Seaside Institute Introduces the ‘Students for New Urbanism’ Summer Internship Program
“If there is one word that describes what makes this area so unique, it’s ‘design.’ People who love 30A also love great design, whether they realize it or not. There are beautiful beaches all over the world, but extraordinary urban design, all layered on top of incredible natural beauty, is what really attracts people to our community.”
Mike Ragsdale, Founder of 30A.Com
Brooke Tucker and Summer George officially had the best summer ever. Serving as interns for 30A.Com, they were able to learn and gain valuable experience while living in paradise. Along with their 30A.com Internship, the students also participated in the newly established ‘Students for New Urbanism’ program at the Seaside Institute. The interns are housed in the Seaside Institute Academic Village, a campus-like venue for learning and development. During their stay, the interns participate in a “crash-course” on New Urbanism. Admittedly, the interns were not familiar with the New Urbanist Movement, prior to their participation in the program. With its pedestrian-friendly streets and its walkable distance to the town center, Seaside is widely known as the first New Urbanist community. Many other communities have followed, including our very own Alys and Rosemary Beach. The Seaside Institute, of course, believes that these design principles are an essential factor in Seaside’s success, and a reason why so many people are attracted to 30A (the beaches are pretty great, too)!
The course includes an in-depth walking tour of Seaside, focusing on both the history of the town as well as specific design principles that eventually became known as the New Urbanism. “Along the way, we talked about the history and future of New Urbanism, how it’s expressed in Seaside, and how special an example of New Urbanism Seaside is due to it being the first reaction to conventional suburban development and Robert Davis’s hands-on guidance since its inception,” said the tour guide, Christopher Rodriguez.
By the end of the program, Brooke and Summer gained a new appreciation for our community’s unique history. Being completely immersed in the New Urbanist lifestyle, “Seaside and the Academic Village really became home sweet home. It truly is an incredible experience,” said Summer.
Thank you to 30A.Com for partnering with us on this mission, and to Christopher Rodriguez for providing the walking tour.
The Students for New Urbanism program is made possible by the generous donations of our members and sponsors. Please consider joining the Seaside Institute today, to help us continue our education initiative. If you are interested in sponsoring our education programs, please contact the Membership Director, Janie Henderson (JHenderson@seasideinstitute.org).
Author: SWal Life
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