Archive for May, 2007
Curtain Wall.
(from here)
Wow this is cool. I could see this working alright in a warm low wind climate somewhere, if that exists. More than anything though I just love the theory of eliminating walls & glass and setting the rooms so intimately with their surroundings. In Zen & the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Pirsig writes a great comparison between traveling in a car and on a bike that fits perfectly here:
“In a car you’re always in a compartment, and because you’re used to it you don’t realize that through that car window everything you see is just more TV. You’re a passive observer and it is all moving by you boringly in a frame.
“On a cycle the frame is gone. You’re completely in contact with it all. You’re in the scene, not just watching it anymore, and the sense of presence is overwhelming.”
I beleive that the biggest challenge of urban architecture is the conflict between desire for open spaces and the desire for insulation…be it from the weather or neighbours. Great to see a desginer commit fully to one side and bring a new perspective to potential buidings.
(check out the inhabitat post)
Fares up.
Bus fares are going up $0.25 if you’re paying cash. At first I balk at this, but as Stephen points out it’s not entirely unjustified. Clearly the Canada Line and other expansions aren’t free and add value to the price of a ticket, but I wonder how much energy costs play into this decision? What has the price of gas done to the costs of operation? Ferry prices are up because of it…why not transit?
I support the idea of taxing single occupancy vehicles and subsidising public transit for the good of the environment, congestion and equal opportunity. So initially a fare hike spooks me. Paying $2.50 to get accross town seems a little steep…I’d love to see a breakdown on average cost/rider of a bus at capacity.
Don’t do it.
Addressed to:
MLA: Jenny Wai Ching Kwan
Vancouver-Mount Pleasant
via: jenny.kwan.mla@leg.bc.ca
Mrs. Kwan,
As a resident and business owner within your constituency, I am writing to inform you of my position regarding the Gateway Project. Previous highway expansions in other cities have provided temporary relief to congestion, but have had a neutral or negative effect on commute times in the long run. Furthermore, they promote the use of single passenger vehicles and thus move against our stated goals of reducing our environmental impact.
I trust that as my representative, you will take my position into consideration. I request that you promote a light rail alternative to the twinning of the Port Mann bridge as it will lessen our impact on the environment and continue to promote density and sustainability within the Lower Mainland.
Sincerely,
Bill MacEwen
WorkSpace | 21 Water St.
http://abetterplacetowork.com
778.891.2455