An inclusive and generative design process for sustainable urbanism: the case of Pacoima

Abstract

Principles of sustainable urbanism were established to overcome the problems associated with conventional urban form. These principles, however, can become more tangible and achievable through use of an inclusive and generative design process, which utilizes community participation techniques and pattern language. The case of Pacoima (a community in Los Angeles, CA) demonstrates the use of an inclusive and generative design process in order to alleviate the adverse consequences of conventional urban form and implement the principles of sustainable urbanism. By using community workshops and generative pattern language, students of two courses in two departments implemented several principles of sustainable urbanism (e.g. walkability and mixed use) in an attempt to transform the conventional urban form in Pacoima into a more sustainable one.

Keywords:

• sustainable urbanism
• community participation
• pattern language
• feeling maps
• service learning
• generative design