Archive for the ‘urbanism’ Category

December 18, 2012

Is Boosterism Good for Phoenix?

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet Boosterism: The enthusiastic promotion of a person, organization, or cause (in this case of a city) If you don’t have only good things to say about Phoenix and you purport to be an activist, you might be considered cynical or worse, a hypocrite, lazy or ineffective. But I think boosterism is dangerous to the progress of Phoenix because it leads to delusion, which may feel good now but isn’t conducive to moving forward. Knowing where you are now is the first step to making constructive change. The same goes for Phoenix. We have to know where we are now,…

November 26, 2012

What is a “City?”

by: Kirby Hoyt

Tweet Today’s post is by contributing writer Kirby Hoyt: There are a number of people writing on this blog about cities, especially our city, Phoenix. But just how do they define the term “city?” What does it mean to them? How does their city live, function and on what systems? And let’s not forget about the term “urban.” What is their definition of urban? Many of these urban theorists would like to say that cities require a certain density to be urban, or a certain F.A.R. (floor-area-ratio) i.e. tall buildings, or even certain transportation systems. But is this the case?…

November 01, 2012

Layers of Place: The Connected Oasis in South Central Phoenix Part I

by: Beth Johannessen

Tweet Today’s post if by contributing writer Beth Johannessen. Beth is a recent graduate of University of Arizona’s Masters of Landscape Architecture program. Currently, she is the landscape designer at Phun:Design Studio a sustainable design and development firm here in Phoenix. Her approach to design includes a focus on urban infill, placemaking and community based design that celebrates the native Sonoran Desert habitat. We can all exhale a collective sigh of relief; another hot summer is coming to a close here in Phoenix. With the end of summer comes the promise of spending some much needed time outdoors. However, now…

October 26, 2012

Top 5 Places to Make Out in Phoenix

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet When I was in Mexico City a few years ago I was taken aback at the number of young lovers making out everywhere – in parks, plazas and on sidewalk benches. The amorous were everywhere! I realized that there are lots of public spaces in Mexico City that are perfect for smooching. What makes a spot perfect for smooching you ask? It’s romantic, it’s inspiring, and it’s beautiful. It’s a place you can actually hang out for a while, relax and and feel comfortable. And oddly enough, a perfect place to smooch offers privacy in a public space through…

October 15, 2012

Propinquity Deprivation Disorder – A Real Downer in Phoenix

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet Since I’ve been boasting a great deal about how much I love Portland, some people have rolled their eyes and glibly said it’s not that great, especially in the winter months. It’s rainy and cloudy and people are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) there. According to the National Library of Medicine, “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a kind of depression that occurs at a certain time of the year, usually in the winter.” I have no doubt this is true. I lived in Pittsburgh for a year and it was cloudy there on most days for all the long and…

October 12, 2012

Why I Fell in Love with Portland, Part III

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet I’ve been telling you the tale of my love affair with Portland. Today I will tell the third and final part of the story. If you missed the first and second part, please go back and check them out. The third part of my story coincides with my third day in Portland. As you’ve noticed from my constant complaining in the first two posts, I was not up for a third day of walking so I bit the bullet and decided to make my third day transit day. Thank God for Google Map’s transit option! So instead of walking…

October 10, 2012

Why I Fell in Love with Portland Part II

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet Yesterday, I started to tell you about my love affair with the city of Portland. Today I’ll tell you the second part of the story. Monday in Portland was even better than Sunday. My friend Anna George who knows how much I love tea recommended this great tea bar called Tea, Chai, Te. What better place to have breakfast, I thought. So again (and thank goodness for Google Maps on the iPhone!) I punched in the address and saw that it was in a (what ended up being a very cute) neighborhood northwest of where I was staying. At…

October 09, 2012

Why I Fell in Love with Portland, Part I

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet You know that feeling when you fall in love? You know…your senses are heightened, food tastes better, the air feels crisper and your knees feel weak. I didn’t think I could feel this way again, especially since I am wading through the pain of the recent breakup of my marriage. But lo and behold, my heart started beating hard with joy and an ecstasy began percolating in my gut. It wasn’t for any wonderful guy that I had met though. It was for the city of Portland. I went there for a visit last week and it changed my…

October 01, 2012

Twelve Degrees

by: Kirby Hoyt

Tweet Today’s post is a poem by contributing writer Kirby Hoyt: Summer burns the desert floor Heat escapes a bitumen covered landscape in the middle of the night As the urban heat island effect grips the Valley In fifty years our nights have grown hotter Twelve degrees hotter Air-conditioned boxes buzz constant through the night Just wait until October they say Sun shine is welcome here but Few trees stand to protect wandering souls A six inch curb is no relief from widened streets As automobiles exceed the speed limit hurrying to nowhere particular Endless pavement spanning miles Driving longer…

September 26, 2012

Concerns Regarding the Proposed Circle K on Roosevelt and 7th Street

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet Circle K is proposing a new 16-bay location on the southeast corner of Roosevelt and 7th Street. There will be a public meeting regarding a use permit for the alcohol sales of this new Circle K tomorrow, Thursday September 27th, at 9am at Assembly Room C of the Phoenix City Hall on 200 W. Washington Street. Kevin Rille, President of the Evans Churchill Community Association, is concerned about this new Circle K in his neighborhood. Below, he tells us why: Blooming Rock: Do you think that the proposed Circle K is good for the neighborhood? Kevin Rille: It was…