Week 2 Summary

Week 2 was still introductory in nature with information presented about the themes for our project.  We have been given the choice of; Urban, Suburban, Regional, and Virtual.  The two topics which stand out to me are Urban and Regional and fortunately I was able to be placed in the Regional theme.

Our studio again introduced us to all themes asking us to look into future scenarios for each theme.  In groups of 4, we discussed possible scenarios, all which seemed to have a grim outlook on our future (This studio topic will be discussed in greater detail in a later post).

This negative view was also evident in an associated reading for the week by Motavalli titled: A History of Greenwashing: How Dirty Towels Impacted the Green Movement.  This article looks at how large corporations are beginning to use 'green' actions in order to benefit their business. It challenges the authenticity of some people’s willingness to become green.  Whether they are in it to help the environment, or for financial gain.  Either way I believe any move towards more environmentally sustainable developments is a positive, if someone is smart enough to gain financially then congratulations is in order.

This week’s major reading investigated urban form and locality, linking strongly to the regional theme which is investigating regional development.  The article by Barton (Urban Form and Locality, 2000) begins with the argument of dispersal versus concentration.  Interestingly the argument for dispersal claims that only by decentralisation can we become truly self sufficient (Barton, 2000).  Self sufficiency is a key topic of the regional theme and links with the environmentally conscious views of key stakeholders of the proposed site at Woodford.  On the contrary, a key argument for the concentration of cities is the opportunity densification creates for creative and dynamic activity and a rich and diverse cultural life, principles also key to the success of Woodfordia.  This article has presented interesting arguments relating to land use and form and will relate strongly to the upcoming project at Woodfordia.

References:

Barton, H., 2000. Urban form and locality. In H. Barton, ed. Sustainable communities: the potential for eco-neighbourhoods. London: Earthscan, pp. 105-122

Motavalli, J., 2011. A History of Greenwashing: How Dirty Towels Impacted the Green Movement. Accessed 28 July 2012.
http://www.dailyfinance.com/2011/02/12/the-history-of-greenwashing-how-dirty-towels-impacted-the-green/