The document discusses how the built environment can impact community. It notes that pedestrian-friendly places with parks, sitting areas, amenities, and interesting things to see can help build community and health. Public art and celebrations that bring people together can also strengthen community bonds. Integrating nature into urban planning may help people live fuller, calmer lives with less stress. The conclusion states that community and the built environment can positively or negatively impact a place, and it is up to residents and leaders to create sustainable developments that conserve resources and improve quality of life.

1. Native to Somewhere Portland Built Environment USP 425U – Community & the Built Environment By Michelle Debelak

2. Place Basics Humans need - A place away from home and work, a third place Designs to connect us with place Connectivity to get us to places

3. Tackling Sprawl Every city needs a street like 82 nd Avenue - one that embodies the antithesis of good design - the fast-food, big box, car lot aesthetic. Mind-numbing sameness of big boxes and suburbs show how local uniqueness can make a place interesting.

4. Pedestrian Places Small parks Sitting spaces Amenities for walkers Cheap food Interesting things to look at All these things create an atmosphere that says, “Walk with me.” This atmosphere helps build community, increase health, and positively effect safety.

5. Place Building: Art & Celebration Art allows for expression and community building It offers a beautiful aesthetic that draws people in People as art create moments that bring people together randomly These random encounters often add points of joy to our lives

6. Place Building: Art & Celebration Quality craftsmanship bridges people with something they can relate to and take pride in Connection with religion and myth incorporates stories that draw people together Memorials to important people and things reminds us of our greatness or where we may need to improve Interesting, hand made decorations for everyday objects breaks up the monotony of the big box tradition and works to inspire creativity

7. Nature & Place City of lights Human ingenuity creates wonder and awe – but sometimes works to distance people and life cycles Calm of crashing waves Sometimes it is necessary to ‘get back to nature’ for sanity’s sake – what would happen if we integrated nature’s services and urban lifestyles more systematically? Would we live fuller, calmer, more stress-free lives?

8. Nature & Place Without us, nature’s services go on Society’s lack of respect and stewardship hinders natural processes It is society’s responsibility to take care of this place called home

9. Concluding Remarks Community and the built environment effects place negatively or positively The choice is left to residents, planners, and leaders of the community to create the place they want Sustainable development strengthens community and helps the community conserve money, enhance green spaces, improve or add a connection with nature, and increase quality of life

10. Native to Somewhere Portland Built Environment ‘ The End’ Photos by Michelle Debelak and some by Peter Lasley. Locations: Portland, Oregon; outside Vancouver, Washington; Oregon and Washington State Parks and National Forests; and Boulder, Colorado