Rural By Design

New development can either nestle into or intrude upon its natural setting. The benefit of planned growth is that communally beneficial spaces are a part of the initial design, allowing the development to blend naturally with the environment and make the neighborhoods more enjoyable places to live. The Villages and Lawson Hills incorporate mixed-use planning and design, which includes compact form, coordinated open space, opportunities for casual socializing, and accessible civic spaces that will help Black Diamond retain its small-town feel.
 
As noted in the book “Rural By Design,” plans for new neighborhoods should derive from an understanding of the patterns found in an existing place. Older towns tend to exhibit a more grid-like pattern while villages tend to have an irregular or organic pattern. Black Diamond exhibits elements of both.
 
The curve in the main street and the placement of buildings reinforce the concept of organic urbanism; a place that is comfortable and appears to have evolved over time. A place that provides spaces to mix and mingle with neighbors. Certain buildings are slightly rotated out of alignment to reinforce this character. Buildings will be a mix of tall single story shops and two- to three-story mixed-use buildings that generally have a cornice line and flat roof that reinforce the character of classic “old town” architecture.
 
In The Villages and Lawson Hills,  public spaces will include both developed parks and natural open areas that are visual and physical focal points to bring the community together. Core areas serve as centers of gravity that draw people together, such as an event lawn used for community movie night, concerts, art fairs or other events.

There are pedestrian courtyards within shopping areas, and walkable streets through neighborhoods, as well as paths, ponds and seating areas within parks. In both MPDs, areas have been connected by trails, bringing people together for communal experiences. A community design that focuses on pedestrian access not only reduces car trips; it encourages walking, biking and an active lifestyle.
 
Front porch architecture fosters a sense of community where neighbors know neighbors. Eyes on the street reduce crime. Bike and hiking trails, along with parks and playgrounds, encourage exercise and fitness. All these elements are hallmarks of small-town living, which we believe are essential to making The Villages and Lawson Hills neighborhoods that current residents of Black Diamond can be proud of.