Boulderspace

The image above is borrowed from the support materials for a design competition in the West Highland neighborhood of Denver, the Farmer’s Market Design Competition. An interesting challenge is proposed: design a multi-use transformable space, include storage and facilities (bathrooms), and be sure that the design is flexible. Ideas for program include a traditional farmer’s market selling goods and food, community functions such as art displays and gatherings, music events, etc. The site looks tight, and seems to guarantee a challenge - and interesting solutions. The jury is legit, and with so many local designers with time on their hands interest should be very strong. Good luck!

Official FMDC Website

An update to my previous post:

The WSJ published an article yesterday that tackles Western water issues, and it features Colorado water politics and the ongoing strategic maneuvering of interested parties.  A very interesting read, even if many Coloradans are aware of these problems. A choice quote, at the end:

But a 1922 compact requires the river’s flow to be divided among seven U.S. states and Mexico. If oil shale takes off, it could well use up the last of Colorado’s allotment, said Eric Kuhn, who runs the Colorado River Water Conservation District.

That would leave the booming suburban communities around Denver high and dry, with no water to support future growth, Mr. Kuhn said.

The Shell spokesman, Mr. Boyd, disputed that: “I don’t believe that’s anywhere near true.”

Photo Credit: Marek Uliasz

An article in the LA Times today sheds some light on an issue we know well here in Colorado: water rights. An issue that is easy to push to the back of your mind (you don’t miss your water…) until it runs right up front - often quickly - water policy and management are integral to the success of all inhabitants of the plains, the front range, the mountains, and the western slope. The Times article points out the seemingly absurd notion that Coloradans are restricted from collecting the water that falls on their property - it is explicitly illegal. The rights to the water that falls on your property most likely belong to someone else. Many questions come to mind upon consideration of this complex issue, not the least of which revolve around notions of collective vs. individual rights. In an era of government ineptitude it is natural for citizens to assert more claims on individual rights in an effort to ensure the welfare and safety of themselves and their families. However, strong regional authority - when implemented with fairness and justice in mind - may be necessary to provide a clear structure for the distribution of a collective resource. Balancing the needs of individuals, agriculture, recreation, and business uses will not be easy, and hard decisions will be necessary. As we are now suffering “moderate” drought conditions these issues are important, and we need to address them prior to the inevitable water emergencies we will face in the future.

Related Links:

Colorado Water Information

A Brief History: Colorado Water

California Water Wars

Cadillac Desert (Film)

Tags: colorado, environement, public policy, rights, Water

A new Meetup group that seeks to discuss our built environment and the process of making. Architects, planners, craftspeople, designers of all stripes are welcome.

The format is yet to be determined, and open for discussion.
Drop a line - what do YOU want to do, talk about, see?

B.A.M. Meetup Page

As recent events suggest, we are in the midst of potentially great changes in our economy. The financial crisis has proven to be a game changer - so far - and many econobloggers and pundits are claiming that we are undergoing necessary structural changes. Specifically, it has been suggested that the engine of capitalism - consumption - may never return to the extreme levels seen in past decades. If we accept this projection as true, it brings forth a variety of questions for all of the participants in a capitalist society (consumers). Designers of buildings and products, as well as all citizens concerned about the fiscal / ecological present and future, need to consider some important questions:

Is a contraction in consumption a bad thing?

Can capitalism exist where smaller and sustained consumption levels (the new model) replace ever-growing consumption levels (the old model)?

Will shrinking retailers resume their growth at the end of this downcycle?

Have we built too much retail space?

Have we made too many non-useful products?

These and many more questions came to mind while I read “Xanadu: Can This Mall Make It?” by Ali McConnon on Businessweek’s site.  There is no small irony in the name (which is the REAL name, not the author’s clever title): Can’t help but think about poor Charles Foster Kane and his lonely monument to unrequited love…

Tags: economy, retail, society, xanadu

Good Afternoon. We would like to take a minute and introduce a new contributer to the BoulderSpace community. Welcome Nicholas Fiore. We look forward to seeing your posts and thoughts.

                                                                                                                                    Start packing your bags. We will be going to be showcasing the Dwell on Design in LA in person this coming June.  Check out  www.dwellondesign.com for more information.  

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