I was distracted by Detroit last week so it's a hefty!Thinking Differently about Urban Design…
The recent closing of Borders bookstores is making some analysts think about the importance of re-invigorating the local competitive markets these big boxes killed.
Furthermore, these large bookstores often served as informal meeting and hang out places (this was Chapters on Douglas for my high school years in Victoria, BC). Here, a policy writer calls for no net loss in theseimportant community gathering places.
A homeless shelter whose architecture is meant to contribute to the healing process saved Dallas citizens money and jail time while adding to a vibrant urban landscape.
Designing our sound / landscapes and using existing ones for other artistic inspiration.
The needs of aging populations demand changes to Ohio street signage, public transportation fee structures and personnel training.
New York City isencouraging Green Roofs, Urban Gardens and reflective roof painting – simple stuff that doesn’t bother anyone but has been previously discouraged.
When the world economy collapses, at least we have some ideas for what to do with all of the uselessHummers and superfluous shipping containers!
Modern and historical architecture is meeting in a big way at London’s King’s Cross Station.
And Speaking of London…!
Here’s a great overview ofthe events that have led to the violence erupting throughout London and some commentary on the social and economic triggers that have fuelled the popular rage.
A fabulous article exploring young Londoners’ perspectives and reasoning for the violent rioting.
This map from the Guardian overlays recent incidents of violent rioting with areas of poverty. Interestingly, the rioting is not represented in the most deprived places, however the map does not show any rioting occurring in rich areas at all.
In a more academic tone, architects and modern social philosophers (Alain De Botton is a favorite of mine) provide brief thoughts on the reasoning behind the London riots.
And finally, apparently this is all leading to explicit class warfare.
And finally, apparently this is all leading to explicit class warfare.
Getting Around…
Here’s an interactive map to alternative fuel stations in the US!
New commuter track accelerates Dutch commuters’ trips by 1 BILLION percent!!! ...Okay, I just really want you to see this :)
Among reports that Burning Man artists have recently purchased and discarded US military goods due to their inferiority even for art, here comes a report that American masstransport infrastructure isn’t even good enough to bomb!
Philosophical Mathematics…
I’ve been thinking for a while now that the concepts of ‘us’ and ‘them’ are really mathematical functions expressed in social forms. Though I haven’t worked this out all of the way, it seems I’m not alone in perceiving this form of algebra (yay math!). Check out these TED Talks... here... and here!
Phew!!
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