Uploaded on 2017-05-07 by Adam Isaacson

Module 3 - Compulsory Exercise 1 1. Livability Criteria 1. Job Opportunities 2. Housing 3. Culture 4. Recreational Possibilities 5. Transportation 2. Why do we live where we live? Issaquah, WA, USA - 1. Housing - girlfriend and I rent from her parents, so rent is low and stable. 2. Walkability - the ability to walk to the grocery store, restaurants, and a few recreational opportunities is appealing. 3. Access to Work - I live 16 miles from work, which is not a short distance, but it is a steady and reliable commute that is not dependent upon freeways. 4. Access to recreation - my house is very close to outdoor activities like hiking (within 10 minute drive), skiing (50 minute drive), urban activities in Seattle (20 minute drive), and many other in between. 5. Beauty of surrounding natural environment - the area I live in is tucked up against the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range and is very near Lake Samammish. 3. 75 - My neighborhood is livable for the most part - it has opportunity for live and play within walking distance, but it does not have opportunity for work within walking distance or a short transit trip. Overall, I would rate the city of Issaquah a livability score of 65. The lower score for Issaquah overall is due to it’s heavy dependence on the automobile, and separated zoning (residential, commercial, etc.) like most North American suburbs. 4. In order to improve the livability of Issaquah, I would change the zoning code to allow for more mixed-use buildings and neighborhoods which would lessen the distance from one destination to another. I would reduce parking minimums to curb the dependence on the personal automobile and encourage a more active lifestyle. I would also push for the creation of more pedestrian areas such as public plazas surrounded by shops, restaurants and public buildings. I would reassess the roadway design standards to accompany these pedestrian-oriented changes to change things such as increase pedestrian signal crossing times, reduce roadway widths, and lower speed limits. 5. Three places I would move to: 1. Lower Queen Anne neighborhood - Seattle, WA Walkability Access to jobs - very near downtown Seattle Access to natural beauty - very near the Seattle waterfront and Lake Union Access to transportation - 1 mile from freeways, light rail (to other parts of town and airport). Access to social scene and networking. 2. Barcelona or Girona, Spain Walkability Culture Transportation - access to other areas of Europe Natural beauty of area - Mediterranean and mountains nearby History and architecture 3. Vancouver, BC, Canada Walkability Culture - great restaurants, cafes, festivals, active lifestyles Nature - skiing, hiking, views all around the area Job opportunities Proximity to Washington State (home)