After “The Truman Show” and “Blade Runner”

Aug 5, 2019 | new urbanism, skyscrapers

After recently watching all of “The Truman Show” (1998) and (some of) “Blade Runner” (1982), I ran across this article on Facebook that pulled these two films as important cinematic explorations of postmodernism in architecture and urbanism. I grew up going to Seaside, FL, where “The Truman Show” was filmed, and I have watched it transform from a small, experimental New Urbanism community to an often traffic-heavy, desirable beach town. Seeing Seaside through a lens of skepticism was definitely unusual from my perspective, but I can see how the overly cheerful atmosphere of the beach houses supported the too-good-to-be-true set of the Truman Show.

“The scenery is no less fictional: an absolutely organized city, with single-family homes isolated in their lots, perfectly mown gardens and good citizens”.

As for Blade Runner, I didn’t quite make it all the way through the movie. I didn’t particularly enjoy the plot, but I was amazed by the visuals. “The Truman Show” and “Blade Runner” really could not be more different visually, but the blend of Asian and American aesthetics in a gloomy, hectic, rainy atmosphere made for a really captivating setting.

 

My Favorite Architecture in Album Art

Jul 10, 2018 | houses, music, skyscrapers

(Check out the songs, too.)

  • Don't Bring Me Down by PREP

  • controlla by Idealism

  • Already Love by Great Good Fine Ok

  • Get You (feat. Kali Uchis) by Daniel Caesar

  • juicebox by mindbody&beats

  • You're the Reason by Christ Wright

  • Sorry, I Like You by Burbank

  • Winse by Healy

  • Sunsoaked by Adib Sin

  • Bulldog by Soleima

  • coffee by chief.

  • Good side in by The Japanese House

Shadowing Bob Luke at LPK Architects + Touring the MAX

Jul 1, 2018 | architects, historical, skyscrapers, travel

I had the privilege of shadowing Mr. Bob Luke of LPK Architects in Meridian, MS this past week. I was able to sit in on a staff meeting to hear about the statuses of projects, look through many drawings for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience (the MAX) and other buildings, and watch a draftsman at work. Mr. Luke, who worked on the MAX, gave me a private tour of the MAX on a closed day, and I learned about the process of designing and creating the building, as well as the history and thought processes behind the exhibits. Additionally, Mr. Luke and I walked around downtown Meridian, which now looks excellent, thanks to the efforts of LPK Architects and others who worked to make the improvements possible.

 

Chelsea Market and the Highline

Mar 5, 2017 | historical, skyscrapers, travel

I really was fascinated by the way the Highline was repurposed from an old train line to a beautiful public park. I was lucky enough to see it snow while there. Had a great breakfast and loved shopping at Chelsea Market. It felt like it went on forever inside there, and even felt like it could have been outdoors, but cozy. Most people don’t make a point to go when they have a day to spend in NYC, but I recommend it.