tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191036892024-03-12T20:23:52.826-07:00UrbanABQUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-87119513891726321592013-04-12T19:57:00.001-07:002013-04-12T19:57:26.331-07:00Time to Upgrade Those UrbanABQ Links!It is time to bid adieu to this blogspot page since the new website is up and ready. The blogspot page won't be going anywhere anytime soon but it will not be seeing any updates.<br />
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See you all at <a href="http://urbanabq.com/">UrbanABQ.com</a>!<br />
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Cheers,<br />
TimUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-73764473929697535362013-02-24T20:41:00.001-08:002013-02-24T20:41:03.254-08:00George Pearl Hall at Night<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8601342@N03/8459031883/" title="George Pearl Hall at Night"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8230/8459031883_f46a392fc5.jpg" alt="George Pearl Hall at Night by newmexico51" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8601342@N03/8459031883/">George Pearl Hall at Night</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8601342@N03/">newmexico51</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The art projection really contributes to this intersection. What a fantastic addition.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-87035220438788535762013-02-19T21:25:00.000-08:002013-02-19T21:26:27.943-08:00Changes Abound<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzcCMY0Z_dj2oCHvdnVGtPmZk1EiHHePXKIFrRmd-PYisiXNAIS8CdXxb6PF1sn9pmOsuBSWBb_14iJhYlS6JlHa6UFH7fzXjbBTrKYHFkfdnLjacl86lIksMUGoxefa1gn588g/s1600/City&Sandias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzcCMY0Z_dj2oCHvdnVGtPmZk1EiHHePXKIFrRmd-PYisiXNAIS8CdXxb6PF1sn9pmOsuBSWBb_14iJhYlS6JlHa6UFH7fzXjbBTrKYHFkfdnLjacl86lIksMUGoxefa1gn588g/s400/City&Sandias.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dear readers,</div>
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I'm really not sure how many of you are out there but I just want to let everyone know that there are some exciting things happening behind the scenes at UrbanABQ. My job has made it difficult to really discuss much in the way of exciting projects and such due to client interests. However, the intention of UrbanABQ has always been to provide a sounding board for those interested in the built environment of our increasingly urbanizing metro area. </div>
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So, I'm excited to announce that UrbanABQ will soon be migrating to another site and will feature numerous authors providing insight to many facets of Albuquerque's urban fabric. Same name, same concept, just different perspectives and hopefully an increasingly engaged audience. </div>
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Cheers,</div>
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Tim </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-85501176114039159122013-02-13T21:00:00.002-08:002013-02-13T21:06:10.809-08:00Downtown Residential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Coming to a corner near you. While the project certainly had its detractors, discussions often missed the point that adding 151 units, 200+ people and their incomes to downtown will further contribute to achieving the vitality we claim to desire. Adding dwelling units is the best way to do that. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk-3bix72rzeZ2ZmNJ_0us0rzZNvXcuMB9D7YHcCrAzPqaFXO23jA7CjXauKYNLBzfdmDEytyWjxWK1gKW0zU888ulULACwpA0ISaFnkq3hPyKDDmOjKQll62bSV-2ro72YGEsw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+9.52.18+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuk-3bix72rzeZ2ZmNJ_0us0rzZNvXcuMB9D7YHcCrAzPqaFXO23jA7CjXauKYNLBzfdmDEytyWjxWK1gKW0zU888ulULACwpA0ISaFnkq3hPyKDDmOjKQll62bSV-2ro72YGEsw/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+9.52.18+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhII6NF6fkL5AQJRrU_5VN75U3Ix7hTA96kTdw0Vc91bsm71Ba0clw2BP7zIUdoFvG5kfWT4RCsgwbnxG8KyGhbLO48ILbDTcvQY-Xm8JhcruLZI55bMc3-Ctkn7Tf5gHvMjkrQhA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+9.52.40+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhII6NF6fkL5AQJRrU_5VN75U3Ix7hTA96kTdw0Vc91bsm71Ba0clw2BP7zIUdoFvG5kfWT4RCsgwbnxG8KyGhbLO48ILbDTcvQY-Xm8JhcruLZI55bMc3-Ctkn7Tf5gHvMjkrQhA/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-02-13+at+9.52.40+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-599138509418163042013-02-05T21:27:00.001-08:002013-02-05T21:27:18.018-08:00Albuquerque Downtown<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/captdanger/8406490617/" title="Albuquerque Downtown"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8080/8406490617_9460346abc.jpg" alt="Albuquerque Downtown by CaptDanger" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/captdanger/8406490617/">Albuquerque Downtown</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/captdanger/">CaptDanger</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Another great photo from the UrbanABQ Flickr group.<br /><br />In other news, UrbanABQ is now on twitter! Connect now!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-69906381569834231102013-01-26T11:17:00.001-08:002013-01-26T11:17:49.067-08:00ABQ Food Trucks<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/8416813501/" title="ABQ Food Trucks"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8416813501_7f97a99dee.jpg" alt="ABQ Food Trucks by ABQturkey" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/8416813501/">ABQ Food Trucks</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/">ABQturkey</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>The momentum is certainly picking up on this movement in the 505</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-26226600609513819072012-11-14T19:27:00.001-08:002012-11-14T21:27:38.369-08:00Downtown is Not in the Doldrums<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53748685@N00/5074343448/" title="IMG_0280 Ps CS3 copy"><img alt="IMG_0280 Ps CS3 copy by bhaskins1" height="300" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4089/5074343448_ff6a1249bf.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53748685@N00/5074343448/">IMG_0280 Ps CS3 copy</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/53748685@N00/">bhaskins1</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't read the news. The Business Weekly dedicated its <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/print-edition/2012/11/09/abqs-downtown-revival-efforts-dogged.html">front page</a> to warn us that things aren't well in downtown. Tenants are just flying out of the crime-ridden, drug-infested, drunken slum. Apparently. Alright, I exaggerated a little but that's the gist of it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">However, for those following along, we've seen the area slowly add residential units and new businesses. Sure, there's been fits and starts - two steps forward and one back seems to be the trend. But at least there's progress. Somehow the Business Weekly missed the unveiling of the Railyards Master Plan. And if they had done a little more research and actually read the RFP that was issued by City for the grocery store, they would have noticed hundreds of proposed residential units. When I add up the units in their RFP, plus other projects I've heard mention of in the last few months, I estimate approximately 750 units either proposed or momentarily under construction. Add to that the upcoming redevelopment of the Convention Center and I challenge anyone that suggests downtown is failing. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The BW article also mentions that the Downtown Action Team is looking to renovate the 4th Street Pedestrian Mall. Apparently they are looking to reopen the street to vehicular traffic; one lane and along a curvy path. I'm not one for extensive public review and comment but shouldn't such a project be vetted, at least to some extent? Also,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> when did DAT become a design firm?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> While I agree that something needs to be done I'm unsure that they found THE solution. The first problem with the ped mall started when they closed the street. There's no arguing that. However, they added to its demise when they allowed restaurants to build patios above the pedestrian grade and with walls. Then they forced the restobars to add hockey rink-like plexiglass to keep alcohol from being exported beyond their premises. Internally, the pedestrian mall has elevated planting boxes through its median. All of these barriers add up to a piss poor pedestrian environment, where one can hardly see into the mall from Central (the main adjacent corridor) and once you're in, you feel very isolated given the dead pedestrian level frontages of adjacent buildings. Why don't they start by opening it back up...to pedestrians, perhaps?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've heard murmurs of a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/albuquerque.streetcar?fref=ts">streetcar line</a> being talked about within downtown. Knowing that BRT is slated for Central Ave, it would seem appropriate that a streetcar line would best compliment BRT by running perpendicular, connecting activity centers (Courthouse District, Casa District) in downtown to the BRT line. 4th Street is the no-brainer corridor for a streetcar given the already existent commercial corridor both north and south. (Imagine a streetcar that ran in a loop along 2nd and 4th, between Bridge and Mountain....yeah) I'd be quite upset to see DAT spend a heap of cash on a curvy road, which would either detract a streetcar or result in another expensive remodel of the street.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps they should scale back those plans and allocate funds toward projects that would have larger impacts such as adding bike lanes (protected, even), parklets, and doing some real marketing for downtown. Heck, let's start by getting the twinkle light parade back in the heart of the City.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rest assured downtown Burqueñosos and fans, downtown is getting better and is on the verge of putting development into a higher gear.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-11110991653221842792012-11-01T21:56:00.002-07:002012-11-01T22:06:27.062-07:00Re-Imagining the Railyards Master Plan<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRC1jLYkjnSZ0sf-SDCKt8B3jIEXiXLiTbvlTWNTfqMCaC6lCnuvEz2zq9V5gvWXyXU6VwyXd9MtUDo2J7HAQMr-QmMbVbOGXNSn_PKfuWmY0V1TFnQG3qvIcv2DOVg7DlIjLDA/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRC1jLYkjnSZ0sf-SDCKt8B3jIEXiXLiTbvlTWNTfqMCaC6lCnuvEz2zq9V5gvWXyXU6VwyXd9MtUDo2J7HAQMr-QmMbVbOGXNSn_PKfuWmY0V1TFnQG3qvIcv2DOVg7DlIjLDA/s400/IMG_2121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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First, I want to say that I am appalled by the lack of press that this has attracted. The railyards project is the largest such project that has been proposed by this City in years. Instead, the media continues to highlight the ills and negative aspects of everyday life. <br />
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With that said, I'll begin my critique by stating how refreshing it is to see bold, aggressive ideas proposed for the redevelopment of such magnificent structures. From the sweeping funnel/glass canopy that shields the primary promenade between the cathedral buildings, the reconstructed roundhouse turned performance space, to the Ponte Vecchio-esque bridge over the railroad tracks, this plan is nothing short of fascinating. </div>
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But (yes, the requisite BUT), does the plan meet the needs of the neighborhood, the City, and make the best use of the whole space? </div>
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I'll begin with the parking. The plan does an incredible job hiding the necessary parking that this project will need. I applaud Samitaur's balance between the necessary parking and the City's sometimes ridiculous requirements, particularly in activity centers. </div>
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Housing. I am shocked that only up to 60 units were proposed. 30 had to be included as part of the scope. However, given the magnitude of the project and its projected high visibility and popularity, it would seem like hundreds of new units would not be out of the question. Granted, the current market would not support much aside from subsidized housing, but I can't help think that in 5-10 years, this project will begin to attract a new market segment further south from a projected growing downtown. </div>
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Building renovations. While it is understandable that renovation of the historic structures will be expensive, I'd like to know that some of those buildings will be accessible to the public, whether in the form of an indoor/outdoor market, museum, or any other use. The buildings on the north side, as well as the south cathedral building (or part of it at the least) seem like obvious candidates. </div>
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Open Space. This topic is my primary concern with the plan. This land represents the City's best opportunity to create a sizable, urban, vegetated open space for citizens. With such imposing, special structures on site and the state's only collection of high rises nearby to the north in downtown, this space begs to be a special gathering place for citizens and guests. What is planned to be a building with a rooftop plaza seems to almost meet this requirement. However, this city has plenty of hard-scaped plazas. The City was well off the mark when it redesigned Civic Plaza decades ago. The plan appears to replicate the uninhabitable space. Sure the views will be spectacular, but what we need is a grassy place to kick a soccer ball, throw a frisbee, read a book, and take part in the milieu that comes from urban open spaces. Given the incessant sun and summer heat, a rooftop plaza just doesn't fit the bill. Throw in some shade trees, cool grass, along with various sitting, observing, and comfortable socializing spaces surrounded by an inspiring built environment, and I'm in. </div>
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Connectivity. I will say that I appreciate the undulating landforms that would allow visitors to walk around and upon the new and renovated spaces. The pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks is wonderful as well, taking something as iconic as the Ponte Vecchio bridge and giving it a modern twist. However, as currently planned, there may be too much of a good thing in terms of the undulating landforms. When approaching the railyards from the north, I enjoy the site of the mighty structures - from their foundations to their rooftops. Without a significant amount of water, those landforms will turn into brown mounds that will reduce the experience of the procession when moving south toward the majestic structures. </div>
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I really think the designers need to consider moving the new office/support space that is slated to be under the plaza on the north side to the south end and simplify and/or downsize the programming at the north side. On the southside, perhaps some penetration of the existing streets into the site to weave the Barelas community into the fabric of the Railyards. Additional housing could help to blur the edge. The cultural space at the south end, while well conceived, would compete with a formidable institution nearby to the south. Perhaps re-imagining the roundhouse as something that is more mixed use, with offices, residential, and perhaps cultural would help to create an environment that is alive (dare I say vibrant?) for more than 9 hours, compared to the predominantly museum and office concept that is proposed. </div>
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But that's just me. What do you think?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-12867203626618227202012-10-27T08:56:00.006-07:002012-10-27T08:58:03.623-07:00Railyards Master Plan Renderings <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm0kAOimwlcWRLThwW5iJjc0AllcLQSe3KxbxtG0PyB3WCG_FkJb_HTaSrjNILYdCt73pgBbH5dUpq1A8EUHX4812ODUPaDOSJAuOJORfw-YIfszi0t0kLMdH3dPOipLQdoeENw/s1600/IMG_2121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm0kAOimwlcWRLThwW5iJjc0AllcLQSe3KxbxtG0PyB3WCG_FkJb_HTaSrjNILYdCt73pgBbH5dUpq1A8EUHX4812ODUPaDOSJAuOJORfw-YIfszi0t0kLMdH3dPOipLQdoeENw/s400/IMG_2121.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I don't know why there is not a website that concurrently announced the unveiling but I thought I'd provide the few photos I took at the presentation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCv_mOZncx2G22WD8_dVQM0MxTh_rYgy5f_hPjaSSrS7QfsnImNV-U680GMe8-LsgSBpFHzX9WEGjklUCwB2f7a-ZnhSL2-BczEYnXUZpNhCxe71O-g5NtrFjwF_3-8mSoGcDkA/s1600/IMG_2122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOCv_mOZncx2G22WD8_dVQM0MxTh_rYgy5f_hPjaSSrS7QfsnImNV-U680GMe8-LsgSBpFHzX9WEGjklUCwB2f7a-ZnhSL2-BczEYnXUZpNhCxe71O-g5NtrFjwF_3-8mSoGcDkA/s400/IMG_2122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Highlights include:<br />
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<li>A farmer's market (under the yellow awning)</li>
<li>Cultural at the south end with performance space</li>
<li>Underground parking under new development at the north and south ends</li>
<li>Flexible space over the north parking</li>
<li>A plaza above the flex space</li>
<li>Undulating landscape forms</li>
<li>A bridge connecting the main walk between the cathedral buildings to the South Broadway neighborhood</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLdK0MzFgCVRVu-e9CXxz9sgIOI0QiQWUcU_4R9cxiUJdZUGPZRPOUP0RVhAs3f7QS_d3eNRrxrXqhhey0EslHEi-MwUPqJ_jo5V7SH0UUQLOXrZf4PIVSIrcblB_RpBq1C5Whg/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLdK0MzFgCVRVu-e9CXxz9sgIOI0QiQWUcU_4R9cxiUJdZUGPZRPOUP0RVhAs3f7QS_d3eNRrxrXqhhey0EslHEi-MwUPqJ_jo5V7SH0UUQLOXrZf4PIVSIrcblB_RpBq1C5Whg/s400/IMG_2124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-8039895705216397722012-07-24T22:46:00.001-07:002012-07-24T22:49:30.861-07:00Nob Hill Summerfest<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/7627250198/" title="Nob Hill Summerfest"><img alt="Nob Hill Summerfest by ABQturkey" height="136" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7627250198_4d7cfb394e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/7627250198/">Nob Hill Summerfest</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/">ABQturkey</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
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What a feast for the senses. The people, the weather, the food, the music, and the happy mood surrounding one of this city's largest annual gatherings. Hopefully its success will result in additional street closures around the city for similar events, showcasing the various communities that our amazing city has to offer. Downtown and Old Town come to mind as obvious choices.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-37935687060847351982012-07-10T22:35:00.000-07:002012-07-10T22:35:05.884-07:00Convention Center Remodel Renderings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAz3vI540ryNGSr_woQW4jOi6Sp3XayZ-Dnog2rEkkSw4RUjvaH1MenzqYgS8cRtBMktwKsRWYgIvqEXDorO3PnasQF6OPHUSIjIFCKgHpC3FZCj9wxTJtoB7745TRsJLBjQ3jw/s1600/06-ABQ-Convention-Center-Revamp-Designs-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAAz3vI540ryNGSr_woQW4jOi6Sp3XayZ-Dnog2rEkkSw4RUjvaH1MenzqYgS8cRtBMktwKsRWYgIvqEXDorO3PnasQF6OPHUSIjIFCKgHpC3FZCj9wxTJtoB7745TRsJLBjQ3jw/s400/06-ABQ-Convention-Center-Revamp-Designs-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ask and you shall receive. I was terribly afraid that this would turn into some cheesy Santa Fe-style knock off. Instead, I have to give props to those in charge of this as the territorial style works in this scenario. Removing the loading bay from the south end of the facade was a great move as was providing more transparency into and out of the building. </div>
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Now if they could only squeeze in some streetscape work around the perimeter. On a limited budget, though, and for an old building, I'd say they've chosen wisely. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUyyqXN9W4d9b836IMrTWNqade-E7JY9wt7C3b9bfDlsA6gM8Nh8bICTHZI_LvqCvC3QR_eMuuDoHcMKCWpuND_hhFReavKUgVncpRkYNKxZSyA7ox5B_JrWM4a6tq3F-87RsTw/s1600/02-ABQ-Convention-Center-Revamp-Designs-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUyyqXN9W4d9b836IMrTWNqade-E7JY9wt7C3b9bfDlsA6gM8Nh8bICTHZI_LvqCvC3QR_eMuuDoHcMKCWpuND_hhFReavKUgVncpRkYNKxZSyA7ox5B_JrWM4a6tq3F-87RsTw/s400/02-ABQ-Convention-Center-Revamp-Designs-600.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-84615462705255965092012-07-09T19:56:00.002-07:002012-07-09T20:23:56.004-07:00UrbanABQ 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEy6ElVW23DwS1K-7hgDtKAqofc6Ww_PcRh8FUt0UfI0O5QrAqTxvKJ5rC6qb680W1Swu83ZBSadyEp997mNpyo4XVDIGL3_CG8bdBjCdpe8k4zJYQ6gPQF4xl9B3i4N94eb4Iw/s1600/DT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGEy6ElVW23DwS1K-7hgDtKAqofc6Ww_PcRh8FUt0UfI0O5QrAqTxvKJ5rC6qb680W1Swu83ZBSadyEp997mNpyo4XVDIGL3_CG8bdBjCdpe8k4zJYQ6gPQF4xl9B3i4N94eb4Iw/s320/DT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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While things certainly slowed down over the last few years, there has been a small boom in downtown investments either under way or in the planning phases. I created this little map, which shows where these developments are occurring. The addition of a thousand new students on campus will add to the vibrancy of the University area. Development across from Presbyterian will begin to mend the urban fabric that connects Edo with UNM. Downtown will similarly see the strengthening of its fabric as well as the vibrancy that comes with a couple hundred new residents. The momentum is building once again.</div>
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In other news, the Downtown Action Team is about to see a true urban planner take the reins. This bodes well for the entity given its often listless direction over the years. Perhaps (hopefully) this may result in an update to the Downtown 2010 plan, which lacks much in the way of direction aside from form based codes and a project wish list. </div>
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Meanwhile, convention center renovation plans should be unveiled any day.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-88791563787653377662012-06-30T17:04:00.001-07:002012-06-30T17:04:18.557-07:00Downtown Albuquerque<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmorrow/7433781584/" title="Downtown Albuquerque"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7433781584_0c8303cb8b.jpg" alt="Downtown Albuquerque by G Morrow" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmorrow/7433781584/">Downtown Albuquerque</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gmorrow/">G Morrow</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>A window to the past. Another great photo in the UrbanABQ flickr group.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-338728806230217672012-04-29T19:46:00.000-07:002012-04-29T19:49:49.227-07:00Appropriate Density<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTuTpheI3cqnXDUARH5W5YiadLZ_hgcR6xMRAeXKx73A32M1NfBndn7C4fFz6dCsDhD4DAV9nUK8-0rtYcZuKLfWLg6VW3pmtOnJ6ZB09kNW03ld0LHxisORPrOQjzg00I3NB8Q/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-04-29+at+4.46.56+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTuTpheI3cqnXDUARH5W5YiadLZ_hgcR6xMRAeXKx73A32M1NfBndn7C4fFz6dCsDhD4DAV9nUK8-0rtYcZuKLfWLg6VW3pmtOnJ6ZB09kNW03ld0LHxisORPrOQjzg00I3NB8Q/s320/Screen+shot+2012-04-29+at+4.46.56+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last few months have given me many opportunities to review local zoning ordinances. From an urban design standpoint, what strikes me is the consistent 26-foot height limit. In areas where additional height is allowable, a 45-degree plane from grade is tacked on to eliminate that canyon effect that comes from tall and flat facades. This results in stepbacks at each level above the 2nd floor of buildings.</div>
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While it is understandable that the market rarely supports taller structures, it is becoming clear that it is time to review and rewrite these ordinances to reflect the times. Contrary to what I thought before, the centers and corridors plan is alive and well, shaping sector and corridor plans. However, it's questionable whether we'll ever see the types of densities that are hoped for given such restrictive guidelines. </div>
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Of course, these guidelines were shaped by the public process. But these are different times, and given growth projections in our city, the necessary environmental considerations, and our envisioned network city of interconnected activity nodes, density and height must become a part of the solution.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-25422730350421025622012-03-04T08:36:00.002-08:002012-03-04T08:39:23.360-08:00Berlin Transit TimelapseA timelapse of one of the world's great capitals.<div><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/28706929?color=ffffff" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/28706929">Berlin Dynamic</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/picturereport">Matthias Makarinus</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-53720387870648526732012-02-08T13:06:00.001-08:002012-02-08T13:10:59.174-08:00Paths Through Albuquerque<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkingsf/6766244061/" title="Paths though Albuquerque"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6766244061_7303c2c499.jpg" alt="Paths though Albuquerque by Eric Fischer" /></a><br /><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkingsf/6766244061/">Paths though Albuquerque</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/walkingsf/">Eric Fischer</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>More data visualization awesomeness of Albuquerque from Eric Fischer.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-6987883490377428352012-02-06T13:10:00.000-08:002012-02-06T13:52:45.557-08:00Enter 2012<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8rExjBXVpNxoZvc7clp0O7oPB_8BvbLCiqlWBSjlelrIhyxpIp1sXR8bWJQfijYBJ3jPrBs11WvKvbKSehY9BgEvHnYv-8e56UgrlpoAy7ASyz-d5IKiZ-CPnYs_A3x553ncgg/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8rExjBXVpNxoZvc7clp0O7oPB_8BvbLCiqlWBSjlelrIhyxpIp1sXR8bWJQfijYBJ3jPrBs11WvKvbKSehY9BgEvHnYv-8e56UgrlpoAy7ASyz-d5IKiZ-CPnYs_A3x553ncgg/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706142867637291602" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Above: Mesa del Sol is shaping up</span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Working as a planner has certainly hampered my ability to sit and write like I used to do. I've primarily been responsible for writing comprehensive plans and area plans in areas around the state. Despite my continued interest in issues related to the metro area, I have found it quite difficult to dedicate the necessary (desired?) time to UrbanABQ. However, the start of 2012 also begins with a new job opportunity that will allow me be more involved in projects that directly effect our city and metro. I will certainly try harder to post more often, particularly on projects in which I can provide an insider's perspective. I will also try harder to post on topics that readers will be interested in and will be more inclined to comment/critique/etc. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div>Happy new year, everyone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Tim </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-35267340358648476192011-12-10T21:50:00.001-08:002011-12-10T21:51:25.810-08:00Urbanized<div>Possibly the finest cinemotography dedicated to urban planning issues. A must see for those in the field or interested in our developing world. </div><iframe title="Distrify video player" id="distrify-player-607" class="distrify-player" type="text/html" width="640" height="392" src="//widgets.distrify.com/widget.html#607-9291" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-56401763751992294222011-11-25T09:38:00.000-08:002011-11-25T09:55:36.032-08:00Inbound/Outbound Migration<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQhV2ZrJ0R-Pr6NImlUp7fPAW9-YxRmc6Y0ulU-_L3a4BzqZKW2swEFdkZy7Xdqvz5RruUqHQEmk95CRQA0obzc6Xvr_KSHCmc6s_sZK71Dw1Z_GjEP4hU8pBCnB6plBxJFqEIQ/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-11-25+at+1.10.38+AM.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQhV2ZrJ0R-Pr6NImlUp7fPAW9-YxRmc6Y0ulU-_L3a4BzqZKW2swEFdkZy7Xdqvz5RruUqHQEmk95CRQA0obzc6Xvr_KSHCmc6s_sZK71Dw1Z_GjEP4hU8pBCnB6plBxJFqEIQ/s400/Screen+shot+2011-11-25+at+1.10.38+AM.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678990898230747922" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Forbes has released its latest interactive <a href="http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2011/migration.html">map</a> using 2010 Census data. Similar to last year, we're pulling from Florida, the Midwest, East, and Southwest, while hemorrhaging to Texas, Colorado, and the Pacific Northwest. Texas for jobs and the others for creative class, urban centers (i.e. more emphasis on quality of life and less on jobs)? My wish for 2012 is that we begin to see investment in the quality of the built environment so that people will move here for the quality of life and not just for work. I believe this happens to some extent, but quality of life needs to become a part of our brand.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-3859019731675612802011-11-22T21:12:00.000-08:002011-11-22T21:49:58.480-08:00Shop Local for the Holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdLWjLy29JMufvqbkbe2gAu_FukXOGREfXGoF9s_BU4hl2VoF_mMbUiv_b2iGiV8spCZyvZ2Q33CRTeQGhg1Lzmqcc0QLFhpOqlzksfH96ledY6eUMjlKidrtbpmo-DBHf98wiA/s1600/abq-the-plan-logo.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdLWjLy29JMufvqbkbe2gAu_FukXOGREfXGoF9s_BU4hl2VoF_mMbUiv_b2iGiV8spCZyvZ2Q33CRTeQGhg1Lzmqcc0QLFhpOqlzksfH96ledY6eUMjlKidrtbpmo-DBHf98wiA/s400/abq-the-plan-logo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678061025467529890" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm loving the mayor these days. He referred to the "built environment" of our city in his State of the City <a href="http://www.cabq.gov/mayor/state-of-the-city/2011-state-of-the-city-address">address</a>, displaying his increasing sensitivity and understanding of urban issues. He's now putting our money where his mouth is with his continued support for <a href="http://www.cabq.gov/abq-the-plan">ABQ the Plan</a>. An initial $20 million for the convention center, $1 million to complete an environmental impact statement for BRT along Central Ave, and now money for both the completion of the 50-mile bike loop around the city as well as for "<a href="http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2011/11/22/opinion/bike-loop-river-work-build-on-city-strengths.html">river work</a>." It is not clear if that's the boardwalk that was originally supported by the committee or not. Regardless, I'm already on board. Lastly, there's been commercials dedicated to encouraging people to shop locally for the holidays. The City has gone an extra step by providing <a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/albuquerque/news/2011/11/22/citys-parking-meters-wont-take-your.html">free street parking</a> in three city neighborhoods; Nob Hill, Downtown, and Old Town. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In other news, la Tejana Susana helped the Downs obtain a 25-year lease on Expo NM, with the unrivaled proposal to add a casino near the intersection of Central and Louisiana. Naturally, the brilliant plan set the new structure behind a sea of parking. While most people hoped for more, the outcome was about par with the golden nuggets coming out of Santa Fe these days. It's sheer unimaginative, conservative, old thinking, and there's no excuse for it given the level of interest and the prime location. (photo courtesy of the Albuquerque Journal)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3_Lwb1aLj5Vr-epRSm-8M6RssKy9rsXBUOeYfknDB28i4oNpMgZLP2AD6ayPP6RHqOfGLMJze4HnhnF7VaIuv8T7ta2fw_qPOxVr2SN9yHLGejbZUcEEeQuqFp8uZlqIrhZSeYw/s400/a01_jd_22nov_downs1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678059121651403314" /><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-19773090747259749182011-10-31T20:52:00.000-07:002011-10-31T20:53:23.092-07:00UrbanizedI desperately wish this film was being screened in the Duke City. <div><br /></div><div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6jpN8kI0-pY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-35763830229965708302011-10-23T11:16:00.000-07:002011-10-23T11:28:39.546-07:00Healthy Urbanism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqMQqhBEKPRJvKOUxqcFP9jJ_yM2MFkmTuJfHzIzk2KLK7ljVmXjbGMPUyk593npvNyqAtJA7pDPn9I5En7nkXkVOWBhILT5qPurVSjxei7yyLFiSvQOcgWPze7yg0oknVYvGRA/s1600/photo.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeqMQqhBEKPRJvKOUxqcFP9jJ_yM2MFkmTuJfHzIzk2KLK7ljVmXjbGMPUyk593npvNyqAtJA7pDPn9I5En7nkXkVOWBhILT5qPurVSjxei7yyLFiSvQOcgWPze7yg0oknVYvGRA/s400/photo.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666755563493746034" /></a><br />A quote from Peter Calthorpe's recent book, <i>Urbanism in the Age of Climate Change</i>, that I feel is a perfect metaphor for the current condition of many of our cities - and Albuquerque certainly resembles these remarks:<div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Urbanism so defined has been on the wane for the last half century. Our cities and towns have been on a high-carbon diet - and our metropolitan regions have become, in short, obese. Oil is like a high-sugar and high-starch diet for cities; it expands the waistline without nourishing strength or resilience. Urban neighborhoods are like healthy diets: they build on unique places and local history, they use natural ingredients and mix them well, they tend toward local sources, and they are lean. America's postwar suburbs are like fast food: their history and sense of place trumped by mass production; their ingredients dominated by a few generic staples; their resource distant and large; and their infrastructure highly subsidized. Our urban footprint-its physical size and resource demands - has expanded in unsustainable ways for too long.</i>"</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-3812376283213824302011-10-12T19:51:00.000-07:002011-10-13T21:06:04.799-07:00Alvarado Urban Farm<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/6236230381/" title="Alvarado Urban Farm"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6236230381_7b937c983c.jpg" alt="Alvarado Urban Farm by ABQturkey" /></a><br /><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/6236230381/">Alvarado Urban Farm</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/abqturkey/">ABQturkey</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another block of the downtown urban fabric being put to better use than parking or abandonment. The urban farm is well on its way to success and ownership by the larger downtown community. Hats off the the Downtown Action Team for making this happen.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-33102983383008831732011-09-16T17:22:00.001-07:002011-09-16T17:26:45.781-07:00Park(ing) Day - Albuquerque 2011<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iRco2S6mOEWwXyFwzdus21n50QxVCgAOXgRFmz_TGv1dPSDwKmUKwVsaTNzi65TgSb-IZse7nNmUlHiiAPL7ltPLA9CLZWDWoB5MRC-V8pGusJ-j7G3kyl-6o_hIk0VTCfTSRw/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iRco2S6mOEWwXyFwzdus21n50QxVCgAOXgRFmz_TGv1dPSDwKmUKwVsaTNzi65TgSb-IZse7nNmUlHiiAPL7ltPLA9CLZWDWoB5MRC-V8pGusJ-j7G3kyl-6o_hIk0VTCfTSRw/s400/IMG_1193.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653118173703298850" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from the UNM Landscape Architecture students and their park on Harvard near the university, there were two parks today on Gold Ave. downtown. This one was by a group that called their park, Parametrix Parquito. It was a fun day downtown as many people asked about the event and were extremely supportive of the event's effort to raise awareness and advocate for urban, social space for people. Cities for people! (not cars)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19103689.post-18337849841396893482011-08-29T09:38:00.000-07:002011-08-29T09:46:05.509-07:00Park(ing) Day - Albuquerque. September 16th<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkx8UZKvXtfTzCG7xP4PQlpNb0eAr6mJepm6VFTNKnH8Og3gGxc6wDwOrffTySXESUJGkDmqfhIab9cdIzRsBhayukv5UvibdE1XAKoiuzx1IVw3T1VQk2ZSY179fmJIEK_tuCA/s1600/header.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 95px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5646319693878503298" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkx8UZKvXtfTzCG7xP4PQlpNb0eAr6mJepm6VFTNKnH8Og3gGxc6wDwOrffTySXESUJGkDmqfhIab9cdIzRsBhayukv5UvibdE1XAKoiuzx1IVw3T1VQk2ZSY179fmJIEK_tuCA/s400/header.jpg" /></a>
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<br /><div align="justify">I'm going to be lazy and post the generic press release. There are just over 2 weeks to plan one with your friends/family/kids/coworkers/mist(e)ress/whoever.
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<br />September 16, 2011 — In cities around the globe today, artists, activists and citizens will temporarily transform metered parking spaces into public parks and other social spaces, as part of an annual event called "PARK(ing) Day."
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<br />Originally invented in 2005 by Rebar, a San Francisco-based art and design studio, PARK(ing) Day challenges people to rethink the way streets are used and reinforces the need for broad-based changes to urban infrastructure. “In urban centers around the world, inexpensive curbside parking results in increased traffic, wasted fuel and more pollution,” says Rebar’s Matthew Passmore. “The planning strategies that generated these conditions are not sustainable, nor do they promote a healthy, vibrant human habitat. PARK(ing) Day is about re-imagining the possibilities of the urban landscape.”
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<br />Locally, the event will be celebrated in Albuquerque by various groups, organizations, businesses, and anyone else that would like to participate in the free event. There are planned parks in downtown and the UNM area. Join your friends, coworkers, classmates, or someone random on the street and create a public space in a metered parking spot between 10 and noon on Friday, September 16th!
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<br />More information can be found on the event website:
<br /><a href="http://www.parkingday.org/">http://www.parkingday.org</a>
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<br />A page for the event in Albuquerque can be found at:
<br /><a href="http://my.parkingday.org/group/albuquerque">http://my.parkingday.org/group/albuquerque</a>
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<br />If you are interested in participating, the group webpage can be used to coordinate and discuss any planning related issues.
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<br />We hope to see many parks, er parquitos, on the 16th!
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<br />UrbanABQ
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<br />About the founders of Park(ing) Day
<br />Rebar (<a href="http://www.rebargroup.org/">www.rebargroup.org</a>). Founded in 2004 in San Francisco, Rebar is an internationally recognized art and design studio operating at the intersection of art, design and ecology. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0