The Gathering
A Planned Community Based on Happy
For New Construction or Retrofit
This plan is partially in the physical layout and partially in the management, amenities, and activities offered. It’s a plan that works well with new construction, but can also work with existing buildings. The key is in understanding what makes people happy once basic needs have been met. And those elements are defined below. But first, I’ll talk about things everyone understands.
Luxury but Affordable
- Luxury trim
- Real wood, granite, and crystal
- Gourmet kitchen
- Space for friends, work, and hobbies
- Easy to maintain with small footprint
Healthy Living Spaces
- Onsite medical
- Onsite mental health and counseling
- Onsite physical therapy
- Latest technology in conservation and energy sources
- Fresh vegetables from the garden
- Social balconies overlooking galleria
Proposal
The proposal is for a “Living/Shopping/Working/Educational” community based on happiness, luxury, and affordability. While that may seem a far stretch, here is how each of these can be obtained. Conceptual designer Lisa Hering has brought together diverse realms and mixed them with tried and true plans to come up with something truly innovative. She brings together proactive mental and physical health, luxury and natural accommodations, minimalist ideas, neighborhood environment, shopping and services within walking distance, efficient robotics in construction, and smart use of energy and resources.
Galleria Shopping
Farmer’s Market and Health Grocery
Restaurants, Sidewalk Cafes, Cafeteria
Gift Shops, Clothing, Craft Supplies
Electronics, Office Supplies
Furniture, Antiques, Home Accessories
The Gathering
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Amminities
- Fitness Center with 180 Virtual Experience
- Security
- Underground Parking
- Pet Friendly Park
- Community Spaces and Activities
- Adult Continuing Education
- Gardening
- Holiday Celebrations
- Art Studios
- Balcony System
- Nature Areas
- Post Office, PO Boxes, and UPS
- High Speed Internet
Services
- Technical Computer and Electronics Help
- Medical
- Mental Health
- Buddy System
- Repair and Maintenance
- Transportation
- Rental Cars
- Bus Stop
- Shuttle and Taxi
- Laundry
- Social and Recreational Activities
- Professional Care for Elders
- Office Management and Real Estate Sales
How units will be built
The basic structure is a steel grid that can be compartmentalized and resized. Individual units slide into rectangular spaces. The galleria roof can be capped off in glass for a covered outdoor feeling or left open. The units will be built by robotics in a temporary ground floor factory in the galleria space. Once all units are complete, the factory is moved on to the next project and the interior is completed.
The Units
Floor space is maximized by using an efficient plan. Units are built to meet and exceed code minimums.
- Single, Double, and Triple sized units
- Gourmet Kitchens
- Outside Deck
- Inside Balcony overlooking Galleria* separated from unit by a public walkway
- Granite Countertops
- Upgraded appliances
- Natural Stone Tiles
- Optional Fireplaces.
- Sliding Glass Doors
- Security Cameras
- Upgraded Insulation
- Green Technology
- 9 Foot Ceilings
- Wired for wifi and Cable
The Layout
The galleria would be full of retail shops and restaurants, cafes, maybe a cafeteria, vending area, a pub, and such. Groceries and perscription drugs would also be available. Necessary services would be easily accessible, as well as management, post office, elevators, and parking. There would also be a high level of security. The galleria would be open to the public, not just residents, in order to boost sales to attract a good class of retailers. The building would also host office space and educational facilities in compliance with the desires of the residents and local communities. There would also be medical facilities in the form of urgent care or a doctor and nurse’s office. The building can be adusted to fit any needs, such as senior care, day care, animal care, even be used for private or public boarding schools or universities. Buildings can be separate as shown above or interlocking to create a long mall. They can fit any topography.
Happy People
The complex would address mental health as a priority, with counseling easily available, mentors available, literature and updated information on the topic discussed, and professional services at hand. Happy people are much healthier than unhappy people, due to chemical balancing. If people feel they are heard, they are more likely to add value to a group.
Balcony System
The balconies are an innovative idea that I can see bringing people together, a way of making friends and staying in touch, even just a moment to say hello and smile.
Isn’t is nice sometimes just to sit outside on a porch or a sidewalk cafe and watch the people go by? See people with their dog, their friends, their funny sunglasses? People watching can be great fun and sometimes makes a person feel like they are in the middle of things happening, rather than isolated inside with few chances of meeting people.
When I’m out on our wrap around porch with my dad, all sorts of people wave as they walk or drive by. We visit with more people that way, even if it’s just for 5 minutes. That’s enough to raise my spirits and exchange information.
That’s the purpose of the balconies. The unit sits on one side of the public hallway, and the balconies sit on the opposite side, overlooking the galleria. You can see what’s going on down below, people watch, see a lecture on the stage, look at the Christmas tree during the holidays. But even better than that, when your neighbors walk by, a simple hello and a wave can make a big difference in someone’s day. Get you a balcony today!
Lisa Hering
Balconies so you can see and be seen...
While you might not be willing to go knock on someone’s door, it’s a breeze to wave and smile to a neighbor sitting in their balcony. It’s a good way to strike up a conversation, offer a cuppa tea or coffee, or simply people watch or get in on the latest stage event or galleria show.
Contact us
For more information
- LisaHering.com
- Lisakhering@yahoo.com
- PO Box 244, Hamilton, NC 27840
