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Mouzon is the author of a new book, "The Original Green: Unlocking the Mystery of True Sustainability." He is also founder of the New Urban Guild, a group of architects, designers and others dedicated to the study of buildings and places native to and inspired by the region in which they are built.
He urged communities in the Lowcountry to forget the sprawling, car-dependent habits to which they've become accustomed since World War II and instead commit themselves to sustainability, which he defined as a lifestyle that can be maintained into the future.
"As long as we hope that 2006 is coming back, we're not going to make much progress," Mouzon said.
He addressed an auditorium of students, business and civic leaders and Beaufort County residents at TCL in Beaufort after speaking separately with elected officials and local government staff earlier in the day.
Organizers of the free event invited Mouzon to speak in part because several local governments are working toward a regional form-based code, a style of planning that, unlike conventional zoning, emphasizes the appearance of buildings more than how they are used.
Mouzon argues separating uses among buildings requires people to drive from place to place, a practice he said is not sustainable.
In addition to adopting form-based code, he said, there are many things individuals can do to contribute to a more sustainable community. Examples include trying to shrink one's "web of life" by living closer to daily necessities, choosing materials that will last beyond a building's intended use and creating benches, gardens and the like to encourage walking.
Although many people talk about such objectives, he challenged the region to be among the first to follow through.
"I'm going to ask you all, why not Beaufort?" he said.
