GGA Leads Sustainable Urban Planning

 

The transition toward walkable communities and transit-oriented development has now become critical. GGA’s new Sustainable Urban Design team is leading the paradigm shift from urban sprawl and oil-based transportation to compact, walkable mixed use communities based around rail systems.

As awareness continues to build about the urgency of our global energy and environmental crisis, now, more than ever, business leaders, decision makers and American citizens are looking for solutions that will build a cleaner, greener future. By redesigning our communities and transportation systems to allow for a walkable lifestyle, GGA is paving the way for a new, post-sprawl America.

The team is also laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to energy efficiency by promoting great places to live and work that also help to solve our serious environmental problems. GGA has taken a unique approach to sustainable urbanism by integrating urban development, land planning and green transportation with energy efficient buildings and communities. By developing a model for walkable urbanism that integrates public transportation and encourages sustainable living and mobility, the need for oil is reduced.

The team, led by Andy Kunz, Principal of Sustainable Urban Design and Planning, consists of LEED accredited experts in green building and sustainable planning and design. With more than 20 years of experience as a leading expert on sustainable urbanism, green transportation and placemaking, Mr. Kunz has worked on a wide range of projects in both the public and private sectors. A national award-winning designer, Mr. Kunz’s work includes the design of a mixed-use city on the site of the former Landover Mall in Landover, MD; the Eisenhower Valley Comprehensive Planning Project in Alexandria, VA; and a large infill project in historic Palm Beach, FL. These projects were all designed to change the planning paradigm from suburban sprawl into compact, walkable urbanism creating viable communities.

Mr. Kunz holds a Master of Architecture degree in Suburb and Town Design from the University of Miami and studied at the famous Prince’s Foundation in London. Prior to joining GGA, he worked for several notable design firms. Mr. Kunz’s work promotes walkable urbanism, transit oriented development, trains and sustainability. As a passionate supporter of this movement, he is the owner/publisher of a number of informational websites on the built environment.