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September 15, 2005

Mister Mister

I absconded from commenting on the Katrina horror, perhaps because the images and realities were saying a whole lot more than Rove could muster any spin on. It was enraging, completely & horrifyly detestable, on every level. This was never a question of Federal capacity or logistical gymnastics as the acrobats on pay from this administration would have some believe. But in terms of Architectural questions, the interrogation has just begun. Jack Shafer penned an honest picture on the social conditions of much of New Orleans, especially the areas most dramatically effected. Its a divisive piece, but a necessary contribution to the debate. More recently, Joel Garreau took a similar position, highlighting the most important (and disgusting) development that has become more apparent with todays announcement that the French Quarter and CBD would be opened by next Monday. There is more and more evidence that New Orleans will become a caricture of its former self. Minus the undesirables, the soul, the heart, of what made that city everything it was. The Big Easy will become the Big Eracesure. Here is to hoping at least some of the architectural heritage of the Bywater will be saved.

Nice Times piece on the the rise and fall of cities past.

The RIAS, Best Building in Scotland Award for Architecture, was recently awarded. See the top 5 entries, in photograph, that vied for the prize. Of the 5, comes Scotland's most controversial building - 'at risk' of being demolished by reality tv vote. Here is a fairly extensive collection of photographs of the new New Scottish Parliament Complex.

Village Voice interview with the great urbanist thinker, Mike Davis. Who, I might add, should head back to his roots. A book on Dubai already. I digress.

Transfer covered the Kelo vs New London case quite closely, until the victory of the city. A somewhat dated article in the Fairfield County Weekly that claims " the homeowners are being offered buyouts based on the market rate as it was in 2000." Yea, fucking classy isn't it? Read it here.

Fantastic new competition - Urban Voids - sponsered by Van Alen Institute and Land Visions, whose goal it is: "Philadelphia needs a compelling long-term vision for developing its vacant lots, a strategy that envisions how vacancy in Philadelphia can be changed from an obstacle (vacancy as absence) to an asset (vacancy as possibility)." Yes Yes - It is my hope this will raise the bar on Infill housing. Which, at least here in New York, has been all but shit.

Land+Living blog draws attention to one of the most fantasic hwy overpasses... Stellar. Wow.

Posted by jmarston at September 15, 2005 10:12 AM

Comments

Posted by: c. at September 15, 2005 05:56 PM

Posted by: Dave at September 15, 2005 11:10 PM

Posted by: Earle Martin at September 17, 2005 05:48 PM