Irene, Sandy, Andrea, Arthur, Bill, Bonnie, Matthew, Cindy, Jose, Maria, Philippe, Gordon, Michael. Thirteen names for thirteen cyclones during the past decade amongst a list of eighty-four that have affected the state of New York since the 17th century (1). New Yorkers are currently overwhelmed by the Covid 19 disaster. But the worst would be […]
Author: Yky
When Hollings meets Kandinsky
At D0, a static and balanced block of five wall pieces surrounds a blue canvas representation. On each block, lines act as graffiti recalling the symbolic meaning of the word “dé-composer” as suggested in the figurative version of the work. At D+, the background darkens leaving the field to the blue canvas as a pictorial […]
When Hollings meets Kandinsky
Identifying and managing risks is nowadays key in any strategic planning. Under the wording risk management, companies aim to control and minimize the risk level that could impact their short or long-term profitability. In cities, risk management is expected to drive urban planning safety approach and better integrate hazards occurrence. It is based on procedural […]
Detroit resilience, from reporting lines to desire lines
At D0, the center, front, and rear parts of a rusted car recall the past glorious years of the “Motor city”. The background draws on the rust stains in a frame inspired by French artist F. Morellet . At D+, the rusted car fades in the background. From D0 to D+, Morellet and desire lines […]
Detroit resilience, from reporting lines to desire lines
On July 18th, 2013, the City of Detroit made U.S. history with the largest municipal bankruptcy in the country to date. “There is no roadmap for Detroit’s recovery,” declared the New York Times. Less than a decade later, the city is recognized amongst the leading ones for its urban resilience initiatives: numerous publications have detailed […]
Do cities learn from getting burned?
At D0, the half burnt man-tree destiny seems to be inexorably linked to his destroyed environment. The overall perspective raises the question of any possible resilient future. The dusky tonalities of D+ add to the apocalyptic feeling of the scene, but in the same time, the man-tree can be seen as a phoenix rising back […]
Do cities learn from getting burned?
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire impacting a bush area. But as shown by the Australian tragedy, this definition could well be applied to urban centers. In October 2019, the flames licked the doors of the Getty museum, LA, 20 minutes driving from downtown. Urban forests canopies when not correctly maintained could increase fire risks […]
Feeling Sorry for SF.
The below work is inspired from the “Drawn Stones” of artist Goldsworthy, located at the entrance of the de Young museum, San Francisco.The original cracks aiming to recall the tectonic topography of the area gain here a dramatic perspective. Goldsworthy “Drawn Stones” are echoing Clinton Park boulders, with a dead or alive homeless of the […]
Feeling Sorry for SF.
To the question “Is San Francisco ready for the next quake?” you will find city officials saying yes (1) and experts saying no (2). On both sides, arguments are justified on the grounds of improved or perfectible retrofit programs, risk management training and/or infrastructures vulnerability. To the question “Is San Francisco resilient”, you will find […]
How green is urban resilience?
Climate change and regular heatwaves enhance the need for urban planning strategies to rebalance grey infrastructures with green “systems”. Urban citizens applaud the idea. Canopies and urban forests are on the agenda. The collective recognition of our environment fragility seems to find its answer in a politically correct greening attitude. There is no need to […]
