The Curious Case of Place

Originally published on Wordpress, March 7, 2009

During the Oscars a couple of weeks ago, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" won for best special effects for making Brad Pitt look twice his age, but at the end of watching this movie, all I could think of was the real star of the movie----The City of New Orleans.

I remember feeling and knowing that this story could not have taken place in any other city, and the fact that the story took place in such a magical city as New Orleans---made it that much more plausible. Sure, the world is aware of the plight of the city since Hurricane Katrina and the fact that Brad Pitt has made it his mission to help rebuild---but with this movie he proves his passion to help the city grow and restore itself.

The story is one of triumph and growth---after all, when Benjamin is born---he is not expected to last very long----but as he grows younger, he becomes stronger and in the end, he leaves a life well lived with both mistakes and triumphs

In the case of New Orleans, wouldn't we like to see this same scenario as it moves along in its history, one of failures (which we have already witnessed in the aftermath of Katrina) and one of triumphs , so that when history looks back on this city, it will be a from a place of mystery and admiration?

As an Architect, I am constantly thinking about place and how it affects people's lives and our experiences, and I am glad to see that people are recognizing this--namely one of the biggest movies starts on the planet. Everyone talks of "New Urbanism", "Sustainable Design", "Design for All", but none of this matters if we can't lift the human spirit in some way, whether thru movies or architecture. In this case---IT IS all about the place.

For more insight:

Clarke, Gerald. "Brad Pitt Makes it Right in New Orleans." Architectural Digest, January 2009: 60+

*In June 2009 I took a trip to New Orleans to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity on one of their build projects in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The following image gallery is a mix of images from the city, the house build and the “Make it Right” homes that were built by Brad Pitt.

Its only June? Its only June! Its only June……. 2020

2020 has been quite a year and it is only halfway done.  It seems like the year that will never end and despite your best-laid plans, the universe conspired against you---and not just you, but all of your human family in a take-down that rivals a Hulk Hogan Leg Drop.

In addition to being at the halfway point of the year, June is also my birthday month.  So it makes sense that it is the perfect time to reflect on those beginning of the year goals and depending on where you are, either celebrate or reassess. 

While some situations are wildly out of our control (extremely contagious virus), some events (extremely rampant systematic racism) are, unfortunately, in the control of those who have the power to change them, but refuse.

In that spirit, I offer the universal healer—music, a playlist for the events, emotions, and revelations that have made 2020 what it is—for better or for worse, wake up every day and give it the best you’ve got!

Click “Play” to listen!

Bronzeville Architecture Tour

The historic Chicago Community of Bronzeville has some wonderful architecture! If you are interested in learning more about the neighborhood’s architecture—this is a good starter tour! The original tour was apart of the Bronzeville Bikes summer bike tour series which ran for several summers starting in 2013. Of course, there is still plenty left to explore, but this is a great starter!

This Architectural History Tour explores the Historic south side neighborhood of Bronzeville.  Points of historic, architectural, and visual interest are included. The tour begins at Washington Park and heads north to the center of Bronzeville. In the early 20th century, Bronzeville was known as the "Black Metropolis," one of the nation's most significant landmarks of African-American urban history.   From here the path heads north to explore the Douglas neighborhood (the northern part of Bronzeville), named for a Civil War General and home to Camp Douglas.  The tour completes a circle through Grand Boulevard and ends back at Washington Park. For more information on Washington Park click HERE

For a full list and description of the sites visited click HERE. For a printable take-along map click HERE.

The Tour takes approximately two hours at a moderate bike pace.  Enjoy!!!

Bronzeville Architecture Bike Tour

Be There

This past winter, the  2018 Winter Olympics took place in South Korea with much excitement and fanfare.  While there were plenty of inspiring stories centered around the athletes, but there was one story that about a couple of non-athletes that stood out.

It was about a Swiss Couple who rode 10,000 miles on their bicycle to see their son complete in ski-Jumping.  Of course, they had to leave before they even knew if he would be on the team, but in this case, it was truly about the journey.  Of course, their son did make the team which probably made the journey all the sweeter. 

The lesson I got from this story is this:  You never know what will be at the end of a journey, but it is your responsibility to get yourself there.  Read more about the ride here:

 ‘We are crazy’: Swiss dad, stepmom deserve medals for biking 10,000 miles to Pyeongchang by: Cindy Boren, The Washington Post