Extracting the DNA of the Most Loved Places

The first step of character-based zoning is extracting local DNA. Hazel Borys reviews Tucson's highlights for Sonoran Desert inspiration.

1 minute read

November 22, 2016, 2:00 PM PST

By Scott Doyon


"I was inspired and delighted last week by working in Tucson and Marana, Arizona. Whenever we are writing character-based zoning, one of the first things we do is a regional tour to analyze the DNA of the most loved places. Places cannot be resilient unless they can be loved. It’s one of the basic principles of the Original Green, which says that buildings must be lovable, durable, adaptable, and frugal, and places must be nourishable, accessible, serviceable, and securable, in order to last and thrive. Extracting that lovable DNA and allowing it by right injects a sense of place into new development, as well as infill and redevelopment."

Borys goes on to discuss neighborhood-scale civic, thermal massing, shading techniques, glazing, and other elements of Sonoran Desert urbanism.

Barrio Viejo, the buildings are so lovable, there are lots of YIMBYs. CreativeCommons ShareAlike Licensing, with attribution to Hazel Borys.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016 in PlaceShakers

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

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