Items Tagged ‘future planning’
Eyesore Of The Week
Synopsis:
Kirby continues the City Pulse building criticism section, this time examining fast food restaurant chain structures. The “eyesore” featured – an abandoned Boston Market restaurant in Okemos, Michigan. As he points out, these structures are built specifically for one use, so much so that the layout and exterior design are completely catered (and mass produced) for one specific tenant. While there are examples of some of these buildings being adapted for new uses once the restaurant shuts down, its construction makes it very difficult. As a future-planning model, Kirby looks at the Detroit-based S.S. Kresge Dime Store design book. This particular chair individually-designed its stores to fit within the communities they were located. By designing for the location rather than the tenant, the stores have been adapted very easily.
Eyesore of the Week
Synopsis:
As part of a continuing series, McNamara looks at an ex-gas station in Lansing which he considers an eyesore. The owner of the property would like to reuse the structure but architecture critic Amanda Harrell-Seyburn disagrees. Most gas stations are built in such a way that they do not lend themselves to easy adaptive reuse. She suggests that gas stations be developed with an eye to the future, making the property and building easier to reuse if the gas company vacates. Gas stations tend to be in prime locations that mark the urban fabric. Left vacant, it can have a big impact on the community.