I really like this credit, and I think it shows a value to choosing a home locations that was otherwise unnoticed.
I do, however, have some questions about intersections, and some options that may not have been considered. First off, I think there will be some resistance from homes located in cul-de-sacs. That intersection will prove to be quite useful as a connection to the community (and one that cannot be avoided). Secondly, what is to be said about public spaces in general, such as a school or park. Parks are very useful in connecting individuals to areas in the community, and many schools are similar. If a home is next to a rather large park, they will get credit for access to open space very easily, but you can almost guarantee that this credit will not be available. I've seen this problem with a few projects that I'm connected with, and it's unfortunate that the point is not satisfied. Do others have this same problem?
Michael Miller
Project Architect236 thumbs up
December 5, 2011 - 8:11 pm
Nate, I think both of your questions are germane to the intent of the credit. The background info for the credit states, in part:
"This credit uses intersection density as a proxy for the level of community connectivity, transit accessibility and walkability. Intersection density corresponds closely to block size: ... Small blocks contribute to neighborhood walkability. In recent years, a growing body of research has confirmed that intersection density is one of the most important factors for encouraging pedestrian travel."
A cul-de-sac by definition is a dead-end and thus does not provide increased connectivity, which is why they don't count it.
As you note, proximity to open space is valuable and rewarded under LEED. However, it can easily be at odds with increased connectivity and resultant walkability, reduced VMT, etc. A large park is great for recreational walking, but may not be very conducive to "transportation" walking, plus it removes its area from potential sites for services. Put another way, if a neighborhood's density supports 10 services in a given 1/4-mile radius, then a home for which half of its 1/4-mile-radius circle overlaps a park will only have access to 5 services (or 6, counting the park).