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Nature in Neighborhoods: Integrating Habitats

Planning and stewardship  ›  Land and development  ›  Nature-friendly development  ›  Nature in Neighborhoods: Integrating Habitats

More than 100 teams from around the world submitted entries to the Integrating Habitats design competition that prove every space in which we live, work, shop and play can create places for both people and nature in designs we can build today.

The challenge

Growing populations. Rapid development. Increased pressure on natural areas, clean rivers, streams and valuable fish and wildlife habitat. How can we balance development and growth with conservation and livability?

The solution

Blend. Balance. Integrate. Collaborate to redefine the built environment and restore nature. Integrating Habitats called for innovative, visionary development practices that combine and balance design excellence, ecological stewardship and economic enterprise.

A call to action

More than 100 teams from around the world submitted entries to the Integrating Habitats design competition that prove every space in which we live, work, shop and play can create places for both people and nature in designs we can build today.

People's Choice Awards

Best in competition

Integrating Habitats essentials

You don't have to be an architect, developer or design professional to understand the distinctive spirit and fundamental values of Integrating Habitats' designs. These designs show us ways to better balance development, human needs and the health of natural systems we all depend upon; they illustrate new types of nature-friendly development our region can aspire to:

• Healthy homes for all
  Think of what could be: Changes to how development sites are planned and built can protect nature and provide healthy places for people, fish and wildlife.
• Growing together
  Today's decisions grow into tomorrow: See how the needs of animals, people and the planet are balanced over time in plans we can build today. It is possible to restore and protect nature as we grow.
• Connections that matter
  Community. Safety. Family. Health. Nature. What we connect to and value shapes our quality of life. Nature friendly development practices create new connections or improvements to neighborhoods, streets, natural areas, backyards and beyond.
• Why you live here
  Keeping nature in all our communities ensures the continued preservation and enhancement of our quality of life and the environment for ourselves and future generations.
• Changing the norm
  Explore a new type of development that enhances water quality and fish and wildlife habitats and also improves human health and happiness. Who will be first to incorporate elements of these designs in their community? Can you help make them our future?

Share your thoughts with other property owners. Tell you city officials what elements you support. Join in, dig deeper and take action.

Online design gallery

Check out high resolution images of the Integrating Habitats entries and award winning submissions...Go

Design showcase

Book the Integrating Habitats traveling design showcase or see it live... Send e-mail

Blog this!

Join the conversation on the Integrating Habitats blog... Go

Need assistance?

Nature in Neighborhoods
503-797-1794 | 503-797-1911 fax
integratinghabitats@oregonmetro.gov

More about Integrating Habitats

Integrating Habitats award celebration videos

Check out footage from the Integrating Habitats award celebration, see the award announcements and hear the jurists' candid commentary on the challenges and possibilities of restorative design.

Integrating Habitats virtual field trip videos

Explore an oak woodland. View a typical Portland neighborhood. Discover what riparian forest and lowland hardwood canopies actually look like in a natural setting. Watch video clips featuring Integrating Habitats' development and habitat types.

Integrating Habitats award winners and celebration highlights

Check out photos, playlist and highlights from the Integrating Habitats Award Celebration and view competition award winners.

Integrating Habitats jurists

View photos and biographies of the Integrating Habitats design competition's world-renowned, multi-disciplinary panel of jurists.

Integrating Habitats design competition background

The Integrating Habitats design competition called for innovative, visionary design proposals that combined design excellence, ecological stewardship and economic enterprise.