Yes, as much as I love this city there are a few things I don’t like. Not many mind you, but a few. I’ll share one in this update.
Here are a couple of examples of “sidewalk sheds” and to me they are just plain ugly. I’ve learned they are required whenever renovation or new construction takes place on a building, or an inspector suspects an unsafe condition exists. Now keep in mind there aren’t just a few of these here, how about 6,000 of them in NYC.
So imagine my delight when I read that a couple of organizations teamed up to organize an international design competition to come up with something more eye friendly. A student at the University of PA won with his design below. He feels this design will improve quality of life, reduce construction impacts on businesses, increase pedestrian safety, and increase available space for pedestrians on sidewalks, while also complimenting the city’s architectural beauty. Way to go!
Now mind you this new design won’t be mandated, but it will be in the interest of contractors to use the new design due to the reduced maintenance costs and the interest of building owners and affected businesses, as the design will obstruct less of a building’s facade and be more inviting to pedestrians. Cool, huh? Mucho better.
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