Planning Rule Sets

Neighborhood Plan - showing interaction of lattice with building zones and streets

I've been getting the question " So... what IS it? " alot, so I figured I quickly try to explain what is actually happening here.

The lattice installments (light metal and wood frames) both divide plots, define how large the neighboring buildings can be, provide a framework for vegetation to take over, and create sheltered garden thoroughfares.

The plan above shows the lattices (blue squiggles) within their planter zones (the green poly-shapes represent planter beds). The grey masses are the allowable building footprints. Several different pavement cracking patterns are shown as well.


Building Zone Diagram - showing height and size determination by density of lattice vegetation


Single plot quick sketch diagram - showing garden space between and around lattice

The planters and lattices are installed first, creating a rough guideline for building zones. The smaller and denser the pocket created by the lattice, the smaller the building. If the space is too small, no building is allowed, and that pocket is allowed to grow wildly. If the space is at first too large, it is only set aside for buildings, and later divided with more lattice.

The lattices perform significant functions at connection nodes; at multi-point nodes (when a lot of lattices come together), they create a canopy space, providing both a semi-sheltered public area and a means of access to gardens and building blocks. When a lattice meets a road, the lattice becomes crack and "fold" lines in the pavement, directing rainwater runoff into the green spaces. Lattice can vary in height, from nothing, to 1m, to 6m.


Lattice in Plan


Lattice from birds eye perspective - showing density at base, overhead connection, and partial canopy


Lattice garden interior

So, in the CNC model below, the hills and valleys represent the massing of the initial lattice; the green represents the same at a higher resolution and a little later in time; the etched plexi (the white bits) represent the highest resolution of the same and serve to show all of the lines from the original plan (which will be hung directly above it)