how to derive place capital from the overlapping dimensions of an urban view

On January 6, 2014January 12, 2014 By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, placemaking, sustainability, urban juxtapositions, urban views, urbanism without effortLeave a comment

Third in the new series, in the urban world, juxtapositions matter

There are some moments in a city where the built environment—so much a focus of day-to-day urban affairs—dwarfs in comparison to the overlapping dimensions of other arenas.

In the photograph above, intensity of experience results from the components of boats atop the marine environment and the interaction of weather conditions and a mountain viewable from the city.

Such scenes are at the core of cities ranked for their beauty, or for their proximity to recreation and natural surroundings.

Taking notice of the juxtapositions of this photograph is to embrace the assets of a place. Value lies in the overlaps and blending that create an inspirational experience, not just in each element itself.

For more information on the role of personal experience in understanding the changing city, see Urbanism Without Effort, an e-book from Island Press.

in the urban world, juxtapositions matter

On January 1, 2014January 12, 2014 By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infill development, placemaking, sustainability, urban juxtapositions, urban views12 Comments

First in a new series. Next installment appears here

The photograph above is an early evening rendition of an urban mixed-use project underway, next to an abandoned house.

Nearby streetlights highlight the shadows of branches against both new and old construction. This is an urban juxtaposition of the physical variety, that overlays new and old, trees and houses and natural and artificial light.

I have thought a lot about such juxtapositions on New Year’s Day, and why they are points of context, focus and catalysts for today’s urban issues and debates.

These overlays align us towards discussion of sudden and gradual change, generational differences, public and private preferences, merger of cultures and business types, and mixing of land uses, transportation modes, and housing approaches. They are more than transitions, but focal points for who decides the urban agenda and who gets versus who pays. Accordingly, they drive urban politics and professional services—and we should know how to recognize and work with them.

Consider a handbook of urban juxtaposition types and associated guidance, from case studies to typologies to regulatory reform.

But first, we need to read the city to see where the juxtapositions are. As the photograph shows, they are often in plain sight, in familiar patterns of overlap and/or interdisciplinary layers. Look at a juxtaposition—and see confronting dilemmas, flashpoints and ripples in time—all of which are recognizable in the faces, spaces and places of everyday life.

In such imagery we can predict policy debates, neighbor opposition, conflicts of parent and child in a way that can inspire dialogue, a search for consensus, or outright conflict and confusion.

In the weeks that follow, you’ll see examples and further discussion as part of an ongoing series. For now, it’s a tease, with a vernacular photograph to think about and consider. Stay tuned for more.

For more information on the role of personal experience in understanding the changing city, see Urbanism Without Effort, an e-book from Island Press.

placemaking masters, part 3

On October 16, 2013 By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infill development, pedestrianism, placemaking, urban viewsLeave a comment

Senior placemakers ascend to the entry of a former Roman amphitheater, providing human contrast to indigenous colors of the morning light.

For more information on the role of personal experience in understanding the changing city, see Urbanism Without Effort, an e-book from Island Press.

finding urban ‘tethers’ in city places

On October 14, 2013October 14, 2013 By Chuck WolfeIn everyday urbanism, infill development, infrastructure, lessons learned, pedestrianism, placemaking, urban views, urbanism without effortLeave a comment

In London’s Russell Square one recent morning, I saw the human-scale “tether” illustrated above. Whether for safety or togetherness, parent and child traversed the square, each with strap in hand.

“Is this a cultural thing?”, I wondered while watching. Or was this just big-city caution on display, during travel from here to there?

In contrast, just days before, in Bastia, on the French island of Corsica, a more removed and indirect “tether” was clearly at play. In the wide-open Place Saint-Nicolas, two boys, seemingly alone, consulted without fear.

Unlike the Russell Square example, the physical distance between parent and child in Bastia seemed surprisingly trusting, fully immersed in the surrounding urban environment.

In the tradition of the open square, “eyes on the street” were everywhere in Bastia. If Russell Square was a path across green, then Place Saint-Nicolas was stage without curtain.

The inset in the photo above (as well as the larger photo below) show aerial views of the square, with arrows depicting viewpoints of parents who elected the more permissive, visual “tether” on that late summer day.

Notably. the flanking cafés along Boulevard du Général de Gaulle enhanced this captive, stage effect. The outcome honored any urbanist’s nostalgic quest for a livable public place. In the Place Saint-Nicolas, the view from its many vantage points stood in for the physical “tether” in the London example.

These photos and Google Earth aerials illustrate how culture, weather, purpose and urban form combine to define particular “tethers” between parent and child in the city. Sometimes literal and sometimes more subtle, such relationships are key to the rhythm of urban places today.

Images composed by the author in London and in Bastia (Corsica), France. Overhead views courtesy of Google Earth. Click on each image for more detail. © 2009-2013 myurbanist. All Rights Reserved. Do not copy.

For more information on the role of personal experience in understanding the changing city, see Urbanism Without Effort, an e-book from Island Press.

how places survive, the movie idea

On October 11, 2013 By Chuck WolfeIn compact development, everyday urbanism, housing, infrastructure, multimedia, placemaking, sustainability, urban abstractions, urban viewsLeave a comment

Earlier this week, in “contrasting two models of how places survive“, I compared two ways town forms can survive—by idea and in actual physical form—and underscored the truly critical ingredient, the people.

If that post (which also appeared in The Huffington Post, here) could be put to film, the trailer would look something like the recently updated, embedded video below.

Perhaps it’s time to take the idea to fruition, and produce the real thing.

For more information on the role of personal experience in understanding the changing city, see Urbanism Without Effort, an e-book from Island Press.

myurbanist

Category: urban views

how to derive place capital from the overlapping dimensions of an urban view

Like this:

in the urban world, juxtapositions matter

Like this:

placemaking masters, part 3

Like this:

finding urban ‘tethers’ in city places

Like this:

how places survive, the movie idea

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: