The Storage

As always a pleasure to keep and share references that might be work for the future, we welcome you to THE STORAGE of Rika And Silvia Project. Rika and Silvia project is an initiative from two Jakartans, Rika Febriyani and Silvia Honsa. This initiative believes that public participation in spatial planning is important. Using Lego toys, this project encourages simulations to consider how important components of public space could be rearranged. This simulation directly involves people in a range of public settings that they pass through or temporarily occupy. As the project engages people in a direct manipulation of potential designs and innovations, without the necessity of prolonged discussion, it can be envisioned as one of many important devices to understand people's concerns about public space and their ideas for potential changes.

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Tietgen Dormitory

By Lundgaard & Tranberg Architects

via archdaily

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21st century courtyard building. 

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As city dwellers, we’re prone to believing that the good life is found on a desolate beach far from the cacophony of any urban environment. Cities, to their credit however, actually make us much happier than we might otherwise believe.

Pierre Herman on the urban secret to happiness. (via thisbigcity)

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Market Cities: Barcelona Offers a Hopeful Glimpse of the Future

source : Project for Public Spaces

“Barcelona residents rank their public markets as the second most valuable public service after libraries” / Photo: PPS

Ever since freezers and preservatives freed us from the need to shop at food markets on a daily basis, the focus has shifted almost entirely to convenience, resulting in the proliferation of supermarkets and box stores. In the process, food has been disconnected from the natural cycle of daily life. “There’s a lot of talk about food deserts today, but what many neighborhoods really have are place deserts,” says PPS’s Steve Davies. “As a result, we’re seeing a movement back to the idea of the Market City, with markets acting as catalysts for creating centers in neighborhoods that have lost their sense of place.”

Market Cities are places with strong networks for the distribution of healthy, locally-produced food and other goods. They have large central markets that act as hubs for the region and function as great multi-use destinations, with many activities clustering nearby; moving out into the neighborhoods, these cities contain many smaller, but still substantial  neighborhood markets that sell all the necessities for daily needs; in between, you’ll find small corner grocers, weekly farmers markets, flea and artisan markets, produce carts, and other small-scale distribution points.

To build these strong networks, Market Cities have invested in their existing market activity, no matter how small, because it provides multiple economic, social, health and environmental benefits that are essential for creating vibrant, extraordinary places for people to live, work and play. These investments take the form of greater organizational capacity as well as improved physical infrastructure, which leads to a strong, positive impact on the entire community, including those that are often underserved and overlooked.

Barcelona is perhaps the best example of a modern Market City. “They have an incredibly thriving network of around 45 permanent public markets,” notes PPS’s Kelly Verel, “because when they planned out the city in the late 19th century, they considered markets the same way that you consider all utilities–like, where does the water go, the power, the garbage, etc.”

Barcelona markets expert Jordi Tolrà i Mabilon is not impressed with the megastores that have become a ubiquitous part of modern urban life. “I don’t like to call them ‘supermarkets because real markets are actually what’s super,” he joked, when he and Barcelona Vice Mayor Raimond Blasi recently met with public and farmers market leaders in New York. For the event, hosted at PPS headquarters, the duo came armed with some amazing statistics that should give hope to all of the market-lovers trying to turn today’s sterile food culture on its ear. For instance, did you know that of all the fruit, vegetables, and fish bought in Barcelona, the majority is bought at markets? Eight thousand vendors work at over 40 public markets throughout the city, supporting 65 million visitors a year and a €1 billion turnover.

“No matter where you are in Barcelona, you are never more than 10 minutes from a market” / Photo: Mercats de Barcelona

Public markets are a substantial economic driver in Barcelona—and one that makes plenty of room for small businesses and fine-grained economic development. Despite a devastating financial crisis in Spain, Barcelona is prioritizing funding to keep markets alive and modern. People use the markets daily and are using them even more in these tough economic times.

That’s no accident; Barcelona is widely regarded as one of the few cities in recent history to actually have grown stronger because it served as a host city for the Olympics (an event that has caused financial trouble for many) back in 1992. The city treated its pre-Games spending as an investment in the city’s overall improvement, and modernizing the system of public markets was identified as a key way to make Barcelona more livable and pleasurable for all of its residents. Barcelona bet on its future by revitalizing its public markets; and in turn, the booming markets have helped to revitalize Barcelona.

It is the markets’ role as cultural and social centers that generates much of the public support that leads to that type of investment. Barcelona residents rank their public markets as the second most valuable public service after libraries. No matter where you are in Barcelona, you are never more than 10 minutes from a market.What this means is that fresh food is accessible for all communities, and indeed, Barcelona’s markets are used more by disadvantaged groups than by wealthy populations.

The city’s impressive system of public markets offers us an important case study for how markets can function, even in a contemporary, globalized metropolis. Re-imagined as more complete places, these markets make it easier for residents to connect with their neighbors, especially when markets are located near other public services such as health care centers, libraries, and schools (which our esteemed guests make sure happens as often as possible). Traditional public markets, as we have often written, are about so much more than food. They are, like the cities that they support, about people. They are some of our most vital public spaces.

Just some food for thought, for the next time you’re standing alone in that brightly-lit line at the local “supermarket.”

[rikaandsilviaproject]

Top Ten Walkable Cities

Source :  Landscape Architects Network | landsarchs.com   

Just as birds were built to fly, humans were built to walk. The former mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, Enrique Peñalosa, said it best. He stated, “God made us walking animals, pedestrians. As a fish needs to swim, a bird to fly, a deer to run, we need to walk, not in order to survive, but to be happy.”

However, this concept does not hold true everywhere. Take for instance auto-centric cities such as Houston and Jakarta. As Jan Gehl, Danish architect and urban designer, believes, cities are meant for people, not cars.

Since summer is in full swing for a majority of the world, why not plan a trip with walkability in mind? Before booking, have a look at our most walkable destinations!

  Freedom Trail, Boston

10. Boston, Massachusetts

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it’s no surprise that Boston ranks as one of the most walkable cities. Whether you’re a history buff or just adventurous, take the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, which leads to 16 historic sites. Perhaps you want a view? Walk along Harborwalk, where you’ll discover public art, parks, and cafes. The Beacon Hill neighborhood is also a top spot for walking, as it is along the Freedom Trail.

Pitt Street, Sydney

9. Sydney, Australia

Sydney has gorgeous weather for most of the year, making it a reasonable feat to cover on foot. Start at the Rocks on the edge of the city center, then proceed to Circular Quay and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Throughout, soak in the famous sights such as the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. If you’re curious about the beaches, begin at Bondi Beach and walk two miles to Bronte, where you’ll be immersed amidst cliffs that line the Pacific Ocean. Stop at Manly or Tamarama Beach to partake in the art of people-watching.

Seawall, Vancouver

8. Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is a dense, compact city, featuring a great public transportation network and a comprehensive system for pedestrians and bicyclists. Take a stroll on the beautiful False Creek shoreline promenade to Granville Island and enjoy the public market, shops, and cafes. Stanley Park, an expansive urban park bordering downtown Vancouver, presents stellar views, inner city beaches, public art, and other natural amenities.

Tango at San Telmo, Buenos Aires

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina

As you travel from the airport, Buenos Aires seems like a sprawling metropolis over the eastern plains of Argentina. However, there’s no need to worry, as the central city is well devised for walking. As you walk, it’s hard to miss presidential palaces and grand churches, spontaneous tango sessions, and commerce. Yet the neighborhoods of Buenos Aires cater to all, especially on a Sunday in San Telmo, which features a lively, bohemian market comprised of shops, street performers, and artists. If you’re in the mood for something more elegant, be sure to explore Palermo, an all cobble area with tree-lined streets, bursting with boutiques and restaurants.

Celetná Street, Prague

6. Prague, Czech Republic

Explore the Royal Route, which got its name from the coronation processions of the Bohemian kings. Begin your trek at Prasna Brana, part of the original gates of the old city, and follow the silver arrows on the sidewalks along Celetná Street. Throughout this journey, take in the wonders of the House of the Black Madonna, the first cubist building in Europe. Follow this path to Old Town Square to experience the Astronomical clock.

Heroes’ Square, Budapest

5. Budapest, Hungary

The Danube River bisects the city, and both sides present an abundance of walking opportunities centered on history. Begin at Heroes’ Square, which features lavish monuments. Then venture to Andrassy Avenue and make sure to stop at the baroque Széchenyi baths to engage in the city’s bathing culture. At night, take a pub crawl and visit the city’s “ruin pubs” such as Ötkert or Szimpla Kert, where you will discover how the Hungarians party.

La Rambla, Barcelona

4. Barcelona, Spain

La Rambla, an expansive tree-lined pedestrian mall, sits at the heart of Barcelona. Here you will discover shops, street performers, vendors, and restaurants, making it a memorable place to walk. Walk along the Barcelona harbor pedestrian area and continue until you reach the Plaça de Catalunya, the city’s central square. Seeking historic architecture? Check out Gothic Quarter, which features 15th-century churches and plazas.

Camden High Street, London

3. London, United Kingdom

London is a collection of interesting neighborhoods, and it offers a plethora of attractive walks, including the Jubilee Walkway, London Loop, and Thames Path. Several companies offer guided tours that cover topics such as architecture, historic events, and ghosts. Often overlooked, the Regent district of London is a perfect location to walk, as it is situated along London’s inner canal system. With a comprehensive network of parks, historical attractions, and natural amenities, London is a walker’s dream.

Little Italy, NYC

2. New York City, New York

Take a stroll during rush hour on a weekday afternoon and you will spot fashionably dressed men and women sporting athletic shoes. New York is a walker’s paradise, and with gridded streets, which are clearly numbered, don’t worry about getting lost. Instead of establishing a set route, experience the city’s offerings through its distinct neighborhoods. The list of human-scaled neighborhoods best enjoyed by walking is lengthy, yet some of the best include: Village, Chelsea, SoHo, Upper West Side, East Village, and (how could you forget) Central Park! Expect to cover about 20 north-south blocks per mile at a moderate pace.

Pedestrian crossing in Paris

1. Paris, France

Packed with tree-lined streets, cobblestone side streets, sidewalk cafes, promenades along the Seine, and lanes blocked off to cars, Paris is an exhilarating city to experience by foot. An entire book can be written about walking in Paris, and it has already been done. So, instead, I will highlight a few key destinations. A favorite walking route is from Sacré-Coeur Basilica through Montmatre, where you will experience a weekend artists’ and produce market. If you are interested in palaces, gardens, and historic buildings, walk along the Right Bank of the Seine River, detouring slightly to absorb the Champs-Élysees and Place de la Concorde. However, I would recommend simply exploring, because intriguing experiences can be found throughout the city.

Although there are many walkable cities, I had to narrow it down to 10. Whether you’re an urbanist or a person interested in car-optional destinations, this list highlights exemplary locations where pedestrians flourish.

While not all cities are walkable, if you do live in a walkable environment and are uncertain of the value of walkability, I urge you to ditch your car for a month and discover the rewards, such as more discretionary income, less stress, and greater social interaction.

Article written by Brett Lezon

[rikaandsilviaproject]

The main street of Dharavi is lined with shops and small businesses; vegetable traders, hardware stores, convenience kiosks, a bank, supermarket and sari sellers. The streets are a throng of people; young, old, women, children, people shopping, people running errands and people going about their daily business.

In this real, not manufactured, street and community people interact; they talk, they laugh, they shake hands, they share, they drink Chai with friends, they buy, they sell, they trade. Children walk to school hand in hand, bicycles carrying cargo weave around the groups of chatting people, motorbikes slowly swerve around vegetable stalls and of course, the background noise is car drivers honking their horns.

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These structures are billboards masquerading as sources of useful public information. When you look at the pillars, it’s hard to find the maps, and this goes against the City’s own public space guidelines. How could City Hall allow this to happen? Beyond mere visual pollution, these pillars are a safety hazard. And Astral’s influence on our city is a public insult and embarrassment – more power has been given to those who already have the loudest voices, to the detriment of all who use these spaces.

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Dubbed Sum Times (itself a cute play on words) this latest street project by Aakash Nihalani skips the alpha and numeric and heads straight for the symbolic, turning everything from trash cans and dumpsters to windows and doors into educational equations.

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The facades of entire buildings are transformed with the larger-than-life painted silhouettes of Madrid-based street artist Sam3. Known for both the enormous scale of his work and the graphic simplicity of his figures, Sam3 gives decaying urban buildings a sense of mystery and wonder.

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Hatuey: Listening is the biggest thing, listening with a big ear.

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Imagine cities built for billions of people without a single freeway. No “flyovers.” No elevated roads or canyon-like depressed super-roads.

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A quote we found really inspirational during yesterday’s #CityTalk.

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How do we make public areas where strangers are encouraged to communicate with each other instead of stare into screens?

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Effective public spaces are extremely difficult to accomplish, because their complexity is rarely understood. As William (Holly) Whyte said, “It’s hard to design a space that will not attract people. What is remarkable is how often this has been accomplished.”

PPS has identified 11 key elements in transforming public spaces into vibrant community places, whether they’re parks, plazas, public squares, streets, sidewalks or the myriad other outdoor and indoor spaces that have public uses in common.

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The wave of floods that hit Britain in April focused attention, once again, on the vulnerability of homes in low-lying areas. Against a background of news images of householders baling out their homes, there were renewed calls to ban all building of new houses in flood-prone districts.

But what if a house could simply rise and fall with the waters? That’s the vision of Baca Architects, designers of the UK’s first ‘amphibious house’, which has just received planning permission for a site near Marlow, in Buckinghamshire, on the banks of the Thames.

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New national planning will enable Japanese cities to achieve smarter growth, boosting competition in global markets.