I apologize for the lapse in posts from me this month... February has been crazy and I have not devoted the necessary time to my blog. But, alas, I hope my post today will make up for all these ills.
I do not want to appear as though I am complaining about my busy and hectic month thus far; to be busy and hectic these days is truly a blessed thing. It's not news to anyone anymore that our economy has been shaken beyond anyone's wildest nightmare. It's difficult to walk anywhere without witnessing some aspect of the economy's downfall, whether it's the increased number of homeless on the street or the foreclosed home at the end of your block.
The greed that caused the current economic crisis can literally be seen dotting our urban fabric in the form of undeveloped city lots, abandoned homes, or large vacant warehouses (once planned as the latest lifestyle center, fully equipped with an organic grocery store, high rise condominiums, and the trendiest boutiques).
Yes, it's depressing! But with all this said, there is some inspiring and innovative thought out there centered around uplifting and reshaping the urban landscape, which will be my focus for today's post.
So here's to making the best of what we have and the time in which we live... now for some happy thoughts!
I was reading my February issue of Dwell magazine (I know, I'm behind on everything right now) and came across a short editorial titled "Empty Lots" that struck me due to the simple yet resonating message to developers and landowners: do SOMETHING. Rather than plaster the future site of your shimmering and hip high-rise with "coming soon" signs that are surrounding by weeds, trash, and unmaintained sidewalks (yes, I am thinking of a particular site on my walk from work, cough, livetwotwentytwo.com), why not offer your future neighbors and potential clientele something positive to look at every day?
Yes, I know, we all know... everything comes down to the bottom dollar, but the thing I love about the Dwell article is that it presents the case of revitalizing vacant urban lots in a way that makes financial sense. Even the sleaziest developer couldn't argue this logic...
Publicity-seeking developer's could hire local architects, designers, and artists to create interim landscapes that would at least look pretty from surrounding buildings. We won't call them parks, as this would imply a more permanent use that neighbors could potentially scream about being taken away when (or if) the development of the future high-rise does commence. At least, in lieu of a full fledged park, there could be some visual interest and creativity implanted into our tattered and forlorn cities... but how does this make financial sense? A couple of simple and fantastic concepts.
First, the basic notion that perception is reality. If you perceive a place to be unmaintained, unsafe, and ugly, this image will not only stick, it will spread to others within the community. Where you once had an up-and-coming area on the edge, you end up with a battle scarred neighborhood on the brink of collapse! Any developer with sense would realize a community like this is not the place for their new hipster hotel.
Secondly, for those in doubt of the logic and/or potential altruism above, the Dwell magazine article suggests an interesting funding source to accomplish these urban projects: local government could let landowners credit the expense against the development fees that are due when construction begins. I think this is an idea with some real potential. It benefits cities by reducing the potential for crime and the need for added security in these neighborhoods, while giving the cash-strapped landowners and developers a nice incentive. Think of it as an urban bailout...
The design could be as simple as a geometric, manicured plaza or a more unique and artistic display... whatever the product, the commission would be much needed for out-of-work design professionals and the product would help maintain a positive and uplifting image within the community.
