Architecture Critic Inga Saffron decries the development proposal making progress through the approval process in Philadelphia—a large, glassy residential building that would encroach on the tiny serenity of the Rodin Museum.
"Won't someone in City Hall please come to the rescue of this Philadelphia treasure?" is the plea of a recent column by Inga Saffron in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The treasure she refers to is the Rodin Museum—a tiny temple on Philadelphia's parkway, where a development proposal for an adjacent parcel threatens to rob the site of its effect.
According to Saffron, "[the] proposal would dramatically alter the experience by cutting off the northern third of the block. The Rodin would no longer be a building in space. It would appear visually jammed on a smaller, less serene, less countrified site."
If approved, the project will require upzoning, which is where Saffron suggests the city can leverage the development proposal to protect the Rodin Museum. "Of course, that doesn't mean the city has to be the project's enabler. It requires a raft of permits before it can be built, including a substantial zoning upgrade, from a rowhouse category to CMX-4, which allows dense, multistory development." She adds, "[some] say the city can't control the aesthetics of its buildings, but a zoning bill is a big ask."
Saffron provides a lot more detail about the zoning and political context for the development proposal. She also presents an alternative building typology that, according to her estimation, would work better for the adjacent parcel.
FULL STORY: Changing Skyline: Mediocrity and a masterpiece
Philadelphia Unlikely to Follow Minneapolis' Lead in Zoning Reform
Minneapolis is setting a bold example by ending single-family zoning, but chances are a similar change won’t be coming to Philadelphia.
Zoning Changes Proposed to Respond to Gentrification Concerns in Philadelphia
The rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of Point Breeze could get a new zoning map if recently proposed legislation is approved.
Review: Philadelphia's Iconic Love Park Gets a Major Makeover
Architecture Critic Inga Saffron gives a less-than-stellar review of the newly revealed revamp of Philadelphia's Love Park.
New York Governor Advances Housing Plan Amid Stiff Suburban Opposition
Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious proposal to create more housing has once again run into a brick wall of opposition in New York’s enormous suburbs, especially on Long Island. This year, however, the wall may have some cracks.
A Serious Critique of Congestion Costs and Induced Vehicle Travel Impacts
Some highway advocates continue to claim that roadway expansions are justified to reduce traffic congestion. That's not what the research shows. It's time to stop obsessing over congestion and instead strive for efficient accessibility.
Rethinking the Role of Parking in the American City
In cities big and small, the tide is turning against sprawling parking lots, car-centric development, and minimum parking mandates.
Mapping Sidewalks for Improved Connectivity
A new tool uses aerial image recognition to map a city’s sidewalks and crosswalks. Its developers hope it will aid in creating a more comprehensive understanding of pedestrian networks and where improvements are needed.
Long Beach Residents Oppose Proposed Homeless Services Hub Near Rail Terminus
L.A. Metro’s “end-of-the-line” policy forces people experiencing homeless off transit every night at the same time and location. A proposed hub would provide services a few stops before the end of the line in Long Beach.
The Nation's Most Advanced Secessionist Movement
Legislation supporting the Greater Idaho Movement, which would annex over half of neighboring Oregon, has advanced in the Idaho legislature.
City of Greenville
City of Greenville
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Spearfish
City of Lomita
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.
