Christopher Alexander at the Urban Design Group in London on the 23rd of November 2011. The great man speaks at a relaxed evening talk, introduced by John Worthington; a memorable talk for all who were there. There are 9 clips in all… worth having a listen. With thanks to Brian Hamilton for posting these.
Land Value Model, Copenhagen, Denmark
“Pattern 134. Zen View. If there is a beautiful view, don’t spoil it by building huge windows that gape incessantly at it. Instead, put the windows which look onto the view at places of transition - along paths, in hallways, in entry ways, on stairs, between rooms.”
Alexander, Christopher, Sara Ishikawa, and Murray Silverstein. A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. New York: Oxford UP, 1977. Print. (via backyardgetaways)
Project Update
Urb has been appointed by Digital Realty Trust to provide professional planning advice as part of the design team to develop their facility at Profile Park, West Dublin. Richard Hamilton of Urb was planning advisor for the Masterplan, EIS and Planning Application for Profile Park which was granted permission in 2007. Profile Properties’ commitment to the implementation of the masterplan’s roads and services infrastructure to the highest quality, is reflected in the current investment at the site, with Google recently choosing Profile Parrk for their date centre.
Autolib, Une révolution Urbaine
The Vélib’Bike Sharing scheme has had a huge impact on cities throughout Europe. Now the next step with the electirc car. Paris is taking the lead again with the commencement of Autolib; the electric car sharing scheme. Links to website and articles:
http://www.autolib.eu
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-15134136
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/04/business/global/paris-tests-short-term-rentals-of-electric-cars.html?_r=1
(Posted by Edésio Elias Lopes M.Sc Eng at UFSC - on Portogente.com with link to LInkedIn Urbanist Group)
TIF redevelopment projects
Los Angeles Street Lighting Project
Incredible impact of small measures on a city-wide scale.
The Clinton Foundation is working with the city of Los Angeles to retrofit more than 140,000 streetlights with LEDs — the largest retrofit project of its kind in the world. When complete, the project will reduce carbon emissions by up to 40,500 tons annually, the equivalent of taking 6,700 vehicles off the road every year. Video courtesy of the mayor’s office of the city of Los Angeles.
(Posted by Robert A. Garcia BSCM Founder, Construction Management and Sustainability Assc. on LinkedIn Urbanist Group)
Project Update:
Urb brings success to National Roads Authority (NRA) at arbitration.
Urb has provided professional planning services to the NRA for over a year, representing the authority’s interest at Property Arbitration. Richard Hamilton AIPM MIPI MRTPI of Urb presented evidence on lands relating to the development of new Motorway Service Areas on the M1, contributing to the acceptance of the authority’s unconditional offer. Richard Hamilton had previously represented the NRA at Oral Hearing before An Bord Pleanala, in achieving planning permission for the Motorway Service Areas on the M1.
nytimes. click to view large.
Taming the mean streets: A talk with NYC transportation chief Janette Sadik-Khan.
grist.org, 21.12.10.
(via irishboyinlondon)
(via sunfoundation)
