Build A Better Burb Winner “Upcycles” Long Island Suburbs

The winners of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/07/14/build-a-better-burb-competition-revitalizes-suburban-areas/" target="_blank">Build a Better Burb</a> design competition were just announced, and a student group from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture and Planning and Preservation proposed an impressive concept to <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/08/19/reburbia-competition-winners-announced/" target="_blank">redevelop the suburbs</a> on Long Island into a more sustainable and self-sufficient region. <a href="http://buildabetterburb.org/gallery/702" target="_blank">Upcycling 2.0</a> by Ryan H. B. Lovett, John B. Simons, and Patrick Cobb suggests densifying towns and making better use of underutilized infrastructure like parking lots. The plan also focuses developments around transit hubs, and zones for agriculture and conservation are clearly marked out.

The basic premise Upcycling 2.0 is to combine incremental renewal with impovisational redevelopment, vertical integration and land use diversity.

Upcycling 2.0 proposes to encourage interaction and civic participation via new community associations that pool and manage funds for collectivized improvements and amenities.

Transportation networks are adjusted to make better use of town centers and develop the corridors around the rail lines more fully to encourage more walking. Specific areas are zoned for agriculture and conservation.

Rental Incomes from surrounding properties go to help support community services and centers.

Wide streets can be converted into agriculture corridors where vendors sell their produce and products below. An elevated platform above provides growing space.

Stores and strip malls can be topped with a row of town houses to make the area multi-functional.

Big box stores and parking lots can be stacked with other important civic buildings, like schools.

Lots can be made denser to include more housing options for a wider range of incomes.

Rental units can be combined with multi-family units to make better use of space.

Throughout the community, public services and gathering spaces can be added to bring area residents together and provide amenities they may not have at home.