the lazy blogger aka someone else's work

This is what the lazy blogger does - although, in my defense, I could call this entry the busy blogger, except that implies I'm busy blogging, which is not true - we reach out to other bloggers. In this case, I'd like to draw your attention to Bermuda architect, Simon Hodgon's blog, sdbs architecture urbanism interiors - (brought to my attention by Laura Murphy). It's great! 

Simon posts entries on furniture, street trees, public art, architecture (obviously), interiors and more. He highlights one of my go to topics as well: City Hall. As with much in the city, cars are prioritised over pedestrians and Simon has some great ideas for reversing this trend beginning with City Hall. The lawn in front of City Hall, already used by the community for gatherings, proclamations and events, has the potential to be a much better urban space. Think Nathan Phillips Square in front of Toronto's City Hall - I do.

His full blog post, City Hall South Lawn Analysis, is insightful and helpful and the diagramatic analysis can be seen in the short video below. Look and learn.

Follow Simon on Twitter @s_d_b_s for more in this vein and, of course, keep an eye on his blog. 

apa conference round up

As many of you know, the annual conference of the American Planning Association was recently held in April in Chicago. The theme was "Plan Big" - a theme you could probably guess considering this is where planner and author of Plan of Chicago, Daniel Burnham, famously uttered the words "Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood..."

image: via planetizenIf, like me, you didn't make it to Chicago, bloggers on Planetizen have generously provided a round up of conference presentations. This includes a analysis of the tweets emanating from the conference! 

Jonathan Nettler's APA 2013: Dispatches from Chicago is good read and highlights topics such as emerging trends in planning and the ROI of parks and open spaces.

Jennifer Evans-Cowley's fun and interesting analysis of tweets can be found at Understanding Trends from the APA Conference

art! culture! action!

In the African Urbanism blog post Accra's Creative Scene: Building a Locally-Driven Cultural Capital by Victoria, it was striking to me that, back in 2011, Accra's artists were pushing forward a locally driven, independent creative movement through art, culture and music. In 2011.

image: african urbanism

Yes, I know Chewstick was founded in 2002, and the numerous art galleries and festivals here were started many years before that, so I guess it's the words "locally driven" and "independent" that catch my eye and attention.

I had a conversation the other day with a videographer who, it seemed to me, was suffering from a certain ennui regarding life/the arts/culture in Bermuda. And yesterday I had a conversation with an environmentalist urging action first and apologies later.

There is a certain way of moving the arts and culture forward in Bermuda. It usually consists of preparing a business plan and presentation and shopping that to the foundations, companies and individuals you think might buy it. I can't say I get an especially driven, independent feeling about the arts in Bermuda when that is the model generally followed. And, yes, I can see the necessity; artists have bills to pay, just like everyone else, and funders must be responsible about the money dispensed.

But, just once, while we wait for that 'creative city agenda' to arise, what about stepping outside the norm? Doing the unexpected? Bringing life to un- or under-utilised spaces? Being driven, independent and action-oriented and doling out an apology after the street art or guerilla garden or parklet is completed? Imagine: the City of Hamilton as an ever-changing creative, cultural space.

Think about it.