“Place-Based Planning and Urban Design Through the Application of Information Technologies.”
Activities
The Environmental Simulation Center (ESC) “seeks to improve the livability of communities through the application of information technology to the community planning, design, and development processes, thereby extending capabilities of decision-makers and citizens.” Many of ESC’s projects are based in typical master planning or other action-oriented processes, but the technologies used by ESC could also be engaged in heart and soul work. ESC was involved in the development of CommunityViz, The Orton Family Foundation’s planning visualization and impact software.
Relevant Project(s)
- Cathedral of St. John Design Guidelines—project to create appropriate design guidelines for protecting the character of the cathedral
- Houston Performance Tracking System—monitors growth along Houston’s Main Street Corridor, in particular as it relates to the community’s values and expressed goals
- Houston Near Northside Neighborhood Design—created a series of models to help the community navigate a visioning process; the overall goal was for the community to reach consensus on the neighborhood’s identity. Community members were asked to write narratives before the meeting describing their daily life experiences.
Relevant Methodologies
Methodologies include CommunityViz™ and 3-D modeling, community workshops, and scenario planning.
Region
National
More Information
261 West 35th St.; Suite 1408
New York, NY 10001
212-279-1851 (phone)