2024 Summer Issue of Urban Land - 70

while embracing their natural surroundings
and enriching the urban fabric.
A net zero future
Designing for our future means considering
the impact of materials we're using
today. Through use of sustainable materials
in housing developments, we're able to
minimize environmental impact, promote
resource efficiency, and enhance residents'
quality of life. Placemaking strategies,
such as mixed land use, compact development,
and access to public transportation,
can reduce reliance on cars, lower carbon
emissions, and promote more healthful
lifestyles.
The incorporation of green spaces,
renewable energy sources, and ecofriendly
building materials such as mass
timber into housing developments further
enhances these sustainability credentials.
Mass timber, derived from sustainably
managed forests, offers numerous
environmental benefits, including carbon
sequestration, reduced embodied carbon,
and faster construction times compared
to those of traditional building materials.
Such material also adds a unique modernindustrial
aesthetic infused with a sense
of authenticity and a connection to nature
that is highly sought after in urban areas.
In East Austin, Texas, a new T3
(Timber, Transit, and Technology) mass
timber building epitomizes the concept
of place-led housing through sustainable
architecture and community-centric
design principles. Through partnership
with global developer Hines, the property
features 102,000 square feet (9,476 sq m)
of Class A office and 15 housing units, the
first-ever residential component for a T3
development.
Not only does T3 ATX Eastside
minimize environmental impact but the
property also reflects the cultural and
environmental values of the East Austin
neighborhood. T3 ATX Eastside's focus on
engaging the community and revitalizing
the area enhances the area's vibrancy and
inclusivity, highlighting how placemaking
principles can fuel sustainable housing
initiatives with a genuine connection to
craftsmanship, thereby shaping the identity
of the neighborhood.
Fostering diversity, equity,
and inclusion
Placemaking emphasizes equity and inclusivity
as essential elements of thriving
communities. To foster diversity, equity,
and inclusion effectively, initiatives should
prioritize accessible amenities, cultural
preservation and celebration, and equitable
access to resources. Providing accessible
amenities such as parks, playgrounds,
and community centers ensures that all
residents can participate in community life
and enjoy recreational activities, regardless
of their physical abilities.
Celebrating cultural diversity and
preserving heritage through public art,
events, and historical preservation efforts
enhance the identity and authenticity of
neighborhoods, thus promoting social
cohesion and inclusivity. Through honest
community engagement, involving residents,
stakeholders, and local organizations
in the decision-making process,
placemaking initiatives can ensure that
the needs, preferences, and aspirations of
the community are represented and integrated
into the design and development
process.
T3 ATX Eastside, the latest T3 mass timber development featuring office and residential spaces in Austin.
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URBAN LAND SUMMER 202 4
DLR GROUP/BRIO PHOTOGRAPHY

2024 Summer Issue of Urban Land

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