Urban EcoBlock Information

We are a team with diverse experience and skills deeply committed to a highly sustainable urban development design. We have a history of working with a variety of St. Louis communities, of articulating vision, implementing best practices and gathering partners. Our mission is to re-imagine the urban block as an ecological, social, and economic unit to facilitate equity, efficiency, and democracy. The core concept of EcoBlock is to create a design prototype and a Form-Based Code that can be site adapted to any abandoned urban block across the country. As the redevelopment of our cities is beginning to address these overlooked areas, this prototype is urgently needed to serve as a model for future redevelopment efforts. Urban blocks are typically centered on alleyways, with properties isolated in their ownership, energy and water consumption. In addition, blocks are often segregated from each other by use, age, class, race and ethnicity. Many areas of our older cities are also completely or partially abandoned with crumbling infrastructure due to economic and racial disinvestment. EcoBlock focuses on redesigning blocks within the existing grid pattern from an ecological standpoint to work in harmony with nature, while including 20% low-income housing to ensure economic and social diversity. EcoBlock can incorporate remaining historic structures while also interpreting traditional building types, but expressing them in a new vernacular. Net-zero energy will be achieved through a combination of energy efficiency and renewable energy, but also through energy conservation resulting from simpler lifestyles and more mindful consumption. This includes shared electric cars, bikes, tools, and common spaces. Availability of more local services, including daycare, groceries, and workspaces reduce the need to travel and encourage walkability. EcoBlock is also designed for resiliency and self-sufficiency while integrating with and enhancing existing utility systems.