Form-Based Codes and the Public Process

One of the greatest challenges to writing a form-based code is determining how to customize its ingredients to the specific context of your community while fully engaging the public in the process. In the current economic cycle, the public process must evolve to include both effective engagement and economic responsibility. In this session, Susan Henderson, Director of Design for PlaceMakers, will explore both the customization of the code as well as alternative methodologies to assure public buy-in and long term support.

Susan, a practicing architect and published author, has led numerous form-based coding efforts and related projects, including the inaugural Driehaus Form-Based Code Award winner, Leander, Texas – plus codes in Ranson, West VirginiaWoodstock, GeorgiaFitchburg, Wisconsin; Hutto, Texas; Kona, HawaiiEl Paso, Texas; Lawrence, Kansas; New Castle County, Delaware; Lauderhill, Florida; Early County, Georgia; San Marcos, Texas; Bellevue, Kentucky; and Taos, New Mexico. As a CNU-accredited and LEED-AP, she brings an expertise in sustainability to her code writing. She is a contributor to the SmartCode & Manual as well as author of the SmartCode Landacape Module, the Mississippi Renewal Forum: Architecture Report and Traditional Construction Patterns. Susan serves as a board member on the Transect Codes Council and blogger on PlaceShakers.