commercial streets where people can gather, relax, and socialize. Transplanting mature oak trees from other parts of the property will give these spaces an extra touch of character. Together with the owner, we’re also organizing grow contracts for native trees, shrubs, grasses, and groundcovers.
With high-quality open spaces and the start of a new neighborhood ecology, this community addresses some of the most pressing economic, social, and environmental challenges of our time.
At a Glance
- Offices
- Client
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- Somers West
- Partners
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- HDR/Calthorpe
- Lake Flato
- WHA
Paul Marcillac, Senior Principal, Community Development
My job is to create public and sustainable environments that enhance social and well-being to the communities I work in.
Nancy Locke, Principal, Urban Places Studio Leader
As we struggle with growing inequality, one of the most important things to do is work toward equity—in other words, design for everyone.
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