Christner worked with Lincoln University to create a Master Plan for the Institute for Integrated Micro-Community for the 21st Century. The Institute's goal is to address global and socioeconomic changes and challenges, with a particular focus on small farmers, families, youth, and small businesses in Missouri. The ambitious plan lays the groundwork for a sustainable small-farm community with housing for visitors, research facilities for faculty, a youth camp, a visitor center and farmer's market to serve and educate constituents on sustainable farming methods.
Size: 280 acres
Status: Planning completed 2008
Awards: 2009 Merit Award for Planning, American Society of Landscape Architects Central States Region
The master plan positions each element to maximize the naturally-occurring site properties. For example, houses are sited to take advantage of winter sun warming and cooling summer wind flows.
The visitor center is adjacent to the open-air pavilion. Events from livestock shows to conferences to a weekly farmers market can be accommodated. A goal is to maximize public engagement opportunities while minimizing energy usage.
The presence of cars and other pollutants are minimized on the farm. Wetland buffers filter ground water and low-maintenance Missouri Prairies cover non-production pastures.
Sustainable agricultural components include rotational grazing paddocks and aquaculture basins. These support the research and teaching activities of the farm.
We included best-practice recommendations for buildings, agriculture and sites, including the rotational grazing paddocks shown here. By implementing these plans, the annual water demand for the entire institute will be reduced by 91% over traditional practices.
The master plan details energy-saving strategies for the visitor housing, with the potential for LEED certification. Ten units are planned at 1,000 sf each, with porch views overlooking terraced gardens and the reservoir.
