Claude Lewenz - Born in America in 1951, living in New Zealand with his family, Claude comes to this work not as an architect, but as a historian and a business innovator, holding degrees in both history and management. In 1980, he was one of the first people to enter the packaged computer software industry, at a time when the business was more invention than convention. In 1995, he became director of a think tank focused on using technology to find innovative ways to build communities. Using his academic training, he began the research with an unusual pre-condition: pretend no one ever had asked the questions before, don't go to the experts, don't study the papers or read the books; instead go out into the community to find not only the answers but the questions, listen to ordinary and extraordinary people. Look to the past, examine the potential of new technology, travel with eyes open. Collate the findings. Then go to the experts and the books.
This proved invaluable as it provided the foundation upon which the professions and literature then could be tested. Many mentioned the work of Christopher Alexander: A Pattern Language. The models developed by Leon Krier (Seaside and Poundbury) emerged as did the New Urbanism movement.
However, Lewenz's research found the professions were not going far enough. To make these communities work, his research found more attention must be given to the local economy and integrating work places into the design. The role of plazas and pedestrian streets became paramount to social interaction. The research found the car cannot be domesticated; it must be banned, segregated into a motorpool for use when leaving the Village, but not permitted within. Subsequently, the work of Richard Florida on the Creative Class emerged, pointing to a strong constituency for future Village residents. These people bring different values, and seek authentic places that provide quality of life.
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