Designing Sustainable Communities: Learning From Village Homes [Paperback]

Michael Corbett (Author), Judy Corbett (Author), Robert L. Thayer (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999 | ISBN-10: 1559636866 | ISBN-13: 978-1559636865 | Edition: 1

The movement towards creating sustainable communities has gained increased prominence with approaches such as New Urbanism, yet there are few examples of the successes. This text offers an analysis of one such example: Village Homes outside Davis, California. The area offers features including extensive common areas and green space; community gardens, orchards and vineyeards; narrow streets; pedestrian and bike paths; solar homes; and an innovative ecological drainage system. The authors were instrumental in the design of Village Homes and draw extensively on their practical experiences, as well as examples from a number of other sustainable village projects, to deliver a comprehensive analysis of the process of designing and building sustainable communities.

Product Details

• Paperback: 254 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559636866
• ISBN-13: 978-1559636865
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #947,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #81 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Urban Planning & Development > Environmental Planning

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sustainable Communities, April 2, 2000

By 

Robert Frenay (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Designing Sustainable Communities: Learning From Village Homes (Paperback)

Judy and Michael Corbett have written a brief and thoughtful, not to mention well-informed book on the subject of designing and building sustainable communities. The various chapters on the history of their subject, on their seminal and justifiably respected community in Davis, CA, and on elements of the planning process and the integration of real estate pragmatics with environmental ideals will serve as both a user-friendly introduction for lay readers and a handy reference for professionals looking to expand their horizons. The writing is clear and uncomplicated, the design of the book is simple and straightforward, and there is the nice sense throughout that it has been put together by people who know wherof they speak. One complaint: it's unclear why a paperback published by a non-academic press would be priced a bit high but it is unfortunate, as it will serve to prevent this book from reaching the broader audience it deserves.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THE STORY OF THE "VILLAGE HOMES" IN DAVIS, January 12, 2010

By 

Steven H. Propp (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Designing Sustainable Communities: Learning From Village Homes (Paperback)

The Village Homes community in Davis, California was designed by wife/husband team of Judy and Michael Corbett (and was heavily influenced by Howard's Garden City proposals, as well as the "greenbelt" communities in Maryland). Its keyword is "sustainable design"----that is, designing the community in such a way that it does not damage the environment, or consume nonrenewable resources. Begun in 1972, houses and apartments in this "garden village" are built to conserve energy and to utilize solar technology where possible, promote natural drainage of rainfall, have large open spaces for residents, feature "edible landscapes" (foliage such as fruit that can be picked for free by residents), and a sense of "community" promoted by the large number of public projects (such as building a playground for children).

The authors begin by saying, "When we set out to design and build Village Homes in 1972, it seemed unlikely that we would be successful. We had no financial assets and no track record in development.... Luck was on our side. It took a great deal of tenacity and perseverence, but in the end we were able to overcome multiple obstacles and build Village Homes." This book details the struggle, and offers perceptive comments on both Village Homes, and similar community design movements.

Ironically (and unfortunately), despite the ultimate financial success of the community (their homes have probably the highest resale value in Davis), there have not been other similar-sized or larger communities created based on the Village Homes model. The authors note that "Over time, houses in Village Homes have been growing increasingly less affordable. Over a twenty-year period, the community's reputation has changed from 'that hippie subdivision' to 'the most costly place per square foot to live in Davis.'"

They also note that "The shopping center serves as a place to purchase goods and services, but ... it fails to function as a town center for the area it serves.... Aside from a few restaurants, there is little or no space for leisure or socializing. There are no plazas or civic spaces."

This 2000 book will be of considerable interest to those interested in intentional communities, ecovillages, permaculture, environmentalism, the New Urbanism, etc.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read for those interested in green living, April 12, 2009

By 

Ann G. Grant "vaastu lady" (Bay Area) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Designing Sustainable Communities: Learning From Village Homes (Paperback)

This description of a well-designed eco community is useful on several fronts: 1) it mentions several sustainable communities in case you are looking for a better place to live; 2) It tells the realistic story of the challenges involved in creating a sustainable community, in case you are thinking of starting such a community; and 3) It makes an easy and inspiring read.