In Defense of Ornament

“We arrange around us material forms which communicate to us what we need - but are at constant risk of forgetting we need... " Alain de Botton, The architecture of Happiness.  

Acute ornamental deficiency

If only the jetpack commuter of the 21^st century were a stunning reality today, then indeed, _Ornament and craft in our surroundings could be regard with derision.

Yet, here we are - 2013, and we’re still confined to a sluggish planar existence of sidewalks and streets. Fortunately, with increased appreciation by designers and planners that a livable city is comprised of suitable, dignified and pleasing pedestrian realms, it’s , therefore fiting at this juncture to reconsider the visual austerity and monotony, which mid-century architecture enfolded considerable portion of our pedestrian sphere.  Adage such as; Less is More and Ornament is Crime, inspired a reductive, even dehumanizing aesthetic which came to dominate the “modernized” quarters of cities. To some extent, these conditions were and remain, largely, a response to the preeminence of private automobiles and the difficulties of storing so much steel and rubber; nonetheless, a renaissance of walkable cities should herald a responsive architectonics suited to a bipedal creature which posssesses an inherent penchant for stimulating environments.  

Even before permanent settlements or the concept of a built environment, there’s been a longing to replicate aspects of the natural or dream worlds in our surroundings.

Minimalism is a lofty objective for some design professionals. However, this principle seems incongruent with human nature. Almost instinctively youngsters eschew coloring books and take their creative expression to the alluring qualities of a blank wall.   

Significant ornamentation (mosque) - Not even divine mandates restricting the use of some imagery restrained human’s fanciful imagination. Manmade structure seem destined to approximate the richness and complexity of the natural world. 

Alongside the Classical Orders, architectural aesthetics have made extensive use of a variety of flora and fauna motifs.

No funtional application - a diminutive scroll pattern for the amusement of the keen passersby

Vandalism or art?

Certainly no consensus for the foreseeable future, nevertheless, today’s graffiti aesthetic owes its appeal, in large part, to urban decay and to the purveyors of mediocrity as novel design. 

The Food Truck Revolution

 

The food truck fad has seemingly spread to every corner of the country; particularly in urban centers, where they’ve rapidly become one of the top choices for eating Al Fresco.

Along with the almost limitless gastronomic array, food trucks often turn sidewalks, plazas, parks and even vacant lots into veritable social events.

Food trucks present a spirited pedestrians realm and an indispensable third- place, with a possible socio/ecological advantage to brisk and mortar eatery: reducing the number of motorist traveling across town, especially during lunch hour. In addition, this approach to lunchtime may curtail the endless lines of idling cars waiting for a turn at the drive-thru window.

 

 

 

 

Most of these mobile cafeterias take advantage of social sites, like Facebook and Twitter to maximize turnout at there upcoming locations. Some trucks encourage followers to vote on prospective locations for upcoming appearances. This is a new take on one fast-food giant’s adage: ‘…have it your way.’

 

 

 

 

 

Beside the current spike in gas prices and the perpetual parking frustrations, there seem to be an element of nostalgia to explain the precipitous growth of this food truck revolution. Perhaps, as a society we are yearning for a simpler time, - a bygone époque when some food staples were delivered to our doorsteps, or probably a personal childhood memory, in which the cacophony of the ice-cream truck engender a type of neighborhood-wide hysteria.

Typical Summer Affair in the City

Often the city’s environment, encircled by inert–manmade materials and multifaceted infrastructure, makes us perceive it as rigid, unyielding, - a somewhat indestructible objects of social organization. However, at its basic level, urban environs display attributes of an organic nature, such as; growth, decay, and sometimes regeneration.  And the summer months accentuate both the vulnerability and malleability of our metropolitan environment, given the variety of project undertaken on infrastructure. Certainly, these interventions add additional aggravations, in the way of noise and air pollution, not to mention impediments to vehicular and pedestrian circulation, however, these are, in most instances, vital component in maintaining this artifact of civilization we call cities, as functional/well-oiled machines.

sometimes aging infrastructure is to blame. Baltimore, MD -water main brake

Re-design and upkeep @ Union Station, Washington,D.C.

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Orange is deffinetly the "it' color for city landscapes

Market Economy Rising

In the past decades metropolitan areas have witnessed the rise of open air markets, in particular around those gentrifying and up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Whether they are fresh markets, antique, or arts & craft markets, such communal enterprises are experiencing a renaissance in today cities. In addition, they provide a rough sketch of the vibrancy and prospects of a given neighborhood, and/or of the community at-large.  These markets connect citizens to the source and method of their food production, and perform a civic role the ‘modern supermarket’ with its expediency and helpfulness never quite attained.

Perhaps, this demonstrates we have tried to build community erroneously around value and dimensions of the residential quarters, rather than dwellings following desired amenities and lifestyle…

@ Grand Army Plaza - Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY

Antique/vintage goods sales at Fells Point, Baltimore, MD

Art and Crafts Market, Brooklyn, NY

Sale of tapestries, JFX Farmer's Market, Baltimore, MD

Waterfront Sailabration, Baltimore 2012

The Inner Harbor is undoubtedly Baltimore’s most popular attraction, both for visitor and residents alike, and for the 2012 Star-spangled Sailabration this past June, the famed waterfront served as the epicenter for various activities commemorating Baltimore’s, and the State of Maryland contributions in the War of 1812.

Ironically for this occasion, the Harbor itself was something of a backdrop; a supporting role to the main attractions - dozens of naval vessels from around the world docked throughout the city’s piers. Above all, the Tall ships with their traditional rigging, striking profiles and their crew members immaculately uniformed.
An event such as this, highlight the value public spaces along bodies of water provide for high-profile civic activities, - and if such sites can establish some modicum of historical significance, such as in Sailabration; better yet.
This prospect of generating a new urban identity is one of the main reasons metropolitan areas with a waterfront are being realigned, adapted or in some instances turned inside-out to capitalize on what were until recently, neglected or previously blighted industrial zones. Therefore, municipalities and districts are feverously encouraging design firms to generate proposals to revitalize and/or re-envision these sites as tourism magnets and of commercial centers. Fortunately Baltimore has a head start on this paradigm.

Ecuadoran Navy: Guayas

Mast Mexican Navy: Guauhtemoc

Brazil's Navy: Cisne Branco

Little Libraries and Tactical Urbanism: Places: Design Observer

Little Libraries and Tactical Urbanism: Places: Design Observer

Hare Krishna Festival of India 2012