Category: infrastructure

learning from “the crossing” and “the urban bench”

On By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infrastructure, pedestrianism, sustainability, urban views2 Comments

I’ve often written that there is no substitute for imagery that humanizes urban trends and brings to life popular city pastimes.

The two black and white photographs below are no exception, and, by design, need little interpretation. One is passive, the other active, but together they illustrate the increasingly shared nature of the American city street.

In “The Crossing”, a distant pedestrian shows the way to the protagonist, as she forcibly takes back the street with willful abandon.

In “The Urban Bench”, three women–one independent of the others–share a space carved out for sitting, observing and interacting with the urban fabric.

In the end, both “The Crossing” and “The Urban Bench” invite reflection, and infuse a European flair to otherwise traditional American asphalt settings.

All images composed by the author. ©2012 Charles R. Wolfe

the revealing illumination of an urban moon

On By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infrastructure, placemaking, urban views2 Comments

The reflective prowess of a summer’s lunar light enhances the tension between the constructed and the natural. In the image above, wires cross the moon, and built incursions frame the water, all working explanations of how a city can create a new sense of place.

Image composed by the author.

placemaking with paper

On By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infrastructure, pedestrianism, placemaking7 Comments

The role of color in cities is a common focus, and dramatic results are often easily achieved. With minimal effort, bland infrastructure becomes more welcoming, as temporary urban art installations explore the limits of the livable city.

Image composed by the author.

what urban locks tell us as passers-by

On By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infrastructure2 Comments

By day and night, traditional gateways create barriers between public and private spaces.

Sometimes more symbolic than secure, the urban lock speaks to tradition and reality. The skillful can break through, but most will respect the craftsmanship as a sign to be honored.

It does not take long to see the diverse forms of urban locks, sometimes almost comically layered to fend off the feared.

Sometimes, the lock as symbol is apparently an insufficient bar, and the passerby sees a second layer of signage. suggesting the sound of the urban alarm.

All images composed by the author.

about urban resilience on a darker day

On By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infrastructure, pedestrianism, placemaking, sustainability, urban views3 Comments

Successful cities have always blended human activity, natural systems and the built environment with easy grace.

Here, in that tradition, Portugal’s second city recently embraced the rain. In the image below, climate and river, bridge and bystanders inspired, even amid the misplaced darkness of a Spring storm.

Image of Porto, Portugal composed by the author. Click for more detail.