SWA provided planning services related to entitlement and land use for 1,400 acres of land in the City of Irvine, representing the last “flat land” development within the Irvine Ranch. Fundamental to the planning of Woodbury was the concept of a village “commons” with a mix of retail, residential, and office uses, which also includes a recreation center, public community park, and elementary school as well as a series of neighborhood parks, echoing a variety of distinct architectural styles. Equally important was the establishment of the landscape framework that became the backbone of the community, with four major entryways, two green inner loops, and a pedestrian esplanade providing connections between the village commons and the retail center. The enclave connects to the Jeffrey Open Space Trail, an innovative departure at the time from traditional urban park landscapes to ‘California Native Meadow’. It also introduced the first phase of a now-implemented broader regional trail system. SWA worked with the City staff in preparing the General Plan, pre-zoning, and annexation applications. This project received the Pacific Coast Builders Gold Nugget Grand Award in 2004 for the “Best Community Site Plan—100 Acres or More”.
Ghaf Woods
At the southern edge of Dubai, Ghaf Woods—a new 182-acre mixed-use community—is positioned to become the region’s first “forest living” community, inverting the city’s typical development pattern through its organization around tree canopy rather than buildings. Planned to deliver over 7,000 homes for an estimated 26,000 residents, the development is being con...
Esencia
Esencia, a planned community in Rancho Mission Viejo, California, emphasizes health and well-being. This premium real estate development, which is integrated into a 17,000-acre open space preserve characterized by oak canyons, creeks and orchards, envisions wellness holistically. It offers residents extraordinary views, comprehensive access to nature, and a ra...
Hensley Field Master Plan
Building upon a winning competition entry, SWA is developing a master plan to transform a former Naval Air Station into a premier mixed-use district in southern Dallas. Tasked with crafting an implementable plan that achieves environmental sustainability, economic recovery, and social equity objectives, SWA is working to address the unique challenges of a form...
Lin'an High Tech Park
Lin’an Qingshan Lake Forest Technology Park offers a premier destination for high-tech and green-tech businesses. Designed in harmony with nature, this mixed-use community will foster productivity and connections to its physical and cultural setting, providing a vibrant mix of uses and a business culture appealing to a wide range of international enterprises. ...