Check out this park and landscape in Prague. I have mixed feelings about modernist architecture. It always looks amazing in photography but often is bleak and imposing from the ground level. More recent construction like this, however, re-writes the perspective on a human scale. It looks very functional, almost inviting.
(via bad banana blog)
The passage of Prop 1a is a great opportunity and for me somewhat surprising given this is the first time I’ve voted in a major election outside of California. (As is of course the disappointing passage of Prop 8). The California High Speed Rail Blog has published an excellent list of Next Steps concerning where to go from here to support the High Speed Rail system. In my mind the biggest thing on that list as far as forward thinking planning has to support of current infrastructure (point 6). However, supporting existing rail infrastructure alone is simply one piece of the puzzle. A drastic restructuring of zoning and city planning must simultaneously occur to not only ensure the success of the system but to restructure California to absorb the overwhelming population growth expected in the coming decades.
To be sure, California is going to grow larger and the High Speed Rail project is a landmark affirmation for focusing that growth in existing urban centers in the state. However, the cities themselves need to act resolutely to capitalize on the significant investment to enact change. While in the past several decades urban centers across the state have been financing transit infrastructure improvements — the latest and most notable being Los Angeles county’s Measure R; what has lagged in the state is significant rewriting of archaic (more…)
I wonder how my recent arab-fetish fits into my desire to remake my room with all of these comfy pillows. I am totally in love with all of the decor in these photos. Click on the pic for more.
(via style-files)
John King has an article about Jan Gehl, an urban designer who was brought in to consult with San Francisco about the Fisherman’s Wharf area. Not my favorite part of the city but I like his suggestions about how to improve the area. Perhaps if they’re implemented I’ll be more apt to visit the area.
an excerpt
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Every city has its own topography and ambiance, says Jan Gehl, author of such urban design studies as 1971s “Life Between Buildings.” But he also says there are rules of thumb to keep in mind when crafting plans and reviving neighborhoods. Here are four:
Rein in the automobile. “For 50 years we were completely obsessed with making room for cars,” Gehl says. “We need to show respect for people who are moving about on foot or by bicycle.”
Accentuate the positive. “Celebrate the things that give a place its special character - views of mountains or water, historic buildings. If its nice for the locals, visitors will love to come there also.”
Emphasize the out-of-doors. “We do almost all our work indoors; we need to move in our leisure time. People want to walk, run, bicycle - or sit and enjoy the setting, have a cappuccino.”
Design for all ages. “Various groups in the population have various needs,” Gehl says. For instance, fold active playgrounds into a district - but put them where parents can relax with a glass of wine while children let off steam.
Wow. This is just one of the most amazing interior design jobs I’ve seen. Many more pictures when you click on the pic.
(via the style files)
The Project for Public Spaces is organizing a Parking Day NYC. I’ll try to stop by the one in Park Slope tomorrow. I don’t think I’ll be in the city. Would be neat to check some out though…
The New York Public Library blog has an interesting article discussing the opening of the new exhibit on Art Deco: Anticipating-And Remembering | New York Public Library.
A brief glimpse into the world of Art curation.
Heard a podcast discussing the ideas of Christopher Alexander [link] and started digging around for a wikipedia entry. It’s surprising how little there is on this considering his ideas led directly to the development of wikipedia. The most descriptive article (in terms of volume) I’ve been able to find is this article on Pattern language - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Fascinating ideas. As is the idea of QWAN the quality without a name.
Reading these bits and piecing them together I’m aware at how difficult it is for my brain to learn something new. I’ve heard it said when I was a lad that learning just gets more difficult when you’re older and perhaps I’ve just forgotten it for now. Let’s just chalk this up to complex stuff that takes a little exposure before it sets in.
– On a personal note it’s nice to know that Chris Alexander was awarded the first PHD in Architecture from Harvard. One of my former students just started the program.
natecooper.net is making it appear as if all I’ve been reading is cracked.com and BLDGBLOG. Could be worse I guess. BLDGBLOG’s discussion of “extreme signage” [link] does pique my interest. I don’t know if I fully agree with the assessment of this fountain as “public signage that no one can read”. Seems to me that it may be simple enough to read if the amount of gradation is not so much on a sliding scale but on minor variations (ala red light, green light, yellow light). Furthermore I’ve often thought that Los Angeles needs more and more large scale public (art) works projects. The city is so flat and widespread that dramatically scaled structures with aesthetic value would help define the landscape better (the Watts towers not excepted).
On the topic of extreme signage I’d throw my hat in to vote for the Clock in Union Square. I’ve even have it explained to me and I still feel totally inept at my inability to read it. Luckily the Gothamist has a little primer [link] if you’d like the mystery ruined.
