The architecture of meh
Farther afield, but maybe interesting in light in some of the discussions that crop up here: Over at NY Mag Jacoba Urist talks with a bunch of experts about how boring architecture affects people. "A growing body of research in cognitive science illuminates the physical and mental toll bland cityscapes exact on residents. Generally, these researchers argue that humans are healthier when they live among variety -- a cacophony of bars, bodegas, and independent shops -- or work in well-designed, unique spaces, rather than unattractive, generic ones." [NY Mag]
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I suspect this will be on my mind the next time I'm unfortunate enough to walk through the University Heights area near Albany Law and the pharmacy school. Such a depressing spot in what could be a really cool area.
... said JayK on Apr 14, 2016 at 3:35 PM | link
You mean someone actually noticed that removing souls from buildings and just stacking blocks for a utilitarian design negatively impacts the society living amongst them? What a breakthrough. Meh.
... said ace on Apr 14, 2016 at 4:18 PM | link
So let me get this right. Things that are pretty we like and things that are not we don't? It takes a group of "cognitive scientists" to figure this out??WTF!!! PS when I think of the endless strip malls and shopping malls with massive hardtop parking lots that permeate this area I want to vomit. I can understand the contempt for the Park South development a bit but PLEEEEEAAAASE there are so many other places to pick on! When I moved to Albany 14 years ago the area around the Medical Center was pretty putrid,ugly, abandoned and dangerous. I realize the neighborhood will never be mistaken for the Back Bay of Boston or Georgetown but again PLEEEEAAAASE pick on something else!
... said BS on Apr 14, 2016 at 10:03 PM | link