Time

Sometimes you wish there was just more time or an extra day in the week or a way to freeze time, but sadly there isn't.

“Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't
own it, but you can use it. You can't keep
it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it
you can never get it back.”
-Harvey MacKay

“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once.”
-Albert Einstein

"It's not how much time you spend, but how you spend it that matters".
-What a professor said to me earlier today, not sure who said the original.

Capturing Climate Change

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34238661/ns/multimedia-picturing_climate_change/?gt1=43001
9 photographers from the NOOR photo agency have captured climate stories from around the world. The photos and captions combined deliver powerful messages and imagery.

The Maldives faces the risk of being the first nation to dissappear due to the risk of sea level rise.

Bing 3D Mapping

Microsoft has released a beta version introducing 3D imagery to Bing maps. Especially interesting is the new photosynth technology which allows users to upload images to create 3D experiences. According to the partner architect from Microsoft, the company no longer views maps as an application, but as an empty canvas. I'm ready for the Google come back now.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10410320-2.html

Flood Designs

The future of New York and Tokyo if they were to flood.
http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/city-and-its-flooded-double_13.html

Otherworldly Landscapes

http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=Otherworldly+Landscapes%3a+Blue+Lagoon%2c+Iceland

A slide show of amazing natural landscapes.

Sea Level Rise

At a lecture yesterday on "Urban Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Lessons from the Global South", I was guided by JoAnn Carmin, associate professor of Environmental Policy at MIT, to take a look at steps being taken by Oregon and Maryland to address the sea level rise issue. So far all I have been able to discover is Oregon's "Goal 20" plan and some stuff here and there about Maryland, but still no major regional plan or design stuff. If any one has come across any information or can find anything else I would love it if they shared it on here. It would definitely be useful to take a look at some other initiatives being taken as our studio class begins designing for sea level rise in Cape May County.

Confucius Say

By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. - Confucius

New Satellite

Europe launched a new satellite, the Soil Moisture and Salinity (SMOS) probe, which is expected to be able to pinpoint the future location and intensity of floods and droughts. The probe will be able to monitor the amount of moisture held in soils to a depth of up to 7ft, the quantity of salts dissolved in the oceans, and photosynthesis and plant growth. With studies suggesting and supporting that global warming is disrupting and altering weather conditions and patterns the data collected by this probe will aid in furthering our knowledge.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/11/02/satellite-makes-near-real-time-predictions-of-floods-and-droughts/

Google Sketchup

With the release of Google Sketchup 7.1 many may have realized that the DWG/DXF importer isn't available. This has caused many users to be shocked and upset by the loss of the tool, especially Rutgers senior, Benjamin Heller. To those that have downloaded or upgraded to the latest version have no fear there is a plug-in available. This plug-in will only be around for a short period of time and won't be available for any future releases. So sleep easy at night Ben, Google does care.

Mark Your Calander

Mark your calanders for November 17th to witness the annual showing of the Leonid meteor shower. Those of us along the east coast we should expect the shower between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. EST in the southeastern sky.

Future Mapping

Future mapping technology..

Sustainable Site Initiative

The American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden united to put together the first national ratings and guidelines for sustainable and eco-friendly landscape design, construction, and maintenance practices. Today marks the official date of release of the Sustainable Sites Initiative. They will be accepting pilot projects to demonstrate the application of The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009.

Space Hotel

Barcelona based architects of the Galactic Suite Space Resort have designed a spaceport, spaceship, and spaceresort that will cost 4.4 million dollars for a 3 night stay. The company behind the plans to open the hotel expects to start accepting its first paying guests by 2012. Included in the package is an 8 week training course on a tropical island (sea level rise free I hope), Velcro suits to crawl around their pod rooms, watching the sun rise 15 times a day, and revolving around the earth every 80 minutes. For 4.4 million dollars it looks like I'll have to wait for the space motel or space trailer.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091102/od_nm/us_hotel

NJ Elections

I hope those with time went out to vote yesterday, here is a map portraying the New Jersey Governor Race Results and the rest of the outcomes can be found here. I'll keep this an unbiased post. I think this is how most feel though.










Source: Drew Sheneman/The Star-Ledger

Central Park Airport

"Goodbye Central Park, Hello Manhattan Airport" The Manhattan Airport Foundation is planning the redevelopment of Central Park into the world's first carbon negative airport. The park they believe has been left undeveloped for so many years that many have forgotten it's still there. The 150+ year old Central Park serves as a symbol to New York and model to mega-cities around the world. Obviously this plan to redesign the park into an airport is just a joke, but it does bring me to wonder could we ever imagine a New York without a Central Park? The beauty of the city is its ability to crowd, overwhelm, and rush you at one point, then relax, freeze time, and captivate you the very next. With its green roofs, pocket parks, secret spaces, public squares, and High Line, New York provides numerous opportunities for sanctuary. Then there is Central Park which completes the balance and serving as the ultimate match to all the form, structure, complexity, and power found within the skyscrapers and concrete forest. A powerful core and heart of the city that can never be intruded.

View Larger Map

Street View Time Lapse

I love these Google street view time lapse videos.

Google has taken over the world.

GIS Day

Mark your calenders, November 18, 2009 is "GIS Day".

High Line, Bay Line, Bloomingdale Rail Line

"The High Line" - New York
"The Bay Line" - San Francisco
"The Bloomingdale Rail Line" - Chicago

Afro-Latinosaurus Rex

"Afro-Latinosaurus Rex"...yes someone seriously did this.

Solar Power

A company "Novothink" has the first Apple certified solar charger cases for iphones and ipods.

Farmville Addiction

Got Farmville Addiction, if your studio work is interrupted so you can harvest your crops, feed your pigs, or find black sheep then it might be time to sell the farm or maybe not. This and other "tech addictions" have filled our generation and taken our time hostage. One after the other they develop and we become infatuated with them. Our dependency on them directs and molds our culture and social state. Our need for more though is eventually conquered by our desire for better and our addiction serves as a motivator for furthering our advancement. So are they bad, there is no answer, there is only limit.

The Garden State

On November 3rd New Jersey will be holding state elections. Along with voting for governor, state assembly leader, and state senators, voters will be asked to vote "yes" or "no" to the public question regarding the Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009. If your looking for information on the act I found some great information and facts on the ANJEC site, explaining why to vote "yes".

Freestyle Sketch Thursday

This first sketch I did while studying for construction.

This second sketch displays how much I enjoyed learning about brick positions.

Why Blog?

So lately I have been asked the question, "Hany, why do you have a blog?" The question at time catches me off guard, I am unsure whether the question is meant to undermine my pursuit to have a blog or if it is a simple inquiry. Either way I do enjoy the question, there is a part of me that enjoys defending or selling my perspective, whether it comes to a decision I make or a design I create. I'm given the opportunity to express myself and it is this permission to voice my thoughts that I look forward to the most. That would mean the start of my blog was initiated by my desire to communicate, share my knowledge and thoughts, and/or other information I come across. Of course I would have thought the title said it all, "Reflections", but I guess one should never assume.

To the visitors of my blog, in Steve's words, I become like an "online newspaper" and that sums it all up. I don't expect the blog to grow to worldwide recognition (even though it is possible), but I do expect those related to the field of landscape architecture, or design, or one of the many other topics I may discuss on the blog to find their way to my site. I especially reach out to my colleagues, who may either be attracted by my posts and gain some insight they may have otherwise not come across or to the stalkers, with just the simple curiosity of what I'm up to.

The blog also provides me with time to do something else I enjoy and that is - to write. Words are among our most powerful tools, they invoke levels of emotion, modes of persuasion, and imagery through description and the list goes on. For me this opportunity to write is one of the greatest reasons of why I choose to blog.

Of course I may just be blogging so I can get rich.

Small World

Came across this data put together by researchers at European Commission’s Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy, and the World Bank that mapped out how long it would take to travel to the nearest city of 50,000 or more people by land or water. Most of the world is accessible in under 24 hours, even places one wouldn't expect. I found two the of the maps particularly interesting the first map illustrated the web of roads that have consumed our planet and the second the railway network. These maps really put into perspective a view of our Earth I know I didn't have prior to looking at them.

Great Streets

Our conventional idea of the streetscape and vehicle focused designs have proved unsustainable. But what does make a great street? Walkability, stormwater management, walking space, sitting space, bike lane space, plant space, pervious concrete, block sizes, how should these and more be addressed? Design Workshop has been working with places like St. Louis, as part of the Great Streets Initiative to design a sustainable and a Complete Streetscape. The seniors had a preliminary crit yesterday for their community designs, which all looked great, and as they continue to work I hope these are a few of the elements they further consider and explore.

10 Google Commandments

A recent article I found on Money.CNN.com discusses the 10 Things Google Has Taught Us. Google has proved itself as an iconic symbol for companies in this 21st century and their unorthodox methods have proved successful and appealing. There is a lot to learn about the way this company has designed, and continues to design, itself.

This is another really good article I read on Forbes.com, http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/22/wealth-greed-success-leadership-careers-managing.html. I post this one for the people that always seem occupied with thoughts of money and getting rich as soon as they graduate.

Climate Action Day

Ages varied, Race was diverse, but the goal was the same. The more people that are educated, the more people that are inspired, the closer we get to real change. I met people today that truly care; they care about their communities, about their planet, about the future. I plan on increasing my involvement with such groups and I encourage all others that are interested to contact me and I will be sure to keep constant updates on the blog about events. Check out the out come world wide: http://www.350.org/350-action-gallery

350

350.org is an international campaign dedicated to inspire the world to rise to the challenge of the climate crisis. October 24th (today) is the chosen date for the international day of climate action where people around the world were called upon to organize an action on October 24 incorporating the number 350 at an iconic place in their community in order to lift public awareness. The number 350 represents the 350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere that is the safe limit for humanity. Currently we are at 387ppm.






350

Climate Change Aftermath Video

I came across this funny yet very serious climate change aftermath video.


(of course it had to take place in Cairo, Egypt)
As extreme as the scenario in video is it still speaks a powerful message.

Climate Change Map

Here is a new and interesting interactive map displaying climate change developed by Met Office Scientists. The map represents a 4 degree Celsius rise in global temperature.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/interactive/2009/oct/22/climate-change-carbon-emissions
The map was displayed at the London Science Museum's new Prove It Climate Change Exhibition that you can check out here: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/proveit.aspx
You can even play the game to save the Earth: http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/climatechange/CarbonLifeStyles/CarbonLifeStyles.html

More Freestyle Sketch Thursday

doodles are sketches of what we see in our mind


This sketch was done by April Maly, she titled it "Geometric Island." This is all about interpretation and I see something pretty unique when I look at this sketch, it kind of reminds me of Cape May County's barrier islands.

Jersey Shore Gallery

The Mason Gross Gallery at Rutgers University will be hosting photographs by "Paul Moakley" entitled "Shore Points" until November second. As Ibrahim Bouzine, my source to this event, points out,"it screams JERSEY SHORE" and "delivers a sense of place." It might be interesting to check out during my free time and maybe yours. Thanks Ibs.

Google Road to Hell

Click the arrow to move towards the wall... if you dare...
http://streetviewgallery.corank.com/tech/framed/google-Street-View-Car-Hits-a-Wall-and

Freestyle Sketch Thursday

Here are this weeks sketches:


This sketch is by Zeina Zahalan of one of the Santo Spirito Church doors in Florence, Italy.













This is a sketch done by Steve Somers of the infinity pool and water feature at the Christian Science Church in Boston, MA.


This is a sketch I did of El Campo in Siena, Italy.





This is another sketch I did of a statue at Boboli Gardens.

Sea Level Rise Awareness

I came across this public art project known as the "Watermarks Project" that was designed to address sea level rise awareness. The art was UK based and designed by artist and Landscape Architect, Chris Bodle. I don't think this gallery is still up, but the site does mention future plans of expansion. I'll try to find more examples of sea level rise awareness or if anyone else knows of any feel free to post them.

Steve Strom Memorial Lecture - Laurie Olin

This years Steve Strom Memorial Lecture given by Laurie Olin was exceptional. As host, Mr. Olin had the crowd entranced with each design he presented. The lecture started with a brief history of Laurie's life and work given by Kate John-Alder.
Designing with a vision and keeping the future in mind, stood out to me during his talk. As time changes it is important for our landscapes at times to do the same and a great design will allow for its vision to be achieved and for new ones to be born.
The understanding of the culture in a landscape is important to appreciate and acknowledge. We should also understand how users of our spaces will interpret them. (sometimes you have to show people the water) As designers at times we have ideas of how we see our intended plan at work, but we should also accept the reality of how it may be used and percieved.
As a word of advice to future graduates and Landscape Architects, Laurie informed the audience that what his firm looks for is great artists. The hand, according to Mr. Olin, is the most fluid tool we can use, sure computer renders look good, but a hand drawing and sketch can be done on the fly. Good thing we have Freestyle Sketch Thursdays.
One of the last pieces of advice Mr. Olin left us with was, "The most interesting thing you will ever design is yourself."
At the end as Mr. Olin was walking out, I got to thank him on giving a great lecture and even gave him a pound, too bad he didn't make it blast, maybe next time.

Hooked on Maps?

If you can get enough of maps your prayers have been answered, ESRI released "Mapping for Everyone " yesterday. The first part is an interactive web map that allows users to create their own maps with data layers. The service works with a second program, web mapping API's, which allow users to create interactive applications along with their maps using programs such as Javascript, Flex and/or Silverlight. The finisher, ArcGIS Explorer, will accompany Virtual Earth and Google Earth in the quest of virtual globe viewers.

Walk Score

The Rutgers LA seniors are working on "community design" this semester. As they plan and design I have noticed some of the different directions taken. Walkable neighborhoods offer the most in sustainability and health. Walkscore.com is rating neighborhoods based on how walkable they are. Check out the site to see the walkability ranking of your neighborhood.

Laurie Olin

"Be proactive, not passive. Do not wait for people to ask for help. Make things happen. Stimulate others. Invent projects that need doing. Seek allies and help. Don't worry about career or money or having enough to do. Just do good work and all the rest will happen." Laurie Olin, FASLA

This Wednesday is the 5th annual Steve Strom Memorial Lecture in Trayes Hall at 6:30 PM presented by guest lecturer, Laurie Olin. This will definitely be one you don't want to miss.

CVS

This one is for all us constant computer users, "CVS" = Computer Vision Syndrome. Maybe you should take a break after reading this.

Google Street View Trike

If you felt bad for the Google street view guys in the video below, imagine now riding a 250 pound tricycle hooked up with a GPS and camera off road. Google expanded their street view option, "Street View Trike" earlier this summer, to parks, trails, zoos, landmarks, university campuses, etc. Now they are looking for feedback and you can vote for where you want them to go next at google.com/trike.

Google Street View

Ever wonder about the pioneers who have made google street view possible, spending countless hours in a vehicle, recording street after street?

See more funny videos and funny pictures at CollegeHumor.

Freestyle Sketch Thursday

From now every Thursday I'll try to post some sketches done by either my fellow classmates and or myself. Hopefully this encourages me and others to sketch more often.
Zeina Zahalan sketched this mountain side and reflection. This my favorite since it goes great with the title of the blog.




This beautiful sketch of lillies is by Sarah Nitchman.












This is sketch by Steve Somers of Eastport Park in Boston.







Last is a sketch I did of the entrance to Eero Saarinen's MIT Chapel.

LA Song Remix

For those fans of the Miley Song in the studio here is a Biggie Remix for us to now blast at 3 AM.
http://perezhilton.com/2009-10-09-when-miley-met-biggie#respond

Redrawing the US

Common Census Map Project applies user input to redesign boundaries and allow for a cultural redistricting. They also have a sports census map. Those interested should vote in. It would be interesting to look at the sports maps over the years to see how well a team has performed has affected the shape of the map. This is definitely apparent in the NBA map. I know there have to be more Knick fans that that in the tri-state area.

Fall Field Trip - Boston

This year the Rutgers LA program held the annual fall field trip to Boston, MA from October 9th-11th.










Source:David Tulloch

Highlights included the Harvard Graduate School of Design, the Holocaust Memorial, the Big Dig, Worlds End, Arnold Arboretum and some of us got (lucky?) enough to see Ben Affleck.









To check out all the pictures check out my slide show at: http://hanyhanafy.slide.com

Design Thinking - A Process

Today in studio we discussed "Process", a series of actions, operations, thoughts, research, synthesis, analysis, etc.
We have been processing since the start of the semester and its important for us to comprehend this larger scale of our profession. As landscape architects and designers we must not only understand our processes, but the processes of the environment around us. The process is almost never complete and seems to involve everything. Also we should understand and be able to explain our processes.
In class our professor made the statement "the architect is not a magician." We don't just think and then poof a design.
I came across this video on TED last night. Tim Brown the CEO of innovation and design firm IDEO, encourages designers to think big, and not just in the terms of consumerism. We have to understand our designs and the post process affects they will have.

Presentation Day

Today our studio class presented our Cape May County Inventory research. Among our audience was Dean Cardasis, Rutgers Graduate Program Director, Marcus Knowlton, SEBS Systems Administrator and Webmaster, Nick Tufaro, NJ Chapter ASLA President, and our professor David Tulloch.

Our layout consisted of a printed board sequence for each subtopic and an interactive screen in the center for our PDF's. Each group selected a representative to present the research on a whole.

Our presentation started with Jenna Gatto delivering a brief description of our project which included questions, history and the evolution of the county.

This was followed with Ibrahim Bouzine proceeding further into presenting information on the people and culture.
Stephen Somers gave his talk on "Land" explaining the research he discorverd which went indepth into the geologic forms of the county and their affect on soils and plants within the region.

Nicholas Grandi, our team leader for the project, presented his talk on "Water" explaining how vital and sensitive it is and the dominance it has on the total land cover of the county.

Sarah Nitchman concluded the presentation presenting the government information, which was the group I was also a member of. Federal and State Plans and Property, protection acts, and zones such as CAFRA were all discussed. She ended the talk with the statement "inventory is going to be an ongoing thing, however we know so much about Cape May County, our job from here out will be to process the information into a deeper knowledge and understanding that has the potential to inform the future and direction of Cape May County."

All in all our presentations went well. We all worked hard and everyday is a learning experience. As our information develops and our lay out is organized we will have reached the point I'm sure our professors are shooting for.

Following our presentation our guests offered their perspectives, critiquing our work, and guiding us to our next step of development, our analysis.

Our next steps include the introduction of sea level rise and climate change. This starts to revolve around questions of heirarchy and a crash between ecology and economy which also leads to considerations including property rights.

.

Less is More

BBC Documentary: Mies van der Rohe - Less is More

An indepth documentary that takes a look at Mies van der Rohe's work which has helped shaped the modern world and his "less is more" motto which has become a concept for many designers today.

I guess the guided boat tour in Part 3 is what it would have been like to take one down the Chicago River during the ASLA Convention.

Party in the USA

LIVE BLOG 2:15 AM:


First I apologize to all my avid readers and followers for the lack of posts these past couple of days, but there have been many late nights and busy days as our final board and presentation for our Cape May inventory approaches.










LA students in their natural habitat. Working hard, constantly learning, and feeding off of each others energies. Yes its 2 in the morning but this is not new to us. This is our time to express our ideas and knowledge.




cigarette breaks, wawa and dunkin runs, ordering food, GIS, illustrator, photoshop, cad, errors, lagging, insanity, genius, stress, and euphoria


There is no one word that can best describe nights like this, but i encourage my fellow classmates to comment and reflect.









PARTY IN THE USA
Party in Blake Hall

Video Diary

I came across these video diaries by Michael Van Valkenburgh as he tours the unfinished site of his firm's Brooklyn Bridge Park, the plaza at the Boston Children's Museum, and Central Park. These are some pretty interesting videos as you listen to him describe the spaces and the future of his design. This is a great way for residents to feel connected to the park even before its built and for all to get a glimpse of some of the construction. All the videos can be found on the WNYC Youtube page.

LA Club

For those that missed last night's LA Club meeting here is a quick overview of what went down:

First, for those that have still not paid their first payment for the Boston trip, please give your $75 to Pam before the end of this week. (cash or check)

Second, the LA club t-shirt designs are due by next wednesday. Designs may be either hand drawn or computer animated. There is no limit to the number of designs one person could hand in.

Third, there is a possible NYC walk in the works. This includes a walk from tip to tip led by Dr. David Tulloch. The trip, if in the fall, may be around November. This is a great chance to learn new and exciting things about the city in a way you may have never thought.

Fourth, the club is currently looking for fundraising ideas. Some current thoughts are hosting a shadow day or portfolio night. Other ideas are maybe a plants walk or some sort of event at Rutgers Garden.

Fifth, students are encouraged to become Student ASLA members. The fee is $50 a year but you gain membrship and receive the monthly Landscape architecture magazine. The magazine is a great source for top news and the latest designs, and at times our own Staff can be seen in the magazine, Dr. Tulloch and Dean Cardasis have both been seen in the magazine.
Students can attempt to apply for the membership here:
http://www.asla.org/ISGWeb.aspx?loadURL=siguse
or if that isn't working then mail in a subscription here:
http://www.asla.org/ContentDetail.aspx?id=1062

Study Abroad:Gardens and Landscapes of Italy

Every Wednesday at 3:55 the Cook Douglass Lecture Hall hosts presentations organized by the Rutgers Landscape Architecture program. Most of the time these lectures are presented by renowned advocates of our discipline or other professionals related to other aspects of the industry.

Today 8 students, Mike, Sarah, Rebecca, Jenna, Zeina, Ty, and myself presented our Italy Study Abroad presentations. Of course the trip was a wonderful experience with many sights and views. Our instructor during the trip, Ari Novy, was a valuable resource filled with knowledge about the Tuscan landscape and Italian culture. During the second half of our trip, Carla Tiberi, joined our group and shared her knowledge of Italy and its history.

The presentations started with a quick overview of each of our 25 days in Italy. The beautiful Medici gardens, the Etruscan and Roman ruins, and historic urban layouts were displayed wonderfully through each slide, teasing the imagination of viewers to want to see more and hopefully encouraging them to consider a study abroad trip.

Following the slides each of us presented our research topics while on the trip.
I started with my topic, Sustainability in the Italian Landscape, and discussed the meaning of sustainability and gave examples found in the country. Mike gave an overview of some of the many Cathedrals, their architecture, and designers. Sarah gave a great talk about Garden Restoration and left those in the audience with questions about deciding how to fully restore a garden that has been changed through the years and where our role as landscape architects is located when it comes to altering a historic design to advocate for new concepts such as sustainability. Rebecca presented us with a couple of Medici Gardens and talked about their history. Jenna took us through the evolution of Torino, from its Roman Origins to its Contemporary Realities. Zeina discussed Torino as a Winter Olympic City in 2006 and why it was chosen. Ty concluded the presentations with his talk on the Lunnetes drawn for the Medici’s by Glusto Utens.

Hopefully today’s presentations left the audience wanting more and encourages some to travel to Italy or encourages students to sign up for any other study abroad trip. Good job to all the presentors today.

Ocean Conservancy

Last year Ocean Conservancy had around 400,000 volunteers collect more than 6.8 million pounds of trash in 100 countries during the 2008 International Coastal Cleanup. The conservancy conducts a tight inventory on its clean up and this year they are hoping to do an even better job. Last years data provides interesting results. To sign up for a clean up near you click here. Most of the dates available on the Jersey Shore are on October 24th. If anyone is interested to join me I signed up for the Sandy Hook clean up that day.

Google Map Tool

Here is a fun(I use the term very loosley) “google map tool” that allows you to depict sea level rise up to 14 meters anywhere in the world. If I thought my professor David Tulloch loved maps here is the blog where I found the link this guy is really a “cartophiliac”.

Our "Home"

Last night Rutgers held a special viewing of the documentary “Home”. Directed by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, who is best known for his breathtaking aerial photographs, this was truly an eye opening film. The music by Armand Amar played a powerful role and combined with the incredible scenes and shots, captured the heart of this viewer.
The documentary discussed many of today's environmental issues and the historical events that lead to this point in time. The idea of humanity and man's role in the environment versus man's actual actions and decisions is an important and essential topic that must be addressed. With nation's spending billions on military and with modern civilizations extracting almost every bit of natural resources and releasing harmful by-products into the atmosphere I question "What is truly important to us as a species and where do our values lie?" Hearing about countries such as Costa Rica, who eliminated their military and knowing that slowly new technologies are taking form to replace unsustainable methods keep me optimistic.
Here is a link to the movie, I recommend all to watch.
“http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU”

ERROR

Errors, glitches, systems freezing, and lagging programs... we all have at least at one point had to deal with these technical issues. A new book“Glitch: The Design of Imperfection” has found the beauty in these glitches. So when your up all night working on a project and the computer starts defecting try to remember that this is just a 21st century technological artform artform taking place in front of you.
I guess the next time I make a mistake I'll just blame it on the beauty of my imperfection.

Really Green Power

Researchers have discovered that they are able to measure and attain electrical power found in plants, primarily trees. Although the millivolts that plants produce isn't nearly enough to power most of our electronics today the Univeristy of Washington is working on new technologies that could tap into that energy source.
"Tree power is unlikely to replace solar power for most applications, Parviz admits. But the system could provide a low-cost option for powering tree sensors that might be used to detect environmental conditions or forest fires. The electronic output could also be used to gauge a tree's health" (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908151330.htm) Looks like we'll have to wait a little longer until we can charge our cell phones at our local street tree.

Quotes

I have always enjoyed a good quote and the rush it seems to give your mind. I'll try to post good quotes as I find them and or remember them. I would like the blog to become more interactive with fellow classmates so feel free to submit any good quotes or stories to share with others.

"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them."
- George Bernard Shaw

Floods Unearth Mistakes

A mixture of powerful flash flood storms, poor urban planning, and construction on flood plains opened the gates for deadly flooding in Instanbul, Turkey earlier this week. Water levels rose drowning many cars and leaving at least 31 killed. Its incidents similar to this that bring to light the poor decisions being made both by developers and government officials. We live in a time where more people are living in cities than in rural areas and even the UN estimates that by 2050, "70 percent of people will live in cities, making the size of the world's urban population equal to the entire population in 2004 (approximately 6.3 billion). (Eric Sanderson - Mannahatta) This should be a period of time where nations are inspecting, analyzing, and redesigning our urban mega-cities in order for them to be secure for future generations. Steps are being taken and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs just issued the World Economic and Social Survey 2009: Promoting Development and Saving the Planet. Rather than tackling on the two subjects separately they have provided an integrated approach based on sustainable development. These are the types of decisions that must now be carefully and quickly carried out. These are the types of decisions we don't want to ignore so others aren't left mourning over accidents that could have been prevented like the Turkish citizens are now.














Picture Courtesy of www.nationalpost.com

Stepping Way Back

With all the research being collected and the layers of maps being created it seems like Cape May is all I have been staring at. I'm sure some of my classmates feel the same way as well. Rather then staring down onto Cape May lets turn the cameras around for a second. Here are some brand new images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. http://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/gallery/2009-09/gallery-best-hubbles-comeback-tour
Its always good to step away from something occasionally to refresh our minds.

Maps

This semester my studio class has been using the ArcGIS program to design maps that illustrate some of the preliminary data we have gathered on Cape May County. (Slowly I am discovering a new LA addiction creeping up). As frustrating as the program can be, its possibilities and functions appear endless. Cartography can be traced back to the Babylonians in around 2000 BC and historically has been a powerful tool. Today maps can be designed to deliver geographic information based on almost any type of attribute data. The possibilites have become endless and very entertaining as well.

Just recently a friend of mine, Stephen Somers, sent me a link to map charting the Seven Deadly Sins in the US, designed by team at Kansas State. As entertaining as the map is I question the accuracy of the research and from what it seems Florida is one state we should all avoid. Here is a link to the map: http://www.wired.com/culture/education/magazine/17-09/st_sinmaps

More Italy Pictures

Piazza del Campo, Siena

Villa Pietra,

Veneria Reale

Venaria Reale

Villa de Este

Hadrians Villa

Olympic Bridge in Torino

The Stuff that Happens

I came across the video posted below a while ago on this website, www.storyofstuff.com. The video discusses the set of connections and processes involved with the production, then sale, and finally disposal of goods, as well as the environmental and social issues related. Sustainability has become a popular topic and a serious issue and it is our responsibility as inhabitants of this planet to take our actions into consideration. Our wants, desires, and infatuations with stuff and things is an addiction and an unhealthy lifestyle that is endangering our planet. We should all take a step back and reassess our standard of living.

T-shirt Design Competition

The Rutgers University LA club is holding a club t-shirt design competition. Students within the major, in the club, and even those in related fields are encouraged to participate. The club is looking for two designs, one that is less graphic and oriented more towards a larger audience and a second one that is directed more at students with more of graphic design and concept. Designs should be submitted to club officials by September 16th and can either be computer generated or hand sketched. For more information feel free to contact me.

Dear Summer

With summer coming to an end, here are a few photos recapping a study abroad course in Italy that I attended. The course focused on gardens and landscapes of the Tuscany and Piedmont regions, but of course I also experienced many other aspects of Italian art, architecture, and culture. Europe's rich history and aged landscape offered an insightful contrast to the US landscape I was accustomed to. I'll add more photos and a few sketches within the week to accompany this batch.

Boboli Gardens, Florence

Boboli Gardens, Florence

Etruscan Ruins, Fiesole


















Fontana di Trevi, Rome

Pantheon, Rome

the Duomo, Siena

















View from Piazza Michelangelo

















Lotus under a waterfall in Villa de Petraia