City of the Future

In January, The History Channel created a contest called City of the Future: A Design and Engineering Challenge. "The theme of the contest is for participants to develop visions of their city 100 years from now. These visions are presented through a written statement, a 3-dimensional construct that was assembled within a 3-hour period during Phase I of the competition and accompanying visuals."

The architectural firm EDAW created a vision for Atlanta's growth over the next 100 years which made it a winner with the panel of judges. If you live in Atlanta then you are aware of the many obstacles currently facing the city including localized flooding problems, an ongoing overhaul of the entire sewage system, a traffic crunch, inefficient transit system and a drought. This makes EDAW design concept an utmost hopeful vision and worth a look.

Other design teams won competitions in San Francisco and Washington. Online voters on the History Channel Web site will decide which of the three plans is the nation's best. The voting ends April 28, and the winner will be announced May 5 on the "Cities of the Underworld" show.

Oh and Richard Meier offers his take on the three finalists too!

Community Trumps Developer

Amazing News--The Buckhead library will not be torn down to build a parking lot. It seems the two commissioners previously skipping to demolish the unique structure in exchange for 24 million dollars from the developers received opposition from their constituents unwilling to sell out.

An article in the local paper, a few days ago, touched on the greater issue surrounding razing the Buckhead library which essentially queried “When do a city's civic values trump its commercial interests?” The author pointed to the need to not lose the unique structures and ambiance available in this city in the name of "progress." I am pleased to learn that I am not alone in the need to save some of the authentic "texture" still standing in a city rushing to throw up the latest prefab mixed use development.

Thankfully in this situation the civic value won out.

Atlanta, where every day is opening day

Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects (photo via firm's website)

"Atlanta, where everyday is an opening day" is a marketing theme meant to parlay the message that this city is dedicated to "Optimism, Opportunity, and Openness. " What the motto fails to explain is that these three O's actually describe the developers in this city not the dwellers.

It is a long story how Atlanta became a developers playground, but now they are going too far with their plans. The developers aspire to model a part of town called Buckhead after Rodeo Drive which they tout as "the streets of Buckhead." This was bad enough, but now they are bent on making sure the building pictured above comes tumbling down since it sits on a prime piece of real estate for the Rodeo Drive they have envisioned.

They are currently offering the city/county 24 million dollars (upping the ante from their previous offer of 18 million) to allow them to raze this unique piece of architecture which has won accolades outside the city. This makes me wonder is it really the modern building which WILL outshine their lackluster, unimaginative buildings of sameness that bother them? Or is it what the building actually holds, a library. A place not about turning a profit, but focused on welcoming people from all walks of life no matter their age or social status. It is a community center that meets the needs of everyone not just the wealthy.

The developers reasons for razing this unique piece of architecture seems to be about turning a profit, disdain for unique architecture, and possibly a thinly veiled way to make sure the library community moves out (or underground, "two floors above a parking garage") to make room for the pocketbooks ready to spend their cash on a pseudo Rodeo Drive. Take a nice long, look at what Atlanta had to offer because if you stick around long enough there will be another opening day around the corner, but now hopefully know what another opening day in Atlanta really means.

If you would like to voice an objection to razing the Buckhead library to build a parking lot:

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System Comments@co.fulton.ga.us

Contact Information for the Fulton county commissioners

A modern home in Atlanta

A modern Atlanta home that seems to be, at the very least, influenced by John Lautner and Eero Saarinen. This home is even more breathtaking in person with the cascading roof, waterfalls, and an endless pool. I can only imagine what it must feel like to be on the inside or even better yet to wake up each morning in this home. It is a real dream come true. This architecture brings a smile to my face and butterflies in my stomach every time I pass it.