I'On Waterfront, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Neighborhood Theory 

"At I'On, our approach recognizes what scientists have discovered. We begin with a vision and a set of simple building rules (embodied in two pages of the I'On code) that emphasize siting, proportion, and materials.  Like the birds' rules of flight, these rules enable the potential for an infinite number of possibilities, yet result in a beautifully elegant fulfillment of the vision. Creativity and efficiency emerge naturally; facilitated through relationships and interactions that allow for bottom up solutions from everyone involved in building the neighborhood." 

"With the high quality of effort provided by countless individuals pouring their heart into building I'On, the high quality of built product is fairly predictable. It is impossible to predict exactly what form this quality will take. But just as the flock of birds can achieve more than a bird flying alone, the energy  and enthusiasm generated by hundreds of neighborhood building participants, each working toward their own end, guided by a common vision, will yield results, greater than one person could ever dream possible, much less construct." 

 "Observed in this light, one can see why the rigid command and control-set usually results in a sterile environment. Whereas, by getting more hands  involved and letting the soul work over the fountainhead of a strong vision, a culture of caring and connection forms to create tremendous aesthetic and economic value. Out of this culture grows social value through the strong bonds of community --not imposed from above, but emerging from the neighbours themselves. How far can we go with this? Given an ongoing effort to improve continually, a bird might say the sky's the limit."