Michael Eliason

In , architect and ecodistrict planner Michael Eliason makes the case for low-carbon ecodistricts and presents tools for developing these residential and mixed-use quarters or neighborhoods. Drawing from his experience working in Europe and North America, he shows the potential for new climate-adaptive ecodistricts that directly and equitably address our housing shortages while simultaneously planning for climate change. Eliason explains that to create highly livable places with a low carbon impact, ecodistricts must incorporate ample social housing for a good economic and social mix of residents, invest in open space, create infrastructure that can adapt to a changing climate, and offer car-free or car-light realms. He also looks at how public health, livability, climate adaptation, and quality of life are interconnected.

Full-color photos and illustrations show what is possible in ecodistricts around the world, drawing heavily from examples in German cities.

Building for People shows professionals involved in regulating, planning, or designing our communities that high-quality, low-carbon living is within reach.

About the Author

Michael Eliason is a licensed architect and was the founder of Seattle-based Larch Lab – part architecture and urbanism studio, part 'think and do' tank - focused on research and policy; decarbonized low-energy buildings; and climate adaptive urbanism. Michael is also an award-winning architect specializing in mass timber, social housing, Baugruppen (urban cohousing), and Passivhaus buildings. His career has been dedicated to advancing innovation and broadening the discourse on sustainable development, non-market housing, and decarbonized construction. He has helped usher several legislative efforts on Point Access Blocks across the US, and is a founding board member of Seattle’s Passivhaus Social Housing Developer. Michael is a graduate of Virginia Tech, and became a Certified Passive House Designer in 2010. His professional experience includes work in both the US and Germany. Michael is also the author of Building for People: Designing Livable, Climate-Friendly, Affordable Neighborhoods (Island Press, 2024).

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