Habitat is an urban planning development in Thunderbolt, Georgia that aims to teach about, inspire action, and incite reform to aid environmental conservation efforts in eastern Georgia. The local community’s economy is reliant on the shrimping industry that has existed in the area for the better part of the last century. This practice, while important for supplying jobs to citizens, has a significant effect on local ecosystems. Consisting of two halves, this development will not only teach, inspire, and reform but also create a growing sense of community in Thunderbolt and the Greater Savannah area.

The design choices of Habitat were informed by the forms and materials of both Thunderbolt and nearby Savannah. The brick walkways of the Native Species Garden Walk are taken directly from the streets of Savannah, while the worn brick walls of the administration block at the Environmental Community Center are inspired by the historic warehouses near the site.

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The wood frame detailing along the curved roof of the Environmental Community Center mimics the rough wood posts found scattered around Thunderbolt. Meanwhile, the shape and orientation of the Native Species Garden Walk is pulled from the famous squares of Savannah’s Oglethorpe Plan, divided into 13 plots and rotated 17 degrees from north.