Alive and kicking: Eminent Domain

Eminent domain lurks into the 21st century with today's ruling from New York's highest court "that the state can seize private property" for Bruce Ratner's, Atlantic Yards, 22-acre development. Bruce Ratner didn't just win a major battle for his Atlantic Yards project, his win will give new hope to developers when financing becomes available. This ruling is a huge 22-acre reminder that eminent domain is alive and well and that it is a still a reality.

Eminent domain will always be the big elephant in the room. People talk about it, they throw it around to make sure it isn't truly needed, but with all of the negative press around eminent domain, how is it that it still happens? And, for how long will it be allowed to remain an option? If it does remain an option, how can government bodies properly manage it? Unfortunately, it's not a simple answer, it really depends on who you ask and the particulars of a given project.

More info: Ruling Lets Atlantic Yards Seize Land, New York Times

I'm prepping...to Plan

I'm finally going to do it...I'm finally going to apply to grad school for a Master's in Planning.

There are variations of the actual M.A. varies from institution to institution put for my goals these are the ones that have captured my interest:

• Master's in City Planning
• Master's in Environmental Design
• Master's in Urban Planning
• Master's in City and Regional Planning

I'm excited, I'm on the edge...but I'm still super excited. The next two months are going to be very intense, but I am taking everyday day by day.

Culture Demographics 101

The demographic company, Claritas today uses 66 lifestyle definitions to define the U.S. population—this 65% more definitions than the number it used in the 1970s.

Measuring factors include:

• Ethnicity
• Age
• Wealth
• Urbanization
• Housing Styles
• Family Structures
  
  

Chanel Margarita Fun Fact

It has nothing and everything to do with Fashion:

Our beloved Coco Chanel introduced the famed Chanel No.5 on the 5th of the 5th Month of the year. Cinco de Mayo - May 5th

Morningside Heights - Design Identity

Morningside Heights is comprised of various institutions such as Columbia University, St. Luke's Hospital, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Barnard College, Teacher's College, the Union Theological Seminary, Jewish Theological Seminary, Riverside Church. Each competing for a distinct identity within a neighborhood of other prominent institutions turned to architectural design to cement their unique institutional identity.

"...each institution sought a distinctive architectural design that would aid in establishing its unique identity..."

"...the neighborhood has many distinguished complexes, each characterized by the individuality of its design."

Excerpt from Andrew Dolkart's Morningside Heights, a History of its Architecture & Development.

Qu'est-ce Design...?

What is Design? Is it an art form? Or what?

There are definitely some varying debates about design. They are obviously not as pressing as middle east politics but are big picture questions that deserve some time.

I see design as an art form, not just because of my research and social interests but because of its aesthetic qualities. Today as I read one of Artinfo's weekly industry updates Jennifer Northrop's, director of communications and marketing at the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum, comment intrigued me as she was quoted stating that design intrigues the public "because design isn't art." And according to her, design isn't art because “Design is the most accessible form of visual culture — we touch it. We use it everyday. It’s based on solving a particular problem.” Her perspective is based on design's functional qualities and it ignores designs aesthetic qualities.

One thing is for sure, design is definitely the most unappreciated art form, we take it for granted.

Graduate School Survey Shopping

For the past 3 years I have been seriously contemplating graduate school programs, and at first I was intent on finding a program that would both incorporate a bit of my architecture and fashion interests, I soon found out this was going to be harder than it sounded.

Three years later after lots of research, soul searching, and job opportunity detours I have narrowed down the list and have decided that either a PhD in urban planning or a PhD in American studies will give me the tools, expertise and exposure to help me to test my design theories hypotheses and analyze related cultural and business trends.

The Fashion Industry - Stimulus Plan

We all love Michelle Obama for so many reasons...we certainly love her fashion sense, and plus she looks great in everything as we all wish we could.

Nowadays everyone seems to be getting a stimulus plan for one thing or another, but what about the Fashion industry, well the Fashion industry's newest top patron is not forgetting about who butters her clothes...check-out "The First Lady Effect" in today's Women's Wear Daily

My Love and Paris

I love Paris, I keep trying to find the time to learn French so that I can justify moving there. Really I don't need a justification (it just sounds nicer to say), I just need a project or to become independently wealthy so that I can partake in the joie de vivre of the City of Lights.

I love the idea of Paris simply because I feel that it could make me a better person.

It is a city that cannot be captured at a glance, it takes hold of your every sense and its energy removes the red complacent tape replenishing your soul with tranquil ambitiion.