Landscape Architect & Specifier News

OCT 2012

LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.

Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/85881

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 97 of 165

new urbanism (Continued from page 24) Public access is encouraged throughout the common areas. You can even walk by the effluent-treating constructed wetland on a raised boardwalk. the site, it does not embrace the concept of a food-producing market center espoused in Theory & Practice of Duany's Agrarian Urbanism. However, I don't think that is the intent of Steve and Marie Nygren and those whom they attracted to launch this rural community. The gravel lane that serves as an entrance to the Farm House Bed and Breakfast and an access to Selborne (one of the two current hamlet sites) reflects the desire to hang onto a "country living" lifestyle. But, while farming is one of the activities programmed for this development, the place is intend for an eclectic community of artists, writers, business people and farmers who share the Nygren's love of the countryside. While some businesses provide local services, the three gourmet "destination restaurants" serve to reflect this is not a self-contained utopia, but depends upon visitors from beyond their borders to infuse the local economy. Web-based businesses or other livelihoods that don't require daily trips to a nearby city can allow Serenbe or the city of Chattahoochee Hills to be viable. But, businesses and occupations that require the physical presence of employees at large factories, warehouses, etc., do not appear to be the market for a community like Serenbe. 98 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Information Request # 550 Just as New Urbanism is largely a development course which uses tools like the transect technique, form-based code, and traditional neighborhood development plans to reinvigorate decaying or blighted areas in the urban and suburban landscape, Agrarian Urbanism is a tool for rehabilitating large areas of farmland to provide continued agricultural productivity, conserve natural habitat and added residential units without obliterating the countryside. Serenbe does not seem to make a strong statement in the Agrarian Urbanism direction, because its hamlets promote varied lifestyles. However, it may be a model for abandoned crossroads that have been bypassed by wider and faster road construction projects over the past 100 years. These places have the beginnings of small community, but have ended up on the periphery of suburban developments, instead of being demolished by sprawl. It is a strong lifestyle choice for environmental sustainability and a connection to the rural setting that seems to be the central thrust to the community's apparent success.

Articles in this issue

Links on this page

Archives of this issue

view archives of Landscape Architect & Specifier News - OCT 2012