Stephen Hynes has an approach that he calls, "communitarian". From his previous projects, I took it to mean "an emphasis on what works as a community". This can be interpreted simply, or it can be complex and profound. From the start of our involvement in May 2006, I found out quickly that it was the latter. By this, I mean that his aspirations are all encompassing in the attempt to create a place for a community of diverse inhabitants, and include the pertinent complementary activities, whether commercial, health-care related, or recreational.
This is an attempt on a socially sustainable and vibrant community as well as an environmentally sustainable development. Furthermore, it is a development that responds to the inherent natural amenities of the site, while configured to help to evolve the neighbourhood socially and economically.
It is an ambitious undertaking. To begin, there is a Village Centre - an easily accessible sense of place with an identity. Amenities such as interlocking public gathering places, cafes, a health care clinic, community multi-purpose space and the appropriate commercial outlets, such as a bicycle repair shop, are highly visible and accessible. The open spaces, in turn, both facilitate accessibility as well as, through their design, enrich the pedestrian experience. Water is omnipresent in several forms: a fountain, channels and playful displays at prescribed times. Water components provide both restful and stirring dimensions with their calming and refreshing sounds and sights.