Designing Sustainability: Forging a Balance between Social and Ecological Imperatives

Conference:  UCSD Urban Studies and Planning Expo 2010

Key findings:  The purpose of this research is to determine whether this balance exists and what design strategies are successful in achieving this balance. The research strategy centers on case studies within southern California that ideologically appeal to sustainability. Through an assessment of these case studies and an application of the Sustainable Sites Initiative rating system, it has been determined that a balance is possible, though requires early, extensive planning and a conscious integration of both models.