If a contemporary economist views the city as “an absence of distance between people and firms,” Richard Sennett thinks the contrasts and conflict cities produce inspire innovation and drive their economies. Unfortunately, for too long urban planners have been stifling such conflict through their idealistic plans and heavy-handed regulations. But just what would it look like to create an “architecture of justice” that enriches urban life and convinces urban residents to live with less? And what are planners to do without their beloved regulations?
The Meaning of Charles Sheeler
I’m pretty excited about a small exhibit of works by Charles Sheeler that opened today at the National Gallery. Also interesting is some of the commentary surrounding his artwork. Both a noted photographer and painter Charles Sheeler is best known for a series of iconic photographs he produced on commission by the Ford Motor Company, […]
Mural No More
I noticed yesterday a large mural on the side of the 14th Street bookstore Candida’s World of Books is being bricked over for new construction that’s part of the Matrix condo building. A number of large luxury condo buildings are under construction on that stretch of 14th Street.
Our Historical Heroes
Tonight I talked with a U-M student named Jared Press. He actually got in touch with me through a professor friend to talk about jobs (He’s interested in urban planning and thinking about moving back to DC) but in the course of the conversation I found out he helps run a t-shirt company with a […]
The Turtles Are Coming
As part of their 150th anniversary celebration, the University of Maryland is sponsoring a competition called the “Fear the Turtle Sculpture Project.” Like the pandas, elephants, and donkeys before them, 50 sculptures of the Terrapin mascot Testudo decorated by area artists will “soon” (According to the WaPo) grace the streets of D.C. (Via Lenny) I […]
PostSecret Show A Hit
We’ve been covering him on DCist for over a year now, but it looks like Frank Warren’s PostSecret project is taking off in a big way. His book is #20 on Amazon.com Books and his exhibit at the old Staples in Georgetown is going over well according to Lenny over at DC Art News: I […]
Jewelry Politics
Hippy Rings: Who knew?