About this time last year I started this little blog thing on TOIstudio as an effort to find a place to share my interests and critique. In that long year I have managed a semi-regular posting operation (broken up by recent events which I will soon share), have made some good friends, made some people angry (which is always a goal of mine) and raised some interest and concern in arenas which I find worthy.
Good.
This year is time to even further create change. I am attempting to start a Cleveland Chapter of Architecture for Humanity and we are having our first 'meeting' July 12th. You can check out the website for more information and to become involved yourself.
TOIstudio is also moving to actual physical location. I don't mean that it is moving to a desk, but to an actual workshop/studio/gallery with the hopes of creating an 'idea incubator' for sustainable and socially progressive project creation and development. You could say that I am moving to a giant garage, but I prefer to call it a loft.
My intentions so far are thus. Do some good, share some knowledge, figure science stuff out and try to keep myself amused and busy enough to not get too bored and mean.
Anyway, those are the current reasonings behind my llackadaisical sporadic posting. Once I get my computer set back up and the studio up and running more I should be right back on the horse.
Thanks for bearing with me.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Monday, July 02, 2007
New |re|Design Cleveland Charrette!
Yet another design opprotunity for all you cats and kittens out there no doubt aching for the opprotunity to sketch something for no other reason then to make you happy.Go on over to reDesign Cleveland and check out the new charrette.
If you want to find out about the new charrettes even quicker (or at least as quick as me) then you can suscribe to their list-serve. Heady times indeed!
Friday, June 29, 2007
boxes and packing tape - TIMMMMMMBER!
I laugh only because if I don't I may throw up.
The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the demolition of the Breuer tower this morning further cementing Cleveland as a town of little artistic integrity in the hearts of many.
Not a totally glib article, which I appreciate.
Although perhaps good may come out of this. Either the local design community, so outraged at the spurious indifference given to logic and design may come together and force an explosive movement or they just may move out, like so many great designers have done for decades past.
I will be around for a little while at least. I just signed a new lease.
I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the abortion of a design that will soon be hidden in our fractured skyline. That thing has some high expectations to live up to. Although I doubt this is the last we will hear of this saga.
The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the demolition of the Breuer tower this morning further cementing Cleveland as a town of little artistic integrity in the hearts of many.
Not a totally glib article, which I appreciate.
Although perhaps good may come out of this. Either the local design community, so outraged at the spurious indifference given to logic and design may come together and force an explosive movement or they just may move out, like so many great designers have done for decades past.
I will be around for a little while at least. I just signed a new lease.
I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the abortion of a design that will soon be hidden in our fractured skyline. That thing has some high expectations to live up to. Although I doubt this is the last we will hear of this saga.
Plain Dealer offers fact and fiction, up to readers to figure out for self.
I suppose the purpose of an editorial is to comment, in simple terms, upon a subject regardless of whether or not one is an authority upon a certain topic in order to appear to have a grasp of said object of ire. I just wish that people that offer editorials, especially journalists, would attempt to utilize the same rules of journalistic integrity that they hopefully studied from an accredited college and not as ideals gleaned from network television. I honestly believe that the print news is our last bastion of domestic information and honestly strives to not be too swayed by local government or the opions of its readers instead it attempts to fulfill its goal of factual accounts for the rest of us to make informed opinions based upon. I admit I typically get my news from such 'liberal based outlets' as the BBC and Reuters but for civic and domestic issues I necessitate the local newspaper to keep me informed.
I may just have to give up and start reading the weekly free mags.
Today the Plain Dealer published a general editorial regarding how the Planning Commission should push forward and approve the County's demolition of the Breuer Ameritrust Tower. I understand the difference in opinions. Truly, I think that opposing points of view are great. What concerns me is when a newspaper spouts information that appears to have been spoon fed to them as independant thoughts deserving to masquerade as such.
Seriously, the tower can't withstand the earthaquakes that the region is known for? Is this a new thing? All the other points raised have been dealt with and could be dealt with by a design team led by the laziest intern. They really don't require that much thought and have been refuted again and again and again and again. In fact, one design team even shared their presentation on how to solve many of those problems at a public meeting (perhaps no one from the PD attended?).
How to consolidate offices? Communicating stairs can be used to connect multiple floors which can be cut open to create grand spaces for each department and can radiate from centrally located meeting spaces (which can be shared).
Low floor to floor for all the new technology and 'hi-tech' wiring? Really? As our technology increases we need MORE SPACE? Doesn't that seem counter intuitive? Exposed spiral ductwork, radiant slab heating/cooling (you only need to add a 2" topping slab to the existing - which could also enclose electrial and telecommunication conduit), soffited plumbing around the perimeter which would not obstruct views from the windows, those are some ideas off the top of my head. Heck, the most hi-tech of all wiring systems is to go, well, wireless.
Windows are leaky? So, replace the glass. That has to be cheaper then replacing the entire skin of the building.
Asbestos is pervasive? Please look at these photos of the Tower under construction and notice that the panels appear to be fastened to the bare steel. The asbestos must have been used primarily as fireproofing and is not as 'pervasive' as mentioned. Regardless, rehab or demolition, the panels would have to be removed and cleaned with either option. The only difference is whether they are reinstalled or thrown out.
It seems that the application of any thought could easily offer solutions to any of the 'arguments for the building's demise' that the county/Plain Dealer could offer.
I may just have to give up and start reading the weekly free mags.
Today the Plain Dealer published a general editorial regarding how the Planning Commission should push forward and approve the County's demolition of the Breuer Ameritrust Tower. I understand the difference in opinions. Truly, I think that opposing points of view are great. What concerns me is when a newspaper spouts information that appears to have been spoon fed to them as independant thoughts deserving to masquerade as such.
Seriously, the tower can't withstand the earthaquakes that the region is known for? Is this a new thing? All the other points raised have been dealt with and could be dealt with by a design team led by the laziest intern. They really don't require that much thought and have been refuted again and again and again and again. In fact, one design team even shared their presentation on how to solve many of those problems at a public meeting (perhaps no one from the PD attended?).
How to consolidate offices? Communicating stairs can be used to connect multiple floors which can be cut open to create grand spaces for each department and can radiate from centrally located meeting spaces (which can be shared).
Low floor to floor for all the new technology and 'hi-tech' wiring? Really? As our technology increases we need MORE SPACE? Doesn't that seem counter intuitive? Exposed spiral ductwork, radiant slab heating/cooling (you only need to add a 2" topping slab to the existing - which could also enclose electrial and telecommunication conduit), soffited plumbing around the perimeter which would not obstruct views from the windows, those are some ideas off the top of my head. Heck, the most hi-tech of all wiring systems is to go, well, wireless.
Windows are leaky? So, replace the glass. That has to be cheaper then replacing the entire skin of the building.
Asbestos is pervasive? Please look at these photos of the Tower under construction and notice that the panels appear to be fastened to the bare steel. The asbestos must have been used primarily as fireproofing and is not as 'pervasive' as mentioned. Regardless, rehab or demolition, the panels would have to be removed and cleaned with either option. The only difference is whether they are reinstalled or thrown out.
It seems that the application of any thought could easily offer solutions to any of the 'arguments for the building's demise' that the county/Plain Dealer could offer.
I also find it ridiculous that this whole conversation exists in a vacuum lacking any sort of design strategy or solution from the selected 'design team'.
Talk about being disingenuous.
Special thanks to Cleveland Skyscapers dot com
Monday, June 25, 2007
Litt takes it to the mat!
I just wanted to point out Steve Litt's recent article about the Breuer tower.
I want to single out this statement, one I am sure Hagan would hate to have haunt him for the rest of his shortlived career.
"Hagan responded angrily in an interview with Plain Dealer reporter Tom Breckenridge.
"This is beyond anything I've confronted in my political life," Hagan said. "An unelected group dictating to commissioners what kind of building should be built in a city where the mayor and City Council president support it. That's exactly what's wrong with the city." "
Exactly 'what is wrong with the city' is when the general population want to be properly represented by their city officials. Really crazy and awful of us, isn't it? To expect our officials to do what is best for their constituates instead of their egos seems to much of a task for our county to bear. Although what would you expect from someone who doesn't even listen to the planning department of their very own office in regards to what is best for the region?
Don't forget to save room for the general response, pay special attention to Mr. Tom Purvis of Sandusky, Ohio's letter about the 'leaky window' problem.
Fantastic!
I want to single out this statement, one I am sure Hagan would hate to have haunt him for the rest of his shortlived career.
"Hagan responded angrily in an interview with Plain Dealer reporter Tom Breckenridge.
"This is beyond anything I've confronted in my political life," Hagan said. "An unelected group dictating to commissioners what kind of building should be built in a city where the mayor and City Council president support it. That's exactly what's wrong with the city." "
Exactly 'what is wrong with the city' is when the general population want to be properly represented by their city officials. Really crazy and awful of us, isn't it? To expect our officials to do what is best for their constituates instead of their egos seems to much of a task for our county to bear. Although what would you expect from someone who doesn't even listen to the planning department of their very own office in regards to what is best for the region?
Don't forget to save room for the general response, pay special attention to Mr. Tom Purvis of Sandusky, Ohio's letter about the 'leaky window' problem.
Fantastic!
Oh, taxes, you so crazy!
The sales tax increase is threatening to overshadow the decision to raze the Breuer Tower as the dumbest thing the County Administration could possibly do now. Although the two actions are related (in that the sales tax would raise money for the new administration building) they appear to be two seperate instances of insanity.
I am not arguing against the sales tax. Nor the application of a sales tax for a convention center. Not yet anyway. I am arguing that they want to pass the tax increase without the vote of the general public. The very people that will, well, pay the tax.
The headlines have been abuzz of late. WCPN had a very interesting discussion (mp3) this morning. Then I got sent an email pointing me to a petition to, um...
Without asking voter approval, the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners appears poised to approve a 0.25% increase to the existing 7.5% sales tax in Cuyahoga County, whose citizens already endure the highest sales taxes in Ohio, while at the same time, has some of the poorest and over-burdened residents in the nation. In the proposal, the purpose of this increase is to build a new Convention Center and to attract Medical Mart to the community in an unproven effort to generate revenue for Cuyahoga County. The Convention Center and its funding have been controversial from the beginning with the public, and this is just a way for the Commissioners to circumvent voter approval. Additionally, other communities around the country, including nearby communities in Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati) and in Pittsburgh, have required private contributions from companies who stand to benefit from publicly funded construction (examples: sports stadiums and Pittsburgh's arena/casino plan). Those who will benefit most are not the citizens funding the construction through the tax. As usual, it will be a small number of corporations who benefit. Instead of exacting the entire burden of the project on the public with an increase in the sales tax, we are asking the Commissioners to look at other possibilities for Convention Center funding, including asking those who will profit most from the Convention Center (Forest City, Medical Mart) to contribute private money OR put the sales tax proposal to a public vote.
Right.
Well, I don't know if the County Administrators care about what the people want or think actually. I doubt they listen to the sort of logic and reason that the rest of us enjoy.
I am not arguing against the sales tax. Nor the application of a sales tax for a convention center. Not yet anyway. I am arguing that they want to pass the tax increase without the vote of the general public. The very people that will, well, pay the tax.
The headlines have been abuzz of late. WCPN had a very interesting discussion (mp3) this morning. Then I got sent an email pointing me to a petition to, um...
Without asking voter approval, the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners appears poised to approve a 0.25% increase to the existing 7.5% sales tax in Cuyahoga County, whose citizens already endure the highest sales taxes in Ohio, while at the same time, has some of the poorest and over-burdened residents in the nation. In the proposal, the purpose of this increase is to build a new Convention Center and to attract Medical Mart to the community in an unproven effort to generate revenue for Cuyahoga County. The Convention Center and its funding have been controversial from the beginning with the public, and this is just a way for the Commissioners to circumvent voter approval. Additionally, other communities around the country, including nearby communities in Ohio (Columbus, Cincinnati) and in Pittsburgh, have required private contributions from companies who stand to benefit from publicly funded construction (examples: sports stadiums and Pittsburgh's arena/casino plan). Those who will benefit most are not the citizens funding the construction through the tax. As usual, it will be a small number of corporations who benefit. Instead of exacting the entire burden of the project on the public with an increase in the sales tax, we are asking the Commissioners to look at other possibilities for Convention Center funding, including asking those who will profit most from the Convention Center (Forest City, Medical Mart) to contribute private money OR put the sales tax proposal to a public vote.
Right.
Well, I don't know if the County Administrators care about what the people want or think actually. I doubt they listen to the sort of logic and reason that the rest of us enjoy.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Local firm beats out international competition?! Well, not here.
Nope, in Belfast where local Belfast firm Hackett + Hall Architects romped out the competition of more then 100 international firms for the prize of designing the Belfast Metropolitan Arts Center which will replace the Old Museum Arts Centre.
The competition was organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
I could easily take the time and effort to state some observations about local firms being turned away from projects, or very seclusive RFP (request for proposal) invitations, or even how some institutions constantly run interesting competitions in order to attract the best design work.
But I won't, I am too busy packing stuff up. TOIstudio should be moving to new actual physical digs soon which will hopefully include some interesting studio and gallery space. Keep your peepers peeled for an update. Lots of work to do!
The competition was organized by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
I could easily take the time and effort to state some observations about local firms being turned away from projects, or very seclusive RFP (request for proposal) invitations, or even how some institutions constantly run interesting competitions in order to attract the best design work.
But I won't, I am too busy packing stuff up. TOIstudio should be moving to new actual physical digs soon which will hopefully include some interesting studio and gallery space. Keep your peepers peeled for an update. Lots of work to do!
Breuer Tower Ingenuity Extension
Well, the deadline for the Ingenuity Fest 2007's 'what would YOU do with the Breuer Tower?' has been moved to accommodate international interest (and possibly to get all the lazy Clevelanders involved somewhat so Steve Litt doesn't have to write an article about how we don't even care about things going on in our own backyard).
If one were so inclined to look for information on the subject, one could click here, just ignore the deadline on that flyer, AIA Cleveland does try to be on top of things, this one was just a quick change.
Of course, with the slimy as all get out way that the County is attempting to raise the money for their admin building project one would have to wonder if maybe there is anyway to knock sense into that infernal machine. Seriously, am I the only person suspect of a tax increase that doesn't HAVE TO BE VOTED ON BY THE GENERAL POPULATION in which money is earmarked for a highly contested COUNTY BUILDING which already reeks of corruption and poor decision making? I think the idea of a convention center and medical mart in the city is fine. Good. Bring people here. Heck, if we get a convention center maybe the Rock Hall could host something in this town. Maybe a one of a kind medical mart could tap into our educational prowess and put this region on the map for something other then being poor. Just don't try to tack on a rider to fund some awful project that will be a black eye for the city.
Although the whole debacle does seem like good practice for someone if they are making a run for the capital. Pork barrel spending on our small town seems like a bad idea. A friend of mine keeps wondering, how much money could the county save if they cut out some of the deadwood in their current administration? I don't know. Maybe enough for another Silver Line?
Just sayin' is all.
If one were so inclined to look for information on the subject, one could click here, just ignore the deadline on that flyer, AIA Cleveland does try to be on top of things, this one was just a quick change.
Of course, with the slimy as all get out way that the County is attempting to raise the money for their admin building project one would have to wonder if maybe there is anyway to knock sense into that infernal machine. Seriously, am I the only person suspect of a tax increase that doesn't HAVE TO BE VOTED ON BY THE GENERAL POPULATION in which money is earmarked for a highly contested COUNTY BUILDING which already reeks of corruption and poor decision making? I think the idea of a convention center and medical mart in the city is fine. Good. Bring people here. Heck, if we get a convention center maybe the Rock Hall could host something in this town. Maybe a one of a kind medical mart could tap into our educational prowess and put this region on the map for something other then being poor. Just don't try to tack on a rider to fund some awful project that will be a black eye for the city.
Although the whole debacle does seem like good practice for someone if they are making a run for the capital. Pork barrel spending on our small town seems like a bad idea. A friend of mine keeps wondering, how much money could the county save if they cut out some of the deadwood in their current administration? I don't know. Maybe enough for another Silver Line?
Just sayin' is all.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
It isn't about 'camping'
Last Friday (June 15th) Cleveland police closed down the "tent city" under the pedestrian bridges by Cleveland Browns Stadium. Officials claimed it wasn't because they were creating an eyesore but rather that the area was not equipped to handle a tent city.Quick link you can google more.
Meanwhile some communities are attempting to raise awareness to the plight of the homeless by creating their own tent villages in protest. The actions are already spurring an increase in awareness and funding which will increase the operating hours of shelters and provide safer environments for those in need.
Now Cleveland does have some image issues (ghost town of a downtown, severe lack of nightlife/entertainment, major downtown cultural institutions randomly closed, declining population) but our homeless situation seems like one that we could actually attempt to handle. There are solutions coming into place such as Emerald Commons which is providing housing and services to homeless and disabled individuals and there are many models to look up to such as
I am curious, what with all the landbank, empty, vacant land around the city, would there be an issue with creating a place that has access to public washroom and perhaps some power? I know the argument against allowing the homeless to camp anywhere is that the locations they choose are not camp grounds (and the NIMBY mentality). Perhaps the simple solution may be to provide some sort of facility that offers the freedom many desire but still provides the basic services to promote some ideas of health (clean, running water, etc).
I don't know, it is early and I am tired.
Some good links...
Cleveland Homeless blog
Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeles
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bus Rapid Transit 2007 Planning Guide
I know I had mentioned Kent State's Transit Waiting Environment before and may have mentioned how I was extremely disappointed with the new Silver Line stations, not only aesthetically but also because they were not designed nor fabricated in Cleveland.Anyway.
The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy recently released their BRT Planning Guide - June 2007 which is full of interesting case studies, diagrams, etc. I highly suggest you take a gander at this (or some of it) 824 page pdf document. Oh yeah, it is a biggie!
In it are specific examples of busways versus buslanes, how to control use, how to masterplan and how to fund as well as some infrastructure cost calculators.
Break Time
TOIstudio will be taking a vacation for a bit. I am not trying to forsake all my 'blogospherical friends' or what not. I just need some me time to figure out, well, the future. TOIstudio is attempting to create an actual physical existence in the form of an actual experimental design studio and that is taking up a lot of my time.
I should be back soon, maybe.
Until then go ahead and forward on an article about how to begin being green brought to you by the good people over at Treehugger.
I should be back soon, maybe.
Until then go ahead and forward on an article about how to begin being green brought to you by the good people over at Treehugger.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I don't even know anymore
I find it increasingly difficult to be positive lately. I don't know if this is an occurrence due to a multitude of factors or a result of a singular event. What I do know is that it seems increasingly difficult to not walk up to people and slap them in the face.
Daryl Davis sent this to my email, which I appreciate. A nice little account of the Planning Commissions meetings regarding the Breuer Tower. A building that I once intoned on this very internet site that I was entirely indifferent to. Oh, how the world has embittered me.
Now I realize just how for saving that building I am, and not for the reasons that I think most would want to realize.
I think it should be saved if only to prove that the people have a voice, that a concerted effort to speak out against a ruthless and unformulated plan will prove that logic and common sense will prevail.
I think it should be saved because Cleveland has a history. One that is constantly under threat of being torn up to create suburbs, of being emptied to create lifestyle centers, of being forgotten to hasten 'social engineering' and of being demolished to fabricate icons to egos.
I think it should be saved because right now it being demolished for unverified reasonings is in essence the acceptance of a lie. Allowing it to fall is to say that those who can lie, cheat and steal the best should do the thinking for the rest of us. It says that as a city we are all dupes and will accept whatever we are fed.
It should be saved because we don't know what is going in its place. Perhaps I would be more willing to accept the fate of the tower, even though it flies in the face of any logic I could apply, if only there was a semblance of what was to come. Perhaps I fear the bait and switch more then anything. Promise me a green icon for the city and put a parking lot in its place. I almost expect that to actually occur.
It should be saved because a government building has no place on a financial district corner, let alone that particular financial district corner. Personally I think that location was chosen so Dimorra (cheese-steak dangling from the corner of his mouth) could watch an Indians game without exerting himself too much. One would think the County would want a building by all the other federal buildings, perhaps so that they could interact or something. I don't know. Maybe this is the new 'de-centralized de-regionalized regional government' thing that will sweep the nation and show how progressive we are.
I think it should be saved because as someone who was trained as an architect, as someone who hopes to actually make a difference, as someone who attempts rational thinking mixed with empathy and attempts to understand the needs of others, I cannot for the life of me make a good argument to tear it down, no matter how many lunches I spend staring at it trying to figure it out.
No sir, I can't.
Special thanks to Gloria Ferris.
Daryl Davis sent this to my email, which I appreciate. A nice little account of the Planning Commissions meetings regarding the Breuer Tower. A building that I once intoned on this very internet site that I was entirely indifferent to. Oh, how the world has embittered me.
Now I realize just how for saving that building I am, and not for the reasons that I think most would want to realize.
I think it should be saved if only to prove that the people have a voice, that a concerted effort to speak out against a ruthless and unformulated plan will prove that logic and common sense will prevail.
I think it should be saved because Cleveland has a history. One that is constantly under threat of being torn up to create suburbs, of being emptied to create lifestyle centers, of being forgotten to hasten 'social engineering' and of being demolished to fabricate icons to egos.
I think it should be saved because right now it being demolished for unverified reasonings is in essence the acceptance of a lie. Allowing it to fall is to say that those who can lie, cheat and steal the best should do the thinking for the rest of us. It says that as a city we are all dupes and will accept whatever we are fed.
It should be saved because we don't know what is going in its place. Perhaps I would be more willing to accept the fate of the tower, even though it flies in the face of any logic I could apply, if only there was a semblance of what was to come. Perhaps I fear the bait and switch more then anything. Promise me a green icon for the city and put a parking lot in its place. I almost expect that to actually occur.
It should be saved because a government building has no place on a financial district corner, let alone that particular financial district corner. Personally I think that location was chosen so Dimorra (cheese-steak dangling from the corner of his mouth) could watch an Indians game without exerting himself too much. One would think the County would want a building by all the other federal buildings, perhaps so that they could interact or something. I don't know. Maybe this is the new 'de-centralized de-regionalized regional government' thing that will sweep the nation and show how progressive we are.
I think it should be saved because as someone who was trained as an architect, as someone who hopes to actually make a difference, as someone who attempts rational thinking mixed with empathy and attempts to understand the needs of others, I cannot for the life of me make a good argument to tear it down, no matter how many lunches I spend staring at it trying to figure it out.
No sir, I can't.
Special thanks to Gloria Ferris.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
2007 Cleveland Design Competition Winners Announced
Here is the Competition website.
Here is the Winner's Announcement.
Here is the Online Gallery which currently only has the winners posted. Word around the kool-aid cooler is that eventually they are going to have them all online.
My quick run-down as I formulate my opinion into actual sentences is such. While some would complain that only 14 of the 70 submissions were from northeast ohio and fluff over the content and direction as shown I would like to take a moment to just admit that I was very pleased (as a contestant and as a Clevelander) with the variety, thoughtfulness and direction that the competition took as a whole. It was fun ,extremely well run, things went smoothly (even though I never did get my giant novelty check) and the submissions were outstanding. From public parks to giant towers to organic shapes which encompassed most of the west bank the designers involved proved their merit in spades and took on the with tenacity the spirit of the competition.
And while I may not particularly agree with the choices made, I respect the direction that the judges took and do not find fault in their selections and will not second guess the decisions. I will say that there was an amazing level of finesse to a lot of the designs and it was easy to pick out some of the local submissions (I know that I overthought the site - a trap I think many locals fell into). All in all I would call the competition a resounding success and am very excited to see what those kids come out with next year.
Here is the Winner's Announcement.
Here is the Online Gallery which currently only has the winners posted. Word around the kool-aid cooler is that eventually they are going to have them all online.
My quick run-down as I formulate my opinion into actual sentences is such. While some would complain that only 14 of the 70 submissions were from northeast ohio and fluff over the content and direction as shown I would like to take a moment to just admit that I was very pleased (as a contestant and as a Clevelander) with the variety, thoughtfulness and direction that the competition took as a whole. It was fun ,extremely well run, things went smoothly (even though I never did get my giant novelty check) and the submissions were outstanding. From public parks to giant towers to organic shapes which encompassed most of the west bank the designers involved proved their merit in spades and took on the with tenacity the spirit of the competition.
And while I may not particularly agree with the choices made, I respect the direction that the judges took and do not find fault in their selections and will not second guess the decisions. I will say that there was an amazing level of finesse to a lot of the designs and it was easy to pick out some of the local submissions (I know that I overthought the site - a trap I think many locals fell into). All in all I would call the competition a resounding success and am very excited to see what those kids come out with next year.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Cleveland as a tourist destination? Not for lunch.
I admit I have been lax as of late. At first I wanted to keep the post for the Cleveland Chapter for Architecture for Humanity up on top at various feed sites with the hope of collecting the most viewers possible.
Secondly I have been busy, packing, looking at places, playing with toys, etc. Also I have been taking the time to meander about the town. Just yesterday Bradley over at Design Rag and I decided to try to see if the Rockhall would be a good place to grab a quick bite for lunch. We were figuring that since it is a nationally known icon for the city that it would only make sense that certain parts of it would be open to the general public in order to foster the Rockhall as more of a public city icon, to integrate it into daily life so as to increase it's perceived importance. As we strolled down East 9th (Rock and Roll Avenue) with the view of the clear blue lake coming more and more into view we passed vendors hawking their lunch wares (Urban Grill? I think that is what it was called. Smelled AMAZING!) we joked "Wouldn't it be just like Cleveland to have a great iconic center where you couldn't even grab lunch without paying the ridiculous entry fee?" or "How silly would it be to have a center designed for tourists that wouldn't let visitors grab a delightful meal when even the banks have their sidewalk cafes open to the public!". Oh we laughed and gaffawed as we crossed the gigantic Key Plaza eager to see what luncheon delights awaited our discerning palettes. Oh what wonderfully punny plates would they offer? Hall and Oat(meal)? Some Cranberries? A bowl of Raspberries? Maybe even a veggie cheeseburger in paradise? Alright, enough of that.
So Bradley and I finally arrived within the doors of the infamous Rockhall. Directly to our left was the admissions table and to our right was the gift shop which you could easily access without entering the actual museum. We breathed a collective sigh of relief. If they would lay the gift shop outside of the 'pay' area then one could only infer they would have been so generous with the cafe.
They weren't. I don't know how to succinctly sum up our search for the cafe. We wound up in the museum, past the admissions booth, without paying. Probably due to them setting something up. We didn't care, we were hungry. So we went to the information booth and asked.
I feel bad but I started laughing loudly when told we had to purchase a ticket to spend money in their cafe. The girl was nice and even offered us a map or list of events or something. Bradley and I couldn't understand. Why would a nationally recognizable operation not even allow for the chance that one (selling the city or whatever to an out of towner) would only have time for a quick bite and would use the opportunity of having access to such a grand institution as the perfect launch pad to showcase some of the regions amenities? Who the hell planned that mess out?
At least the Great Lakes Science Center has an openly accessible cafe where one can grab a bite and sit out on the pier or the Key Plaza in front of the Rockhall and gaze back at the city whilst pondering such incongruities.
Secondly I have been busy, packing, looking at places, playing with toys, etc. Also I have been taking the time to meander about the town. Just yesterday Bradley over at Design Rag and I decided to try to see if the Rockhall would be a good place to grab a quick bite for lunch. We were figuring that since it is a nationally known icon for the city that it would only make sense that certain parts of it would be open to the general public in order to foster the Rockhall as more of a public city icon, to integrate it into daily life so as to increase it's perceived importance. As we strolled down East 9th (Rock and Roll Avenue) with the view of the clear blue lake coming more and more into view we passed vendors hawking their lunch wares (Urban Grill? I think that is what it was called. Smelled AMAZING!) we joked "Wouldn't it be just like Cleveland to have a great iconic center where you couldn't even grab lunch without paying the ridiculous entry fee?" or "How silly would it be to have a center designed for tourists that wouldn't let visitors grab a delightful meal when even the banks have their sidewalk cafes open to the public!". Oh we laughed and gaffawed as we crossed the gigantic Key Plaza eager to see what luncheon delights awaited our discerning palettes. Oh what wonderfully punny plates would they offer? Hall and Oat(meal)? Some Cranberries? A bowl of Raspberries? Maybe even a veggie cheeseburger in paradise? Alright, enough of that.
So Bradley and I finally arrived within the doors of the infamous Rockhall. Directly to our left was the admissions table and to our right was the gift shop which you could easily access without entering the actual museum. We breathed a collective sigh of relief. If they would lay the gift shop outside of the 'pay' area then one could only infer they would have been so generous with the cafe.
They weren't. I don't know how to succinctly sum up our search for the cafe. We wound up in the museum, past the admissions booth, without paying. Probably due to them setting something up. We didn't care, we were hungry. So we went to the information booth and asked.
I feel bad but I started laughing loudly when told we had to purchase a ticket to spend money in their cafe. The girl was nice and even offered us a map or list of events or something. Bradley and I couldn't understand. Why would a nationally recognizable operation not even allow for the chance that one (selling the city or whatever to an out of towner) would only have time for a quick bite and would use the opportunity of having access to such a grand institution as the perfect launch pad to showcase some of the regions amenities? Who the hell planned that mess out?
At least the Great Lakes Science Center has an openly accessible cafe where one can grab a bite and sit out on the pier or the Key Plaza in front of the Rockhall and gaze back at the city whilst pondering such incongruities.
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