After many decades of engineer-led project designs, architects are again being called upon to beautify public works infrastructure.
In Connecticut, the Regional Water Authority feared that community opposition could stall a big project for decades, so it invited the community to participate in the project design by picking the architect. The result is a water filtration plant shaped like like a pipe and covered in stainless steel shingles which is "so big and so shiny that it might be visible from Mars." Architects best known for signature museums and concert halls are now designing bridges and public works facilities. "In an increasingly crowded world, there are more and more infrastructure buildings, and they're going to occupy increasingly sensitive locations," explained Boston architect Jane Weinzapfel. And often, she said, the buildings are far larger than anything around them. It takes architecture to tame giants.
Thanks to Zvi Leve
FULL STORY: In My Backyard, Please: The Infrastructure Beautiful Movement

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

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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