Wow, New Acropolis Museum and Urban Farming
I love this. It encompasses a total grasp of classical concepts, with a conversion to modern architecture. Beautiful wraps of glass, stunning horizontal and vertical planes, and interesting angles. Looks like I found another reason to get myself to the Acropolis.
Architects: Bernard Tschumi Architects
Location: Athens, Greece
Associate Architect: ARSY
Bernard Tschumi Architects Team: Bernard Tschumi; Architect and Lead Designer Joel Rutten; Project Architect, Adam Dayem, Aristotelis Dimitrakopoulos, Jane Kim, Eva Sopeoglou, Kim Starr, Anne Save de Beaurecueil, Jonathan Chace, Robert Holton, Valentin Bontjes van Beek, Liz Kim, Daniel Holguin, Kriti Siderakis, Michaela Metcalfe, Justin Moore, Joel Aviles, Georgia Papadavid, Allis Chee, Thomas Goodwill, Véronique Descharrières, Christina Devizzi
ARSY Team: Michael Photiadis; Principal, George Kriparakos, Nikos Balkalbassis, Philippos Photiadis, Jaimie Peel, Niki Plevri, Maria Sarafidou, Makis Grivas, Elena Voutsina, Manoulis Economou, Anastassia Gianou, Miltiadis Lazaridis, Dimitris Kosmas
Structure: ADK and ARUP
Mechanical and Electrical: MMB Study Group S.A. and ARUP
Civil: Michanniki Geostatiki and ARUP
Acoustics: Theodore Timagenis
Lighting: ARUP, London
General Contractor: Aktor
Project Area: 21,000 sqm
Project Year: 2003–2009
Photographs: Courtesy of Bernard Tschumi Architects
via Archdaily.
URBAN FARMING: GOOD
I think GOOD is becoming one of my favorite information sources for all things I love. They have a really interesting article, written by Peter Smith on future farming. Urban farming was a topic I studied for an environmental science class while in school. It is an idea that I see totally viable for reclaiming vacant or unoccupied land in cities all over the globe. If you are interested and have a couple of minutes I suggest checking out the article. This idea could do a lot to decrease our dependence on oil and bring local jobs. Forward thinking my friends! I need to work on my green thumb.
Seedbombs and Walking in L.A.
Designed by L.A.’s Common Studio, the Seedbomb project has made it’s first installation in San Francisco. They use old gum ball machines, fill them with clay balls full of seeds to assist in spreading the gorilla guerilla gardening movement. This project helps to turn otherwise dead, grey, and vacant locations into colorful, life filled spaces.
This project needs support and you can help. For a minimum $1.00 pledge you can help fund this. Go here and help out. Find out more about this over at Inhabitat.
“Nobody walks in L.A.”, at least that’s what Missing Persons sang about. Over at GOOD, Ryan Bradley has started a series discussing walking in Los Angeles, and how to open the city to pedestrian friendly transportation. Narrow roads that are friendly to on-foot transportation are a staple for European cities. It brings neighbors closer together — which strengthens the bond of their inhabitants. It builds micro-economic markets and enriches culture. Both of which could use some help in my neighborhood.
I am a strong advocate for pedestrian friendly cities. It’s part of the reasons my friends have to put up with my biased love for Northwest Portland — my favorite and former neighborhood. I now live right on Cesar E Chavez Blvd; which is horrific for foot travel and keeps me from enjoying my neighborhood. I just don’t see the bond between people the way I did living in a close, walk friendly part of town. I’m glad someone is starting to ask these questions in Los Angeles. It could go a long way towards our continued efforts to build smarter transportation systems through better urban planning. It could also help small local based businesses open doors and thrive.
