Design Observer :: Join the Discussion http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/ en-us Design Observer Group 2010-05-12T11:55:04-05:00 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 Nalina http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/#comments 2010-05-12T11:55:04-05:00
Those times, as these are, were an adventure--with both good and problematic outcomes. As mentioned in the recent Lindsay symposium, the intention was always well-intentioned, and facilitated by an immense group of talented and dedicated Lindsay staffers.

Kudos to all!]]> Richard Dattner http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/#comments 2010-05-10T18:14:51-05:00
I would say that the recent, much-ballyhooed High Line is the apex of this trend. It's the crest of the wave (and a beautiful one).

I think commenter Des is on to something, mentioning the DOT's initiatives here. In my opinion, they are aligned but different. The DOT initiatives are still about a "working city"- getting from place to place, albeit in a humane way and with more safe and enjoyable options to do so. For instance, riding a bike to and from work on a day like today in New York is absolutely the best part of my day. And it is pleasurable because it's enabled by a sensible, utilitarian network and because it's a cinematic experience.

I think the author here is correctly saying that much of design work now is about creating an image of a city (this is reflected in movies and talked about by Christine Boyer at length in The City of Collective Memory). This is also reflected in the architectural representation techniques of the period. And it's a very particular image, one that has tended to be of joyous consumption, which is fun. But can also be boring.

That is my problem with it- there are only so many fabulous brunches and carefree strolls in the parks one can take before it becomes a bore. It's great those options are there (whereas Moses might have us drive around on expressways until we go to a concrete field and play league softball before heading home- also viable to a certain extent), but it is a bit vapid, not to mention costly.]]> faslanyc http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/#comments 2010-05-05T13:49:23-05:00 But often it seems like the film crews just pass attractive locations around, like currency, so the actual amount of exploration (or adventure) is minimal. What we see of New York on screen is what we have already seen of New York on screen, reinforcing the desire of young people to move here with a very tiny slice of those places to play. ]]> Alexandra Lange http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/#comments 2010-05-05T11:33:54-05:00 Des http://places.designobserver.com/feature/adventure-playground--john-v-lindsay-and-the-transformation-of-modern-new-york/13338/#comments 2010-05-04T15:04:08-05:00