Kent State names a new dean (again, and also, FINALLY)

Kent State University has chosen a local architect to head its College of Architecture and Design.

Douglas Steidl will become the new dean of the college July 1. He replaces James Dalton, who will return to teaching at Kent State after two years as dean.

Mr. Steidl, who lives in Peninsula, has been a manager at Renard LLC, an investment, development and consulting firm in Peninsula, for the last three years. He previously founded Braun & Steidl Architects in Akron, which specializes in educational, religious, recreational and hospitality design projects.

From Crain's Cleveland.

After Fong's departure KSU CAED (how about that slew of acronyms?) has decided to slide away from a theoretical base (briefly offered by Fong) to continue the tradition of developing "professional and licensable architects" (quotes are author's own - consider them air quotes if you will). Whether "good" architects and designers will be produced will be the upcoming hurdle to overcome. I'm not saying that the exams aren't hard (I haven't even bothered to start my tests) just that by looking at the work produced by quite a few licensed architects it doesn't guarantee or qualify work produced as "good" or "interesting" or "worthwhile to experience" or even "good for the client" and not a "complete waste of money and materials".

For some insight into Mr. Steidl here is a reposting of some Q&A (copied here for when the link goes bad) from Vision 20/20. I'm not going to say I disagree with his comments, I just find it a little sad that the profession has to operate on the defense of quantifying its existing value instead of creating the demand for more and better design. However I do completely relish the thought that collaboration and facilitating collaboration among skilled professionals will replace the generalist approach to design (that I find all too often dilutes the final product into something with limited or no value). Who knows, the ability to specialize a college of architecture could strengthen the abilities of the students that are produced, and that wouldn't be a bad thing at all.

What will be the most significant challenge facing architecture and society in 2020? What is the relevance of architecture in this future?

The significant challenge facing the architecture profession in 2020 will be the architect’s capacity to resolving the complexity of demands applied from so many diverse directions on the creators of the built environment. These demands might be enumerated with some brief statements:

• Codes and Standards will demand that building concepts are based on scientific determinants.
• Builders will demand intimate delineation of construction procedures, and system interfaces.
• Owners will demand a single source of responsibility for development, design, construction, finance and operations.
• Governments will protect the environment demanding “zero carbon” designs and scientific analysis of the environmental impact of every structure.
• Clients will demand more efficient buildings with greater distinction.
• The public will demand more public input to design concepts for buildings, neighborhoods, and communities, focusing on quality of life issues.

Two phrases summarize the needs of the architect:
1. The ability to analyze and coordinate complexities through collaboration, and
2. The depth of empirical knowledge about all aspects of the development process from land acquisition through facility management.

The question of complexity, most likely will mean that today’s definition of “Architect”, is obsolete i.e. the designer is king. How much expertise can one individual incorporate into their understanding? Is it possible for a single practitioner to be real estate agent, super designer; environmental/sustainability expert; coordinator of design, construction, financing, operations and approval processes; materials guru; systems selector and integrator; facility manager and perform all these tasks within guaranteed time and budget dictates?

Even today, we do not operate independently. The idea that a Registration makes one competent to perform all the services included under our umbrella is ludicrous. Only through the collaboration of knowledge based expertise do we have the ability to undertake the complexities that face us as professionals.

How will a future “architect” think/operate in 2020, and what skills will be required?

Most Architects will perceive themselves as knowledge based specialists. In mid and large size offices in 2008, the division of tasks is divided among individuals with experiences and knowledge in specific areas. Programming with the client, schematic design, document production, specifications, sustainability issues, estimating, interiors, renderings, communications/coordination, and many other specific tasks are assigned to various team members. Generally, however, we still think of ourselves as all around architects, capable of performing any task assigned.

In 2020 the concept of generalist will be revised. Some architects may be coordinators of the design/construction process, leading an industry team which brings together specialists to jointly execute a project. Most architects however, will be those specialists, bringing a depth of knowledge that can only be termed task specific expertise, not generally achieved today by a majority of practitioners and definitely not taught by the majority of architectural education programs. We still value the “designer” moniker. In 2020 we will honor all task experts! The designer will be but one expert in the process and that individual had better utilize empirical knowledge to justify every decision about a design concept.

The word “my” will become a much stronger “our”. An architect’s identity will be equated with the team that completes a significant work enhancing communities, enrich the quality of life for citizens, and serving the public as well as the client. These facilities will use materials that are renewable, structures that are demountable, and produce zero-carbon. The team’s ego will be massaged, not by glossy pictures in peer magazines, but by recognition in public communiqués and respect from the average citizen.

Leadership will be the key to being in a position of decision making in the design/construction industry. Being the leader of the design team will not be enough to insure client trust. Only the few architects who invest themselves in finances, real estate, design knowledge, and have a depth of construction expertise will be in positions to interact with and influence the client.

The question is not how architects will think, but how the individual architect will think, and then how that architect will dedicate himself or herself to the tasks necessary to become a knowledgeable leader and collaborator.

Why are students uniquely positioned to address these issues?

The above is a new mindset. Instilled concepts are hard to change, and often, if revised, result in muddled thought patterns. Students start with a fresh perspective, they have the chance to see a more collaborative and factual world. Students have the opportunity to delve deeply in their greatest interest area, with years ahead of them in which to expand the depth of experiences that will give them the ability to communicate with unique tools while learning an expertise. And, they are in a community where they can interact with other disciplines and individuals from diverse cultures. This community will allow them to develop specialized expertise yet with a global comprehension. What an opportunity!

---

About Douglas Steidl, FAIA

A founding principal of Braun & Steidl (est. 1983), a general-practice architectural firm and recipient of AIA Ohio’s Gold Medal Firm Award, Doug Steidl directs the firm in its work providing architectural planning and interior design services for widely-recognized university, medical, religious and commercial projects. Presently, the staff of Braun & Steidl Architects consists of 41 professionals, including 13 registered architects. First elected to the AIA national Board of Directors for a 1998-2000 term, Steidl went on to serve the AIA as Vice President 2000-2001, Treasurer 2001-2003, and First VP 2003-2004. Steidl is also the 2008-2009 President of the National Architectural Accrediting Board.

The Future of the Malls: Public Forum - April 6th

Another Cleveland event that I wish I could go to but won't make. Instead I will be down at Kent State looking at student projects and attempting to give helpful advice without being a yelling jerk.

I won't hold missing this public forum against them. I will remember though, during the boring ones.

CUDC has the best blog posts.

Citizen Architect showing at CMA - May 5th

Citizen Architect: Samuel Mockbee and the Spirit of the Rural Studio

Wednesday, May 5, 7:00

Directed by Sam Wainwright Douglas, with Peter Eisenman, et al. This new documentary profiles late architect and educator Samuel Mockbee, whose groundbreaking Rural Studio at Auburn University created low-cost, innovative housing for the impoverished residents of Hale County, Alabama. Cleveland premiere.

USA, 2010, color, Beta SP, 57 min.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Citizen Architect Website (w/ trailer)

At some point the idea of architecture took on the burden of developing an idealistic fortitude wherein the welfare and benefit of mankind (or society) became an identifiable and paramount goal. The indemnification of aesthetic goals was more than merely conjoined with an over-reaching attitude to how the built environment can shape the wellbeing of its users. The idea of occupying space (and the emotional bindings created by this occupation) pushed buildings from being merely designed as representations of strength, wealth, power and religious fealty.

The proposition of shelter has always been a necessity coupled with such cloyingly sweet sentiments of "home is where the heart is" and "a man's home is his castle" whereas the burden of manageable shelter is shifted to the occupant. The idea of "making due" with the hand dealt freed designers from having to prepare responsible and fitting solutions. Soon the ideals of the built environment decided that design could help shape the social consciousness, lift the human spirit and attempt to react to needs of an ever shifting and changing family (and community) dynamic.

The argument that the grand social experiments of the 1950's (demonizing Bacon and Moses, perhaps properly) concentrated on large public works (demanding large amounts of capital) which tore apart the urban fabric to support the great sprawling suburbs while attempting to reshape "urban" life was a massive failure and resulting in stratification of economic class and the death of our great city's can be fought, the idea that the mechanization of human life on a grand scale does little to further instill a sense of our humanity. The grand projects (apartment blocks) destroyed the identity of our ethnic ghettos and displaced thousands of families who could not prosper without the support of their community (which was replaced with highways, interchanges and "proper" urban streets).

It was those that felt that the residential palette on an individual level, the small home, the tiny community centers and halls, could be made welcoming, well built and not interject an unwelcome or alien dialog to an already existent community that are currently making their mark on the world. They have decided that the small budget projects which require deliberate care and choice making in their crafting represent the most common of the human condition, those without the wherewithal to completely annihilate their history and start over from scratch. It is the current flock of design build studio's, Rural 804, Badanes Design/Build and University of Washington (Seattle) and perhaps the most touching and famous of them all, Samual Mockbee's Rural Studio of which the film Citizen Architect centers.

There is a place for the common sense of design and wonder we all seek and enjoy. The smooth contours of the iPhone, the felicitous curves of a 911 but there is room for wonder in design to be available to everyone, the hard part is finding the designers who are willing to sacrifice the time and ego to fulfill someone else's dream.

PechaKucha Cleveland Vol. 7

PechaKucha night Cleveland - Vol. 7

April 23, 2010 8:20 pm – 10:20 pm

at Convivium 33 Gallery

FREE

1433 East 33rd Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

216-881-7828

http://www.josaphatartshall.com/

Welcome to Spring!!!!!!!!!!

On April 23rd, 2010, PechaKucha Night Cleveland will head to Convivium33 Gallery in Downtown Cleveland for the first warm weather PKN of the year!

Space will be tight so be sure to come early and enjoy a few beverages prior to being inspired, influenced, confused, provoked, and probably slightly intoxicated by the wonderfully variegated topic mix. A map of where Convivium is located as well as where you can park can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pkncleveland/4497515102/

Doors and bar open at 7:00pm. Be sure to keep an eye on the list of presenters as we may be adding one or two people up until the week of the 23rd!.

If you are interested in presenting at a future PechaKucha Night, have an idea for a venue, or have questions about PechaKucha Night, please contact us - we'd love to hear your ideas.

Be sure to bring a friend or two!

Cheers,
Mike Christoff & Raseem Parker
pkncleveland@gmail.com

Presenters

Lia Tomco

• Austin Kotting
• Steve Kordalski
• Chris Maag
• Heather Furman
• Krista Van Wassen
• Sukant Bhatnagar
• Mike Mikula
• Beth Buehner
• Michael Christoff
• Final Order Will Be Posted Day of Event!!!

Nudge: Improving Decisions about Health, Wealth, and Happiness: Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein

One would like to assume that given enough information and a variety of choices that a reasonable person would be able to make decisions devoid of unsound external influence. To some this is called paternal libertarianism or retaining the liberty of having choices however slight incentives or nudges are utilized to create a “metered amount of regulation”. The goal is to allow people to take responsibility for their actions by understanding the direct and indirect consequences while keeping them generally free from harm.

In the book Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein the idea of shaping choices smartly is illustrated in examples from grocery store product placement to default application selections. The concern is that by altering the order in which choices are presented one can help shape the perceived value that each choice represents and in essence shape the selection process while still leaving the possibility for self appraised alternatives to exist.

For anyone who has to interact with those they wish to influence the idea of knowing how to shape a question in order to receive the desirable answer is valuable. There was a story on NPR a while back (which I cannot find now) in which giving a child a choice or whether to wear a red or green jacket outside was more useful then simply telling a child to put on a jacket. The inference is that the jacket is automatic but the there is a choice available, red or green. The child still feels as if the important decision making is up to them (or that they have some control) while still being protected from inclement weather.

There are similar examples in the book, especially when it comes to choosing things such as energy providers (the choice isn’t whether you want/need one but instead you get to select which one provides which service). Granted many of the stories are oversimplified the bridging between the arguments is still strong enough to warrant paying attention. I found the voice of the book more personal, as if in a living room conversation with a friend or co-worker instead of being lectured to by a professor, which was fine if not mildly campy at times.

In all it was a quick book to read, not entirely full of new information but the collection offered was good enough to either get one started on the idea of “choice architecture” or offer some different insight into use and framing of selections. At the very least you will look at the grocery store in a new way and may even figure out how to ask someone a question in such a way that they will respond how you want. That alone is worth the price.

resources:

The Nudge Blog

choice architecture primer

Cleveland Architecture Weak...April 15th - April 24th

Right off the bat, I hope this thing succeeds. I honestly do, it would be nice to see some sort of effort by local architects and their professional organizations to reach out into an under served (by good design) community and reinforce the value of what good architecture and design is.

With that in mind I am going to post the event's happenings before any sort of dissection as to the program and programming of the event.

The following events are scheduled to be included in Architecture Week:

• Lecture by George Hartman, FAIA* Thursday, April 15, 2010, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• A Exhibition Opening Reception: Friday, April 16, 2010, 5:30 – 9:30 pm****
• “No Building Left Behind”** Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 4:00 – 6:30 pm****
• “Envisioning the Future of Cleveland”*** Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 5:30 – 9:00 pm****
• AIA Cleveland/IIDA Happy Hour: Friday, April 23, 2010, 5:30 – 8:00 pm****
• PechaKucha Cleveland Night: Friday, April 23, 2010, 8:20 – 11:00 pm****
• Exhibition Panel Discussion: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 2:30 – 5:00 pm****
• Exhibition Closing Party: Saturday, April 24, 2010, 5:00 – 7:00 pm****
• Additional Event Information:
• *Lecture by AIA Gold Medalist George Hartman, FAIA, “The History of Architectural Education and The Community of Architects” is co-hosted by AIA Cleveland, Classical America, and the Institute for Classical Architecture, and will be held at the Union Club, Thursday, April 15, 2010, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• **AIA Cleveland, Historic Resources Committee, with Cleveland Restoration Society, the Institute for Classical Architecture, and Cleveland State University Levin College of Urban Affairs, “No Building Left Behind”, a presentation and roundtable discussion of adaptive re-use of religious structures at CSU Levin College, Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 4:00 – 6:30 pm****
• ***AIA Cleveland, Government Affairs Committee, City of Cleveland Planning Commission Director Bob Brown, “Envisioning the Future of Cleveland”, Wednesday, April 21, 2010, 6:00 -8:30 pm****

Other Anticipated Events:

• AIA Cleveland, Chad Oppenheim Lecture, Thursday, April 22, 2010, 5:30 – 9:00 pm
• AIA Cleveland, Urban Design Committee, Building Tour/Adaptive Re-use****

**** Indicates events which are free and open to the public. All other events are open to the public, but have associated ticket costs.

Now, with that out of the way I have to admit my very first response to hearing about Cleveland Architecture week was "Finally!". Looking at the similar programs offered in Portland, Oregon or Toronto (that's in Canada and I love that city - and yes, I would move to both of these places in a heartbeat if the stars aligned properly) or Chicago or wherever architecture and design are major contributors to both the economy and the city's identity there is a common theme that I wish was a little more central to Cleveland's Architecture Week.

Architecture as a profession has been having a relatively difficult time during the recession with growing unemployment rates and firm closures caused by a slumping market as project financing becomes harder to come by. There is also the issue of architects being seen merely overspecialized exterior decorators as building functions and operations are increasingly offset to specialists and consultants. The typical layperson may have the ability to appreciate why a building "looks" a certain way however when asked to evaluate and quantify there is hesitation and when seeking services for smaller projects (residences, etc.) architects are seen as an unnecessary aesthetic expense.

Which to me is an incredible shame. I find good designers to be the ones that can envision a project holistically and are worth their expense in operational savings while creating handsome and intelligent projects and make occupying spaces a worthwhile experience. I am horrified and saddened when -anyone- show me plans for houses (typically stock plans) that offer no personalization into how they live their lives and are completely devoid of their personal value systems (eg. efficiency) but they chose to purchase these plans because they thought hiring an architect who cared would cut too deeply into the budget for their home. I think the expense is there and don't disagree that it does leave less money for building the house, however the savings and quality of design (and overseeing of construction) should compensate. There is a distinction between houses and homes and it isn't specifically semantic.

That is just for homes. What if architecture was generally quantified (good v bad)? What if the general public wasn't just treated to a series of erudite lectures but instead treated to an explanation of what architecture is, what good architecture can do for everyone and why it has some value? What if architecture week wasn't just for the architects but more for what architecture can do for the city? Was there any consultation with non-architects? What would that architecture week look like? How accessible and interesting would architecture week be then?

Personally, I would love to see some discussions on design/architecture from the local names, where it begins and ends with some examples of projects to back their discussions up. I would have liked to see a public QA forum with a variety of designers specializing in specific nuances (code review, permit approval, building siting, programming, green design, etc. etc. etc.) where the public could come and ask questions. I think a really good sense of what information is most sought after locally could come from something like that. I would also like to see a panel discussion from some of the recent clients talking about what they were looking for, how their project was budgeted and awarded and how the process went (including post occupancy building operations) to quickly allow for a connection for those not intimate with architecture to glean a sense of the process (it would be great for potential clients looking to begin a project relatively soon). Heck, I would love a public forum for the large projects currently underway; MOCA, CIA addition (whats the scoop w/ MVRDV v Burt Hill), etc. with project reps and some city council members there, maybe even some reps of the firms involved just so the public is aware of what the heck is going on in our backyard. If anything I think architecture week should be more for the public then just architects. The public, after all, is our greatest judge, jury and client pool, stroking our own egos seems like a misguided effort as the perceived local value of architecture is being self-diminished.

Sometimes the kid with the "architecture, 5¢" booth seems like the smartest guy in the world. At least he understands that making architecture accessible has more value then making it seem magically mysterious. I suppose a brief history of early architects may help us designers get over ourselves and start focusing on important things like the clients instead of which fashion glasses to wear.

I will be following architecture week from a sterilized distance. To be honest I am not entirely interested in much of the programming, the PechaKucha night looks to be one of the few events where new ideas and discourse may arise. While the rest may be interesting, they don't strike me as interesting enough. I would rather hang out with the uninformed public who don't seem to be invited to this thing anyway (well to be fair Steve Litt did post a blog post about it and I think it made it into CoolCleveland - although it didn't make their calendar - but I don't remember seeing any other public postings for an event such as this that is a week long happening).

resources:

Official AIA Cleveland press release (.pdf)

Whine Power

Cleveland (and the region) needs to take advantage of all of our natural resources. What is more abundant than whining? Just check out the comments on Cleveland.com if you don't believe me.

Also, I am acutely aware that this can be construed as irony, although I am pretty sure it doesn't fit a strict definition, instead it is merely similar to rain on your wedding day or a red light when you are already late.

Sketchbook Idea 3 - Casino in International Waters

Last Casino Sketch (and whatever misc. ended up on this page):

Soo, at the top is a note from the Project H Roadshow that came to town which was fun. I swear I didn't do this sketch during the lecture. I double super swear.

Right then, so the impetus of this idea was accepting that for a casino to maximize profit it had to be insular and a spectacle. Therefore the idea is to utilize an aircraft carrier that is being retired (Possibly the USS Enterprise when the USS Gerald R. Ford - CVN-78- comes into service which could mean Star Trek Convention tie ins!), park the sucker on the international boundary between Canada and United States and serve it with some awesome ferries (Similar to the Jet Express or some hovercraft ferry like you would find in the English Channel) that could offer gambling cruises. The possibility would then exist for completing the much bantered about Port Stanley - Cleveland Lake Erie Ferry as well as create a service station for a Lake Erie Windfarm. The marketing potential is pretty amazing. Granted the carrier would have to undergo some tremendous overhaul to make it amenable to tourist and guests but I am guessing that the flight decks would house the public areas and gambling space, the engine/reactor berths could house the entertainment areas and service/living quarters could be scraped out of the remaining areas.

Heck, something like this would get me to visit. Assume a 30 minute ferry trip on a luxurious ferry boat to have dinner at a 4 star restaurant in the middle of Lake Erie that is being run from its own windfarm. How does that not sound amazing? It would have it's very own docks for private boaters to tie up to and could even act as a Coast Guard station that serves the shipping lanes and surrounding ports. A real floating island/casino resort. With Star Trek tie in.

And that is the end of my sketches on this topic.

Sketchbook Idea 2 - Casino Across/Under Collision Bend

From the Sketchbook (again):

Scranton Island and Collision Bend are interesting areas. The site of Collision Bend was actually one of the sites that is being studied for a possible casino location. I believe its proximity to the Prog (Jake) and the Q or Gund Arena or whatever it is called (where LeBron plays) are actually quite strong points as well as the proximity to Tower City, the Red Line and freeway access. The site along Huron Road also would have slight pedestrian urban impact, the river side doesn't currently have a sidewalk to impact. Connections across Huron and Ontario may be difficult as well.

In the back of my mind is this fascination I have with open container law stemming from my travels to London. I love the easy going gait afforded my meanderings as I strolled from one club/bar to another. I couldn't enter a bus or train with my beverage but as it was a temperate night out and there was no schedule to follow we weren't in any specific rush. Granted my first thought was "Holy -expletive- I cannot believe I can walk around a city and enjoy my beverage as if I were an adult who could make (and be held responsible for) my own decisions. How very grown up I could be! Therefore, if a casino is an adult only establishment due to age restrictions, perhaps moving the casino to Scranton Island and converting the entire island (really a peninsula) into an "adult designated area" complete with auto restrictions, open container, public transit connections, various bars, clubs, casinos, etc. would allow a centralized concentration on controlled debauchery. If I could walk from one music venue to the next along a boardwalk with my beverage, strolling, enjoying the company of those around me, I would find that time rather sensational. Granted there would be the few that would be disruptive however by centralizing the problem I would hope that it would be easier to police/control.

The sketch was sort of an exploration into that series of thoughts, perhaps making the East side of the Cuyahoga more family friendly, easily accessible to Tower City and various sporting events with restaurants and retail, however the West Bank, accessible from Huron Road by a bridge over OR a tunnel under Collision Bend (even the name sounds dastardly!) would be where the post 21 years of age fun could occur.

I honestly think it could still be classy too. I'm a dreamer, you see.

Sketchbook Idea 1 - Casino Under the Main Avenue Bridge

From the sketchbook:

I admit that when Christopher Diehl first asked me to sit in on his graduate class reviews and mentioned it was concentrating on the proposed casino in Cleveland my very first thought was attempting to reconcile a casino typology (cloistered spectacle) with an urban site in a somewhat conservative city.

My very first thought was to attempt to suspend a structure under the Main Avenue bridge to take advantage of the East Bank versus West Bank mentality as well as attempting to reinvigorate the flats. Before you completely think the idea insane please let me explain some of the thought behind the siting.

Locating on the bridge allows for the proposed Shoreway plan which calls to change the freeway from Lakewood to W45th to a boulevard to extend over the river by altering the character of the bridge to be more pedestrian/cycling friendly as a vehicular drop and pedestrian entrance could be located on bridge level (both sides). The bridge location allows a cable car system to stitch the East and West banks with a form of travel that is both functional and spectacle, hopefully creating an impetus for more entertainment development in the flats. Views to the lake and city would be primarily unobstructed creating a prime location for attracting tourists and locals and stacking the casino function would allow physical separation of program to maintain family friendly visits to a restaurant/viewing deck yet still provide a marketing strategy for the casino to function as a casino.

Grand entries can exist on the bridge and in the flats, with bus drop off at all three points (bridge, east bank, west bank), service from the bridge and the possibility of increasing infrastructure (via a tower) if needed.

Just a quick sketch of thoughts to share.

Public Input Desired for Rock Ventures Cleveland Casino Discussion - Friday, April 9th

Friday, April 9th, 2010

12 noon - 7pm

Levin College Forum

Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs

Cleveland State University, 1717 Euclid Ave

12-3pm Design Charette

Participants will design and discuss around the topics of connectivity, the built environment, quality of life, programming and economic development.
(brown bag lunch or reserve a $12 box lunch)

3-5pm Video Presentation

A collection of videos pertaining to topic.

5-5:30pm Cocktail Reception

5:30-7pm Public Presentation

Concepts and conclusions developed in the afternoon workshop will be presented.

Participants can attend any or all parts of the event.

The design suggestions/guidelines developed in the afternoon will be presented to the public in the evening, and will later be put together into a document which will be made available online.

Our Partners:

Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, Kent State University

The Levin College Forum, Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University

AIA Cleveland

City Club of Cleveland

While there has been no specific site selection, nor architect/designer named for the proposed Cleveland Casino the Cleveland Coalition is using Cleveland's recent turmoil over the Medical Mart location and intent to harness the value of public input in creating presentations regarding many of the issues currently in question regarding the casino. The Cleveland Coalition, partnering with the CUDC, CSU Urban Affairs Program, and other local professionals hope to create an open dialog prior to the solidification of any proposed plans in order to create the greatest and best local impact.

The workgroup/brainstorming session is broken up into 5 groups:

-Connectivity

-Architectural Design

-Programming

-Quality of Life

-Economic Development

In the spirit of full disclosure I will be helping to facilitate the Quality of Life group with Peter Whitt of the Center for Health Equity at the Levin College of Urban Affairs. I was also a peer reviewer for the CUDC's recent graduate urban design students to create their own proposals for the casino which revealed a series of issues that I feel should be at the core of the discussion for the location and design of the casino.

Whether right or wrong, the casino has been approved for construction in downtown Cleveland. The argument of if a casino should be built has become almost moot. It will be up to the private owners and developers working in conjunction with the city. What can be affected by public discussion is the location and what the expectations of the casino are to be.

I had seen quite a few of the CUDC's student proposals call for some sort of public amenity component, either a public park, museum, shopping, etc., many without a clear understanding or suggestion as to how a public amenity will operate in conjunction with a structure such as a casino. Similar to professional sports stadiums casinos primarily operate as a destination location. Operating in singularity they can offer limited interaction to the surrounding community. Visitors will arrive, gamble and leave with minimal causation to venture into the neighborhood. There is only one casino slated to be built so a vibrant strip such as Vegas is not to be expected. Niagara Falls (Canada) has a limited numbers of casinos located in proximity and also does not have a noticeable nightlife (although some fantastic brunches).

Instead a reasonable conclusion would be that a local Cleveland casino would create an insulated gambling enclave. Granted there will be some spillover into local entertainment, shopping, hotel but figures will most likely represent visitors to baseball and basketball events with similar statistics for spending outside of the main destination location (in this case the casino).

With this in mind some important questions should be framed in order to take advantage of a development of this scope occurring in the city.

-How and Why should the casino tie into the surrounding urban fabric?

-How and Why can the casino offer an amenity? What is the public good to come from this project? What are the direct and indirect benefits?

-What design standards can be implemented? What should the design/layout say about Cleveland?

To many a casino denotes a morally bankrupt society. While I don't necessarily share that view (I am actually rather indifferent) I do believe that we should at worst treat the casino project as an accepted evil, one that we should best know and understand in order to hopefully create some positive regional value. I think a great opportunity currently exists if the casino is located downtown. There always exists the argument between which sort of development, residential or commercial, can best reinvigorate downtown. Residential creates the opportunity for people to live and exist downtown, making it more livable and vibrant. However lacking the basic necessities (health, safety, basic needs such as groceries and schools) living downtown remains a questionable option. A casino creates the potential to develop these necessities in correlation to strengthening the local hotel industry with retail, grocery, entertainment, safety and possibly health facilities all in order to make the casino more economically viable.

This is just one of the many possibilities and topics that will be discussed during the public work session. I hope to see quite a few of you there.

resources:

Plain Dealer article

To RSVP.