Takeoffs there are interesting, too. People grab onto the chain link fence and allow themselves to be lifted off their feet by the thrust from the jet engines.
Runways are getting shorter these days, and they're increasingly in urban areas. That's a good thing. Planes are seen to best advantage when they're close up.
I'm less worried about accidents, which are rare, than I am about noise, but that may be less of a problem in the near future. Noise cancellation technology gets better every year. When it's feasible, I want to see giant planes fly close up over the main streets of our big cities. I want to see the rivets.
Our cities are in desperate need of exotic trees of all kinds. I don't see why they can't be grown on private tree farms with root systems made compact enough to allow for easy transportation and replanting. This should be a thriving business.
We should aim to bring the jungle into the big city. Parks are fine, but we also need lots of foliage in the rest of the town. How do we combine greenery with high-density living? I'll bet it's already been figured out. Michael Sporn posts examples sometimes.
Whatever happened to front porches? They don't cost much to build and they make a house a lot cozier.
I'm a big believer in sleeping porches (above); in fact I have one attached to the back of my own house. We sleep out there in the summer. With screens all around it's like camping out. You end up looking forward to storms and thundershowers, and it's wonderful to wake up to bird songs.
We need lots more walking bridges in the cities.
Ditto balconies (above).
In some areas we should build houses right up to the sea. You should get wet when you walk along the sidewalk.
Somehow we have to figure out a way to release wild animals in the big city. I want to see lions and tigers and monkeys outside my widow. Isn't there a way to make that happen?
We should build in the tornado belt. With the right stretchable materials maybe we could have wind resistant houses. We might even begin to think of the recreational uses of tornadoes.
Maybe we need little ledge-like roads that would wind around the sides of our tall buildings. Electronic guidance would prevent most accidents.
Aaaargh, there's lots more to discuss, but I'll have to save it for another post.
I agree foolhardily about the porches and balconies, they don't cost much to add and they add instant coziness and desirability. But I'd also like to add odd windows. Where I'm at (Seattle) there are lots of old craftsmen homes with funky windows and details all over. I'm especially fond of the diamond windows and the bay windows that curve out (not the trapezoidal ones). I also like old commercial and industrial buildings with big arched windows from the turn of the century. and how older buildings usually had courtyards from being U or E-shaped. I can definitely vouch that buildings here are built well past the shore, there are 3 apartment buildings just a block from me that are just long 4 story docks that jet out and then of course there are those boat-house neighborhoods. But I think it might be b/c the Puget Sound areas doesn't have many ideal beaches.
ReplyDeleteI think there was an evolution from porch to patio, from front, to back, from social to not so. Then I think there was an evolution from patio to computer screen, as a virtual porch. But evolution doesn't always move foward. I like the porch, and the halfway between porch and patio- the sunroom.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom grew up in NYC. During the summer they would sleep outdoor on the fire escape. And I guess if there was a fire, they had a head start.
I'd definatley want to live in your ideal city.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. That was a mouthful to read, but I loved the post. Just one question though. Aren't you concerned about global warming though? I believe it has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the past 10-15 years. The exotic trees might help reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but yet again, what do I know? I'm no environmentalist....
ReplyDeleteHa! Love this post! I agree with the porches and balconies, I think they make lovely additions to homes. I also never heard of sleeping porches, but they sound awesome! One thing I love about some of the American neighborhoods especially in New England and NYC is the uniform look they all seem to have in each neighborhood. It's so amazing to me, they always look wonderful!
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading your post, I was hearing your words voiced by Andy Rooney (of 60 minutes fame). I must say they fit very nicely. Maybe you could take over for him when he retires. (If ever!)
ReplyDeleteThe perfect city!!
ReplyDeleteAlberto: Good point about windows! I love bay windows and some of the modern Pella-type windows do a good job of adding interest to otherwise bland old structures.
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