Master Plan Objectives

Provide for a comprehensive set of specifications

to allow Abode of the Message/SOI

to move forward with property improvements and development projects

that will support their overriding architectural and landscape vision.

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications

“Based on the input of the Abode/SOI Representatives

the following represents a step-by-step set of specifications

to guide the necessary property improvements and development

projects to achieve the goals set forth for 2020.”

Dennis Wedlick Architect LLC

Article 1.

Guide property improvements and development projects according to the requirements of three (Owners Project Requirements) uses:

A. Abode Residential/Intentional Rural Community

B. Abode Hospitality/Retreat Conference Center

C. SOI Institutional Headquarters/Spiritual Learning Center

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Provide for all needs of the residents and visitors.”

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Maintain the Existing Character”

Article 2.

Maintain Existing Rural Landscape Character Article 3.

Maintain Existing Blended Sufi/Shaker Architectural Character

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Maintain the Existing Character”

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Maintain the Existing Character”

Article 4.

District Abode of the Message to Maintain Existing Character:

A. Primary District “Campus”: Heart of the Abode of the Message

B. Secondary Districts: “S-1 Agriculture” Lower Agricultural Fields and Pond; “S-2 Meadow” Upper Meadow (including Massachusetts Parcel); “S-3 Woodlands” Woodlands of the Lower Mountain Region

C. Tertiary District: “Upper Mountain” Upper Mountain Camp Region

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Provide an organization for future growth.”

Article 5.

Restrict all Construction Projects to the Primary “Campus” District in order to:

A. Reduce Impact on Natural and Agricultural Environment

B. Maximize Return on Investment in Infrastructure

C. Best Accomplish the Goals of Interaction and Ideal Intentional Community

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Minimize disturbance of existing community and landscape

while maximizing potential of existing conditions.”

Article 5.

Restrict all Construction Projects to the Primary “Campus” District:

D. Exceptions

i. Facilities required in Secondary District “S-2 Meadow and S-3 Woodlands” for Retreat Services

ii. Facilities required for Secondary District “S-1 Agriculture” for Agricultural and Building & Grounds Maintenance

Needsiii. Low-impact construction in “Upper Mountain” District

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Minimize disturbance of existing community and landscape

while maximizing potential of existing conditions.”

Article 6.

Within Primary District: Distribute Use according to the following Existing Conditions and Construction Guidelines:

A. Uses that can function in historic, non code-compliant facilities should be targeted for Existing Shaker Structureswhere both interiors and exteriors are considered to have an intrinsic value in their historic state.(e.g. temporary residences, offices, secondary gathering spaces;

functions that do not require handicap or mobility challenged access.)

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Establish a plan to identify ideal use of existing facilities and new facilities.”

Article 6.

Within Primary District: Distribute Use according to the following Existing Conditions and Construction Guidelines:

B. Uses that cannot function in non-compliant facilities should be targeted for Existing Shaker of Other Structures

where the interiors or exteriors are not considered to have an intrinsic value in their current state.(e.g. places of assembly, equal access offices, learning facilities,

disabled or elder quarters)

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Establish a plan to identify ideal use of existing facilities and new facilities.”

Article 6.

Within Primary District: Distribute Use according to the following Existing Conditions and Construction Guidelines:

C. Uses that are best served by modernized facilities should be targeted for New Construction.

(e.g. places of assembly or learning centers with multi-media needs,

modern residential or guest quarters)

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Establish a plan to identify ideal use of existing facilities and new facilities.”

Article 7.

Expand Retreat Facilities in Secondary Districts

A. Provide for New Retreat Quarters in Upper Meadow with easy access to Primary District

B. Provide for Satellite Canteen at southern end of Darrow Road

C. Provide for access to Sacred Path that will reconnect to the Primary District and Upper and Lower Mountain Sacred Spaces

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Improve Facilities ability to serve Retreats.”

Article 8.

Explore Conservation Options For Tertiary “Upper Mountain” District

A. Phase out Active Camp Use (for Passive Camp Use)

B. Phase out Road Use (for Traditional Vehicular Traffic)

C. Improve Connecting Pedestrian and Low-impact Vehicular Pathways to “Upper Mountain” from Primary and Secondary Districts

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Explore Options for achieving multiple goals with a single project.”

Article 9.

All New Construction and Major Renovations:

A. Incorporate Environmentally Sensitive Development Methods and Means for all Substantial Renovations and New Construction. (re: LEED NC)

B. Incorporate Alternative Energy and Passive Systems designs in all New Construction and Major Renovations where cost-effective over a 20 year period.

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Create opportunities to incorporate environmental-friendly development.”

Article 10.

Determine Historic Structures Maintenance/Renovation Plan according to Use:

A. Historic Structures that require minimal interior alterations to accommodate use should be targeted for

Historic Structures Maintenance Plans

B. Historic Structures that require significant alterations to accommodate use should be targeted for Environmentally Sensitive Adaptive Re-use Renovation Plans

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Respect the Historic Heritage of the Site with a Pragmatic Preservation Approach.”

Article 11.

Determine a Sustainable Surface Water Management Plan

A. Determine Historic Structure Water Damage Report for support from Governing Agencies

B. Determine Erosion/Sentiment Control Evaluation for support from Governing Agencies

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Propose Improvements that will assist with Property Sustainability.”

Article 12.

Maximize Open Space and Landscape Opportunities within Primary District integrating a Surface Water Management Plan

A. Construct Raised Terrace Landscape at Eastern End

B. Minimize Hard Surfaces in Primary District

C. Relocate Vehicular Access to Pir Family Residence to southern end of road and return existing road to Landscape

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Incorporate Opportunities for Esoteric Gardens and Sacred Spaces.”

Article 13.

Create Centralizing Pedestrian “Campus Quad” at the entry of the Meditation Hall as Primary Outdoor Gathering Spacein order to:

A. Facilitate Interaction within Community with a structured Meeting Place

B. Provide for an Outdoor Extension of the Meditation Hall

C. Provide for a Strategic Entrance to New Structure on Lot 1a.

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Abode of the Message and SOI Headquarters.”

Article 14.

Construct Primary East/West Pedestrian Path incorporating Surface Water Management Plan:

A. Provide comfortable Pedestrian Pathway for Residents and Guests to meet and explore property

B. Provide physical and spiritual connection to Special Features: From Pond, thru Farm Fields, past Meditation Hall, up to Eastern Meadow

C. Create new primary Sufi Landscape Organization in harmony with original secondary Shaker Landscape Organization

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Abode of the Message and SOI Headquarters.”

Article 15.

Blend Efficient On-Campus Emergency Access and Service Areasinto the rural landscape:

A. Create Soft-scape Emergency Access and Temporary Parking Areas blended into East/West Pedestrian Pathways

B. Locate Community Recycle Centers, Mail Centers and Support

Services Areas (Laundry) at East/West Pedestrian Pathways

C. Provide Raceways for Data and/or Alternative Energy Distribution

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Suggest Improvements that will help Property Serviceability.”

Article 16.

Improve North/South Vehicular and Pedestrian Circulation:

A. Incorporate Town Road: Darrow Road into property

B. Rebuild and Narrow “Upper” Darrow Road (one-way) and incorporating Surface Water Management Design

C. Construct North/South ADA Compliant Pedestrian Pathway System with Accessible Drop Off points and incorporating Surface Water Management Design

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Propose Improvements that will assist with Property Sustainability.”

Article 17.

Construct new “Lower” Darrow Road (one-way) and Off-Campus Parking Areas with Water Retention Landscapes

A. Create Lower “Green” to blend road into agricultural landscape and for recreation use and occasional parking

B. Provide easy-to-identify visitor parking and pathway to welcome

center

C. Provide Efficient Service and Emergency Vehicle Patterns

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Suggest Improvements that will help Property Serviceability.”

Article 18.

Create a Meditation/Academy Zone in Primary District to Facilitate Use:

A. Cluster SOI uses in nearby buildings

B. Designate outdoor spaces as “quiet” landscapes appropriate for learning and meditation

C. Locate visitor access to SOI within easy access off Campus Quad

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Abode of the Message and SOI Headquarters.”

Article 19.

Create a Residential Zone in Primary District to Facilitate Use:

A. Distribute Residential and Guest Quarters from East to West

B. Designate outdoor spaces as “semi-private” residential landscapes for gatherings, recreation and residential service use e.g. picnic tables, playgrounds & hanging laundry

C. Intersect Residential District pathways with Campus Quad

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Abode of the Message and SOI Headquarters.”

Article 20.

Create an Active Zone in Primary District to Facilitate Use:

A. Locate Welcoming Center, Public “Market-type” Places and Gardens primarily west of Darrow Road

B. Locate all Tenant Spaces and Associated Vehicular Activity in Active District

C. Locate all Deliveries Areas within or immediately adjacent to Active Zone

Abode of the Message/ SOI Master Planning Specifications“Abode of the Message and SOI Headquarters.”