The Missing Middle - looking at traditional designs (and more) in a new way 

Missing Middle, a term coined by Opticos Design, is a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types compatible in scale with single-family homes. Popular in New England before World War II, many across the country are taking a new look at these duplexes, four-plexes and more as solutions to challenges to changing demographic needs and creating walkable neighborhoods.

The morning sessions will provide the information.  An afternoon workshop will give attendees a chance to apply what they have learned to real-life examples.

Agenda:

 8:30 Registration and networking

 9:00 - 10:15  James Vayo AICP – Downtown Specialist, City of Nashua

What is Missing Middle housing?  Mr. Vayo will introduce the concept of Missing Middle and the opportunities it provides to communities of all sizes.  Attendees will learn how

•   Missing Middle supports walkable neighborhoods
•   Missing Middle meets the needs of today’s diverse households.
•   Missing Middle meets the demand for more housing: 
•   Missing Middle keeps spending in the local economy: 

10:30 - 11:45 Ivy Vann, Ivy Vann | Town Planning and Urban Design

 Using Form-based Code to Deliver Missing Middle Housing  Ms Vann will provide an examination of the ways that using a form-based code can help a  neighborhood or town be willing to accept an historically-appropriate level of infill density using  Missing Middle Housing.  Attendees will learn:

• What a form-based code is
• How to calibrate a form-based code for a particular place
• What are the available open-source form-based codes
• How to use form-based code to create infill missing middle housing which will settle easily into existing neighborhoods

11:45 - 1:00  LUNCH (provided)

1:00 - 4:00  Robert A. White,  Landscape Architect, Greenman Pedersen Inc.

Applying the Missing Middle:  A hands - on workshop.  Using neighborhood sites in Portsmouth, NH, Mr. White will lead a hands - on exploration of design potentials of integrated design of Missing Middle housing.

Building on what was learned in the morning sessions, this afternoon workshop will expand missing middle design options to consider as participants, working in teams:

• Look at an existing neighborhood that might appear to be “built out” using aerial photos and streetview. 
• Assess the options for additional housing and present a picture of neighborhood character that new housing should relate to.
• Select  missing middle housing options appropriate to the neighborhood as a whole or the site in particular. 
• Test case designs using models and sketches.

Summary reports from each team will be presented, and designs will be phographed and compiled.

Designers are encouraged to bring their own portable drawing and tool kits

(pens, pencils markers xacto knife and small cutting mat)

 

This workshop is for planners, architects, landscape architects, builders, muncipal leaders, real estate professionals and anyone interested in this topic.

 Note:  this will be held at the Audubon Center in Concord.

AIA credits approved     

AICP credits approved (2.5 for AM, 3 for afternoon)

 

 

Many thanks to

 

for their support of this workshop.

Register Now!