Modern, car-oriented development has destroyed a sense of place within historical urban environments, which were at one time, vibrant and enduring places for everyday life. The Congress for the New Urbanism focuses on restoring placeless human environments through traditional neighborhood development; however, the architectural manifestation of their projects is often critiqued as uninspired historic replications that unravel any sense of place the urban fabric establishes. The solution is not to view pre-modern principles of design as static or corresponding with historic styles, but as dynamic interpretations of the past which allow contemporary architecture to remain meaningful and desired – rooted in history and place.
Current theories of vernacular (Asquith and Vellinga) recognize ways in which past and present building traditions merge, adapt, and combine. Specifically, there are two vernacular-inspired principles that are implemented into this thesis project, both essential in authentically renewing a sense of place. The first step is to preserve and create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that balance housing and services for all income levels. Secondly, buildings forms and spatial qualities inspired by local traditions are used as a framework to support harmonized innovation. This thesis exercises these methods by re-inscribing a mixed-use development upon the palimpsest of Milford, Ohio.