The Trouble with the New Condominium Complex

[rebeccmeister]

As my father and I sat in Victrola this morning, we observed one of the New Condominium Complexes that was constructed across the street. In some ways, these new edifices have gotten things right: housing quarters are located above shops, which abut the street and aren't buried behind parking lagoons. But they still seem tragic to me, somehow, and I can't entirely figure out why. I know that, for instance, I'm not happy with brick facades and would rather see real brick, but that doesn't seem to be the heart of the matter. My dad pointed out that the issue could be a matter of scale: these complexes occupy entire city blocks, leaving little viewable diversity and turning streets into canyons.

Building materials certainly factor in greatly--I think we're still trying to address the ramifications of construction with steel skeletons and shells, but our work hasn't yet produced results on a satisfying human scale.

Whatever the causes, it's undeniable that there's a continuing need for shelter and livelihood for a growing population. But it should be *right* shelter, and *right* livelihood, not the sort that leaves one feeling contextless and restless, commodified and mass-manufactured. There are good reasons why handmade crafts are so popular, though they often seem to be a pointless diversion.

Comments

[gfrancie.livejournal.com]

The problem I think is the lack of public squares/meeting places.
I think of what I have seen in Europe where people have a central area to meet/wander. It creates more of an area of community.

[rebeccmeister.livejournal.com]

You have a point, there. Even some nicely grouped benches (and perhaps a few plants?) could make a big difference.

[gfrancie.livejournal.com]

This small village we stayed in on the Cinque Terre didn't exactly have the most formal of squares but every evening around sunset people would gather for about half an hour around the church. There were a couple of benches but the area was open. People would stand/sit around. Have a chat. Watch the view, drink a bit of grappa and just be.
It was a lovely sight to behold.