blog worthy

Towers of ilium has so far avoided scandals, harassment issues, accusations of fake news, Russian hackers, and truth.

Artificial materials are a critical part of architecture. The Egyptians and Greeks were constantly presenting stone as things that were not stone. Modern plastics manufacturers have carried the artifice of creation to the point where people no longer have a frame of reference for many materials. In some areas, the artificial products outperform their natural products in all areas. Consequently, natural materials become more prized for their irregularity, imperfections, and unreliability.

the density delusion

In places with land use regulations there will be a tendency towards prohibitions on density. So, paradoxically, if density if desired, then zoning codes have to be abolished. But what about Houston? 

This is from the city website:

The Department checks subdivision plats for the proper subdivision of land and for adequate street or right-of-way, building lines and for compliance with Chapter 42, the City’s land development ordinance. Development site plans are checked for compliance with regulations that include parking, tree and shrub requirements, setbacks, and access.

So, contrary to some claims, Houston does have ordinances that tends to encourage lower density--just like Manhattan. And, both are prone to flooding in certain areas. 

in seek of improvements

The indoor waiting area at North Station in Boston is probably the worst public space in the entire city. The negative attributes are too many to count, but we will try to list the most egregious architectural errors:

-Too small

-Bad lighting

-Bad colors

-Bad seating

-Bad acoustics

-Bad sightlines

-Bad restrooms

-Bad signage

With the exception of size, many of these problems could be remedied. Why was it designed so poorly in the first place?

plain sawn

Some readers have noticed the negative attitude towards architectural practice in recent blog posts. Towers of ilium apologizes for the tone, but not the content. Architecture thrives on constant criticism and revision. The aesthetic impact of anything built by humans--particularly shelters and infrastructure--is an essential component of culture. Diverse reactions are to be expected. When architecture drifts too far towards social engineering or when a designer takes an unequivocal stance on some issue, then it necessary to double down on skepticism. 

season ticket to a one way ride

This is important:

http://www.ocregister.com/2017/11/18/the-future-of-americas-suburbs-looks-infinite/

Kotkin makes the same solid arguments he has made in the past on this topic. One possibility he does not discuss is the possibility that current suburbs will increase in density as a consequence of improved transportation technology. This blog noted that the death of retail may open up land for more residential development.

Manufacturing may get automated to the point where it can move to more rural areas. Whatever happens, architecture is doomed.

augmented reality

Amazing opportunities for this technology abound. We list some:

-Architects will become obsolete. Clients will rely on algorithms that show them infinite ways to arrange spaces and furnishings. It will be a glorious time.

-People who own seafront property that has been inundated will be able to experience memories of these places through sophisticated simulation programs. Parties, walks on the beach, good meals, sunsets from the deck, etc....

-Certain celebrities will allow fans to tune into their everyday experiences. Watch them sleep, eat, meet with important people, and interact with fans who are tuned into the experience.

-When the aliens invade, no one will pay them any attention.

it can only cost more

An ongoing discussion is starting about the reconfiguration of the Mass Pike through the old railyards in Allston. Straightening out the highway, and removing some of the crumbling elevation sections, makes a lot of sense. The urban planning consultant hired by towers of ilium has made the modest suggestion that portions of the road should be built in conjunction with decks that can support buildings. This would double the cost of the construction but would improve the neighborhood in the long term. Comments are welcome--a public hearing will be held in Worcester on Monday morning.

new morning

Where does design go from here? And what is "here?"

-Sustainable architecture is a typical design service for many firms. Its execution is still too frequently a box to check for LEED certifiability but it still matters. Much of the modern built environment would be worse off without the principles of green architecture reaching mainstream use.

-There is still no good substitute for spray-foam insulation

-The retail apocaylpse  is coming, but it will free up land for more residential development. It will be a long, slow, and bitter process that will be spread unevenly throughout the country. 

copperhead roads

The political turmoil in the United States is frequently being described in terms of geography. Election maps paint a picture of of an urban/rural divide that has deep roots in racial segregation, de-industrialization, and drug abuse. The most cynical observer could envision the 48 states divided into three distinct countries consisting of a central heartland flanked by  two coastal mega-cities. Such an outcome would require some creative map drawing--and a lot of barbed wire. To pursue such a fantasy would reveal that the weaknesses of the rural zones are even more significant than most people realize. Despite the results of the most recent national election, the balance of trade and power is heavily skewed towards coastal cities -whether they are near fresh waterways or oceans.

Towers of ilium, quite naturally, has a bias towards the cities. Commerce, consumption, congestion, drama, and innovation are the essential elements of the city. The conventional role of rural areas as places where natural resources are harvested points to a grim future where huge robots dig and till with tireless efficiency.

the crisis of durability

Why did the Greeks paint stone? If we consider the relative longevity of various building materials the very necessity of paint comes into question. Is there an architect out there who refuses to use it?

cars in the sky and other fantasy stories

Major solutions to transportation problems are still far in the future. We can be sure that the solutions will not be perfect, and that the oldest among us will yearn for a golden age of open roads, clear sunsets, and V8 engines. Electric cars with self-operating software will be important, but the replacement period will be long and filled with some mishaps. Towers of ilium puts the odds of Tesla being in existence in 10 years at about 50%.

Oil is creeping above $60 a barrel. That's still too cheap.