john knott

Project Showcase:
The Noisette Project

MP3 Audio Recording of Presentation

MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #1
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #2
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #3
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #4
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #5
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #6
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #7
MP3 Audio Recording of Q&A #8

Bio: Developer of the 3,000-acre “Noisette” Project in Charleston, South Carolina – one of the largest and most ambitious sustainable developments in the U.S – refers to himself as a ‘change agent’, Knott limits his annual speaking to eight presentations, and hopes to influence participants to more seriously consider the social equity potentials of sustainable development. He has built “Noisette” around the principles of sustainability not limited to environmental goals, but social ones as well.

As the project website notes, “Noisette” is not just about the physical process of urban renewal, it is about community renewal through non-profit initiatives in education, the arts and social justice.”

Knott expects to deliver a powerful message about the potential of sustainable development to replace “mindless urban sprawl” and to renew both commonsense approaches to human settlement and the values of community. He looks forward to spending time engaged with legislators, policymakers, NGO’s and other interests.

The Noisette Project: Noisette is a 3,000 acre city-within-a-city. It is an area of North Charleston, South Carolina targeted for integrated restoration as a sustainable community – modeled on the belief that cities must be equally responsive to social needs, environmental responsibility and economic vitality (the philosophy embodied by people, planet, prosperity).

The plan seeks to preserve historic architectural styles, neighborhood diversity and the area’s unique social fabric. It also works to restore environmental stability and beauty, attract jobs, improve services like education and healthcare, reduce dependence on car travel, promote recreation, eliminate the foundations of crime and poverty, and strengthen the sense of pride many North Charleston resident feel toward their community.