Peter Eisenman discusses the misguided urge of many architects - himself included - to create works more for the front page of newspapers than for the people who will live with them.
In a lecture in San Francisco, Peter Eisenman changed his traditionally provocative tune somewhat, criticizing the recent sensationalist trend in architecture. "We're into Looney Tunes," he said. "Ultimately, architecture is not about putting images in the New York Times, but about creating places for people to be." Focusing on the impact of architecture on the lives of everyday people, Eisenman "began by critiquing a world where spectacle is in style -- and his criticism cuts with sharp, swift strokes. 'Architecture has gotten more and more frenetic. It has spun out of control...The New York Times demands these [unconventional] images because dumb, straightforward images don't sell papers.' " The events of September 11, which Eisenman witnessed, made him think harder about the impact of the built environment on peoples' lives. "I used to say that what finally got built didn't matter -- what counted was the design as I saw it in my head," he said. "I can't believe I ever thought that."
Thanks to David Gest
FULL STORY: Provocateur becomes a pragmatist

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont