Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: More on LDM

[Sally S. Leach (sleach]

In message Mon, 22 May 95 10:44 CDT,
  Rob Sandelin <robsan [at] microsoft.com>  writes:

> Mac Thomson asked:
>
>> What do you folks think that are living in fairly homogeously designed
>>  homes?
Rob:  A fairly homegenous design, if not carried to extremes, seems
appropriate.  In the Violet Crown prototypes that are under design, many of
the units are to be common-wall and so would be even more incongrous if
there weren't some common themes carried out.  What we are hoping for is a
methods and materials vocabulary which will help unite the design themes and
give a similarity, but not a cookie cutter approach.  I don't think
"standard" units are going to be helpful, either for the appearance or for
great economies, the usual reason given for this approach.  True, there
might be economies for the architect if only three or four unit plans were
used, but the same economies might be achieved by having the same type
cabinets, windows, doors, materials, wall sections (materials put together
in the same manner), etc.  And these economies would accrue to the owner.

In our schematic drawings to date, no two lots are the same size or shape,
but rather are designed to produce interesting interior and exterior spaces
which will have a harmonious, pleasing whole.  I would hate to live in a
complex with say three standard plans and two variations with little to
distinguish them.

As to whether this helps create "community"?  I'll leave that to the
sociologists!  I just wouldn't want to live in a melange of stridently
different buildings.   Tom Leach, Thomas Leach, Architect & Contractor.