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"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."
I'On, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Sowell Street
by Dover Kohl, Architects and Urbanists
"Such a holistic approach also makes for a healthier
community by strengthening its immune system. I'On's inherent diversity makes it better able to withstand social and economic
shifts than if it were more homogenuous. "Don't keep your eggs in one basket", a saying often used when planning a stock portfolio,
is also applicable when establishing a neighborhood. People age, lifestyles change and demographics shift. The more facets
of a place, the healthier it will remain."
I'On, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina (1995)
by Dover Kohl, Architects and Urbanists
(In Collaboration with DPZ)
(Drawing by Charles Barrett and Manuel Fernandez)
"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."
I'On, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Three Sisters, Stoops
by Dover Kohl, Architects and Urbanists
(In Collaboration with DPZ)
"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."
Vince Graham
(Text from 'CIVITAS' The I'On Journal)
Vince Graham founded I'On in 1997 with his father,
Tom Graham
I'On, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
House and Old Oak
by Dover Kohl, Architects and Urbanists
(In Collaboration with DPZ)
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