The Hart’s Mill Architecture Design Process kick-off began at Arcadia Common House. Nineteen Hart’s Mill members and four architects gathered for an orientation and preparation to engage in this process.
Joe Cole set the tone as facilitator by reviewing the ground rules, age
nda and leading an introduction based on Group Works cards. Katy Ansardi took us through the major milestones of the past four years that have prepared us for this stage in our development. She reviewed our zoning framework and discussed issues relating to financing.
Anthony Weston walked us through the extensive discussions that members have had in the past about architectural styles and elements.
After a lively Q&A, our architecture consulting partners took the stage. Frank Harmon, Suzy Cash, and Paul Drake talked about the schematic design process and the approach they use with clients.
Giles Blunden, the visionary designer and architect of Arcadia and Pacifica, two early co-housing developments in Chapel Hill and Carrboro, gave an overview of design elements, values, and community guidelines for home design. He led us on a wonderful tour of Arcadia. It was a beautiful, sunny day to admire this established community—definitely an inspiration for all of us.
We broke for a potluck lunch and then a smaller group made our way to Solterra, a nearby community development in Durham. Two residents, Buck and Judith, were kind enough to talk with us and show us their community. We cooled off in the community garden, enjoying shade on a hot afternoon.
