The Best Prophet of the Future is in the Past

The Best Prophet of the Future is in the Past

[architecturalmodels]

[discourses-on-blog]

The bones of modern day buildings

Look familiar? See Le Corbusier’s 5 Points on Architecture

Disregard the roof terrace, but maybe this image will help:

[theancientworld]

Using a specially designed laser, conservators have labored since 2011 to strip away the black grime that encrusted the statues.

Sculpted in the late fifth century B.C., the draped figures served as columns for the Erechtheion, one of the temples that stood on the Acropolis, the sacred rocky hill that rises 512 feet (156 meters) above the modern Greek capital.

The maidens, known as the Caryatids, stand more than seven and a half feet tall (2.3 meters). Originally, six of them held the roof of the Erechtheion’s south porch on their heads.

[discourses-on-blog]

Fantastic! For all you architecture buffs, do you remember studying the Caryatid pillars carrying the weight of the Erechtheion roof (or country if you’re a history buff too)? 

[stylish-homes]

The magnificient Juarez Theater, Guanajuato, Mexico

by Maria_Globetrotter

[americasgreatoutdoors]

Strolling by the water at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Indiana is a serene experience. The sun sparkles on the water and the breeze blows your troubles off your shoulders. Whether you enjoy scouting for rare species of birds or flying kites on the sandy beach, the national lakeshore’s 15,000 acres will continually enchant you. Even seeing the Chicago skyline 35 miles away across Lake Michigan makes it seem like the rest of the world is far away. Photo by National Park Service.

[discourses-on-blog]

Fantastic beach. Seems almost completely removed from the industrial metropolis of Gary, Indiana. 

[diycraftsnmore]

[archidrawings]

© cobe - kroyers plads housing - copenhagen, denmark

[discourses-on-blog]

How much of the original warehouse remains? Is it really a blend between old and new or entirely new? A mighty inspiration I may add. The old is representative in the new facades. See for yourself...

https://www.dezeen.com/2017/01/17/cobe-vilhelm-lauritzen-architects-complete-faceted-brick-housing-copenhagen-denmark-harbour/

[homedesigning]

(via This Gorgeous Home Is A Nature Loving Bookworm’s Paradise)

[discourses-on-blog]

Hillside dwelling hun

[discourses-on-blog]

In 2003, George Strait performed what was thought to be the final concert to ever be held at the Houston Astrodome, AKA the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” That’s why today we are beyond excited that one of our first National Treasures is on its way to a new life following a meeting of the Harris County Commissioners that was held yesterday afternoon.

I recently shared an update on the victory for Houston's Astrodome, describing the State Antiquity Landmark status. The National Trust has recently published an update about the Commissioners Court approving $105 million in funding to create 1,400 underground parking spaces in order to allow this structure to continue functioning as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Congrats Judge Ed Emmett for tirelessly working towards saving this entertainment icon!

[archatlas]

Maxwell Tilse’s Postcard Sketches

Maxwell Tilse is an Australian illustrator now living in London currently backpacking and keeping a comic diary of my travels.

On his current trip he has mostly done quick pencil sketches outside. After, he finds a warm cozy place to finish the drawing with a hot meal and a cold beer. Here are a few of the finished postcard sketches of the cities he has visited.

Images identified from the top:

Crumlaw, Czech Republic

Budapest, Hungary

Krakow, Poland

Gdándsk, Poland

Bardejov, Slovakia

London, United Kingdom

Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Warsaw, Poland

Teltsch, Czech Republic

Vienna, Austria

Follow the Source Link for images sources and more information.

[discourses-on-blog]

From  Audrey Przybylski via Rustbelt Coalitions of Young Preservationists

“VIOLATION BY CITY OF NEW CASTLE - The city and the home owners pulled a fast one, they chose to do this on the weekend, so we could not file an injunction for their violation, they chose to do it on a Sunday while many were in church, they even kept the flag hanging on the front porch, the curtains up etc. to give no clue what was about to happen.Shame on this city, Anthony CioffiI the code officer, and the home owners who are involved with societies, and state commissions that stand for the preservation of theses historic areas. You care not for this historic community nor the people, the state who value it. Our historic district is our asset. The city is in violation of permitting a gas station at the site, so stay tuned .”

New Castle, Pennsylvania is a small sleepy town forgotten by the larger metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Would these areas be remembered? Would Saving Places even matter? Why care about them now? From Audrey’s status, I think people did care about these buildings. I think the local community cared about their future and prosperity. The city and new home owners gave up on these buildings and didn’t care to innovate an idea for their renewal. All that mattered to them was a “new gas station.” Would that create any type of job? According to American Progress “Big Oil, Small Jobs: A Look at the Oil Industry’s Dubious Job Claims,” studies claimed that there are 9.2 million jobs created by oil and gas companies in the form of extraction and operation. But a recent studied showed that the actual number of jobs created was nearly 7 million less than anticipated, at 1.9 million jobs created. Across the nation, would that number carry any weight? Let’s bring up the Federal Tax Incentives for Building Revitalization fiscal report, with $78 billion invested in these properties, about 85,000 jobs are created by completed projects. That number doesn’t include the labor and construction to get these homes back on their feet, which could include another million or so based on the size of the property and specialties needed. 

[discourses-on-blog]

Diana Nelson Jones' Walkabout: With affordability lost in Penn Plaza redevelopment, what's next?

The city Planning Commission’s decision to postpone its vote last week on the preliminary land development plan for East Liberty’s Penn Plaza block was prudent, considering some zoning conditions that haven’t been met. But the city already struck a deal with Pennley Park South regarding future affordability there, and that is the larger issue that, of course, will be postponed because it takes time and lots of money to replace 310 affordable units. That’s the total number of units lost in that block. Its borders are Penn, Negley and South Euclid avenues and Eva and Topaz streets. If the city approves the developer’s final plan, East Liberty will have 400 more market-rate apartments and a larger Whole Foods to replace the one on Centre Avenue. This is America — words I have typed before,

"We could be taller as a city, and we should be. Views are not a human right. Decent housing is."

[discourses-on-blog]

Collapse and Reconstruction: the Ethics of Preservation

Blog about art, architecture, photography, graphics, with a focus on the best Burgh in the world: Pittsburgh, PA

"We should not deny the natural progression of time, but put more energy in preserving what we have, and design appropriate new architectures, compatible with the past, but living in the present."

Through many explanations I have of my profession, I find two types of comments: the "you're going to save that [building]!" and the "you're going to save THAT building?". One is utter enthusiasm and the other is shock.

The counterargument runs along the lines of because "it's old, it's not worth being saved. Progress means wiping the old and starting anew." I've also found that this argument is rather specific to the "common" type of building, sometime deemed unimportant. But they are important. They matter to the average folk and their family. It is a place where memories are made and stories are told. They don't need to be important for historic events or horrific battles; they need to matter to communities. The local grocery store selling candy and cigarettes from the funny old cashier matters more to generations within a small town community than Mt. Vernon. Preservation happens at home, right around the corner.

With regards to progress, wiping the old should never mean the case. Wiping the old should be an extreme and last measure. The old should (and definitely can) be modified for the same use, an improved use, a new use, or all-together a strange use. Progress can be shown through the technological innovations to save that place and incorporate it with the modern era. Old does not hinder the future, it defines it.

This blog post by a respected peer of mine touches on a lecture she gave regarding the ethics of preservation. It summarizes and highlights the key points regarding preservation in the modern era. Take a look at the Duomo photos!

[discourses-on-blog]

The power of introverts

In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.

Found this gem perusing effective speeches in an article from the Harvard Business School. I forgot how inspiring TED talks could be! Susan Cain discusses introverts in the educational system through her own experiences and statistics. Since I believe all TED talks are thoroughly fact-checked, apparently a little less than half the population identifies with introversion. Yet, the public school system and workplace are geared toward introversion. Cain discusses this in her 18 minute TED talk through her belief that when the economy shifted in the 20th century, people transferred from rural to urban environments changing the mindset of character development to how to project charisma and personality. Extroversion was at the forefront of success and eventually seeped into our education system. She recognizes that both extroversion and introversion could have a cohesive balance to develop creative minds and success of all types of individuals.

How is this related to architecture and preservation? This video sparked an observation that the most interesting speeches, even those not affiliated with TED, involved stories that provoke the audience and prove your credibility to project your argument. Stories revolve around history and architecture, making the site more memorable for future reference. They become relevant to individuals and communities. These effectual speeches are commonly used by hired tour guides to help develop importance.  

[discourses-on-blog]

The Houston Astrodome is the first fully enclosed, domed, multipurpose sports stadium in the U.S. to be designated as a State Antiquities Landmark (SAL).

When one thinks of a historic landmark, no one would immediately think of a stadium. Historic architecture would not come to mind. 60 some years later, mid-century modern somehow comes to the forefront of my architectural historians. Modern becomes old, dilapidated, and worn. The modern structures many baby boomers grew up with becomes important to history and architecture. The Houston Astrodome is a fantastic example of this. Built in 1965, the stadium hosted a range of events from Muhammed Ali boxing matches to concerts by Elvis Presley. It epitomized the entertainment of the mid-20th century. Boasted as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” landmark status was on everyone’s mind. Luckily, this week the Texas Historical Commission (THC) granted the State Antiquities Landmark status to the Houston Astrodome, which stipulates that a historic property cannot be removed, altered, damaged, salvaged, or excavated without a permit. Victory!

What happened to other stadiums of the mid-20th century? Have they been saved? The answer is yes and no. 

Historic McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, will remain the home of the Pawtucket Red Sox for now according to Preservation Magazine. This 1942 stadium started hosting for Minor League Baseball Teams in 1946 and the Red Sox Moved into McCoy in 1970. Public outcry saved the stadium from abandonment when a group of business executives tried to propose building a new and improved stadium nearby in 2015. Renovations have been made to keep the stadium up to standards. 

The 1961 Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, PA could undoubtedly be called the most controversial stadium of the 1960s. Initially for the Civic Light Opera, the Pittsburgh Penguins steadily moved into the complex in 1967 and remained there until 2010. The arena occupied a residential area of the Hill District, a vibrant Wylie Avenue with many historic churches and commercial enterprises. Part of a “Urban Renewal” project, the dome’s construction gentrified the area by removing thousands of diverse people. Yet in 2010, the world’s first retractable dome was torn down for a new stadium nearby in order to accommodate the Pittsburgh Penguins. The former Civic Arena became a parking lot and remains that way today. 

[homedesigning]

(via A Stunning Cave House In Spain)

[discourses-on-blog]

Imagine re configuring that layout!

[killerhouses]

[discourses-on-blog]

Remind you of the Farnsworth?

[discourses-on-blog]

My Ethics of Preservation

"We should not deny the natural progression of time, but put more energy in preserving what we have, and design appropriate new architectures, compatible with the past, but living in the present." - Bea Spolidoro

Through many explanations I have of my profession, I find two types of comments: the "you're going to save that [building]!" and the "you're going to save THAT building?". One is utter enthusiasm and the other is shock.

The counterargument runs along the lines of because "it's old, it's not worth being saved. Progress means wiping the old and starting anew." I've also found that this argument is rather specific to the "common" type of building, sometime deemed unimportant. But they are important. They matter to the average folk and their family. It is a place where memories are made and stories are told. They don't need to be important for historic events or horrific battles; they need to matter to communities. The local grocery store selling candy and cigarettes from the funny old cashier matters more to generations within a small town community than Mt. Vernon. Preservation happens at home, right around the corner.

With regards to progress, wiping the old should never mean the case. Wiping the old should be an extreme and last measure. The old should (and definitely can) be modified for the same use, an improved use, a new use, or all-together a strange use. Progress can be shown through the technological innovations to save that place and incorporate it with the modern era. Old does not hinder the future, it defines it.