I read this article today and thought "oh here we go the newest trend, green walls are the new black" (using that eponymous fashion term semingly appropriate). Like Green Roofs I like them aesthetically and principally in Cities and Urban areas where anything green is at a premium. And given our state of Education no wonder change is the new socialism. So enjoy this year's new black in the green fashioned world. Next week I am sure something new will come along. Buildings can be attractive, practical and efficient. Wow assigning levels of recognition. MORE >>

I went to New York City this past week to tour some green buildings, hear a lecture and celebrate my milestone birthday. learned quite a bit and will post about the buildings of note that I saw and some reflections on conversations I had about where New York goes there goes the rest of the nation which is what this post is truly about. walked to the Park at Madison Square to their Kid's Green Festival and saw amazing green products and artisans showing that even in that city of cities there is a commitment to sustainable design and life. MORE >>

Winter is here and yes even in Seattle where rain is a natural state of things you would think we would be prepared and tolerant. We are not the only city that suffers and currently our biggest problems are with again infrastructures that cannot handle the population, the change in climate and the simple fact they are OLD. Will they make a contribution to our City Light and Water Department for the increase in capacities that building will lead to? Likely no and the City does not require such investment. New York City’s 14 wastewater treatment plants, which handle 1.3 MORE >>

Friday, March 11, 2011 We Built This City on Rock N Roll I read an interesting review in Slate regarding a book by Edward Glaeser, Triumph of the City. have not yet read the book but from the review the author makes some interesting points which on cursory note I agree and some ideas on how to rebuild cities in this new millennial. And Glaeser seems to address these issues - affordability and accessibility - are key to a Citys survival. do think if he mentions Silicon Valley as an example of a City then on that mark he would be wrong. What Can You Do? MORE >>

The only prospect for reducing air and car travel between American cities is rail. Chris Christie in New Jersey canceled plans for a much needed rail tunnel across the Hudson River. Fair enough, but that proves not that we shouldnt invest in high-speed inter-city rail but rather that we must pair it with improved mass transit within cities. more local manifestation of the reactionary worldview can be found in the opposition to New York Citys expansion of bicycle lanes. Being New York, the right wing is represented by the center-left (Sen. MORE >>