Homeland Security - US Homeland Communities Design

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US Homeland Communities will have two essential design components - security and sustainability. Both are essential for the security and well-being of the community in a crisis situation (such as lawlessness or sustained blackout/power interruption). In non-crisis times, these components will enhance the lives of community members by providing a secure setting in an ecologically and environmentally friendly environment. Ideally, a US Homeland Community will integrate these aspects together, along with other community assets (to include house design, community areas, communications networks, etc.). Some people, when first hearing the idea about US Homeland Communities, envision fortress-type compounds. Far from it, US Homeland Communities will be idealic communities, with cutting edge environmentally-friendly modern homes, green community park spaces, recycling centers and clean utilities. In fact, the security components may be the last thing you notice about the communities. Moreover, the security components may be a secondary factor for prospective community members.

DESIGN INSPIRATION

The Ecovillage at Currumbin, Queensland, Australia: Features include a recycling center, cafe/bakery convenience store, office suites, fiber-optic data cabling and community garden. Houses are built with durable materials such as COLORBOND steel. The Highlands | Home Studios (PDF) | HIA GreenSmart | Australia's Greenest Home

Photos available under the Creative Commons License.

Holy Cross Project New Orleans: Zero energy affordable housing initiative in New Orleans. Photos at Flickr.com