Miami University: Westcott Neighborhood

Since fall 2007, The Westcott House Foundation has collaborated with the Miami University Department of Architecture and Interior Design on design concepts for the neighborhood revitalization. The Studio has been created by Professor John Reynolds to explore the theoretical trajectories and concepts of organic architecture in the context of the issues and forces shaping 21st century architecture. During three semesters, MU students conducted site and building analysis that led to creative master planning design proposals for this residential block. When working on their master plans, students had to operate without a business plan for this project – therefore the final designs reflect highly speculative and theoretical visions for the neighborhood. While students’ plans are not supported by any existing business plan, they will serve as a creative and inspirational tool for the neighborhood development feasibility study. Professor Reynolds and his students agreed to actively participate in this process.

We hope that the results of the study will guide our future projects with the Miami University. Our gratitude goes to Professor John Reynolds, Director of Fallingwater/Westcott House Honors Studio; John Weigand, chair of MU Department of Architecture and Interior Design; and Cara Armstrong, Curator of Education at Fallingwater for making this exciting collaboration possible.