Landscape Urbanism: as mechanical detritus

If you haven't seen it in the last 25 years, now may be the right time.

official web site: Blade Runner

Visually spectacular, intensely action-packed and powerfully prophetic since its debut, director Ridley Scott's sci-fi noir thriller returns in a definitive Final Cut, including extended scenes and never-before-seen special effects. In a future of high-tech possibility soured by urban and social decay, 21st-century detective Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford) hunts for fugitive, muderous replicants—and is drawn to a mystery woman (Sean Young) whose secrets may undermine his soul. Based on the novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. Co-starring Rutger Hauer, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh and Daryl Hannah. Music by Vangelis. (Embarcadero Center Cinema, SF)

Director: Ridley Scott
MPAA Rating: R
Run Time: 1hr 57mins
Release Year: 1982/2007
Country Of Origin: USA

Experimental Urbanism: Braddock, Pennsylvania

Captain of Industry
One man's mission to save Braddock, Pennsylvania
by Joshua M. Bernstein
photo credit: Bryan Goulart
(ReadyMade, August/September 2007)

“It’s hard to find a town that has tanked as severely and completely,” says Fetterman, who became mayor in 2005—winning by one vote. He beat the incumbent despite never having held public office. Because Braddock is a borough, his powers are limited (managing police, mostly) and his pay a pauper’s wage (about $150 monthly). Nonetheless, Fetterman’s ambition and optimism are limitless.

Where some see another terminally ill industrial city, Fetterman envisions a stage for experimental urbanism, a concept that emphasizes communal living, urban gardens, and an active arts scene, all glued together with do-it-yourself sweat equity.

article: Captain of Industry