Category: People

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An Algorithm for Creating Enduring Places

The Netherlands is the perfect example of a country with a long history of places that inspire a fierce sense of pride.

When I first arrived here, I stood at an intersection in Amsterdam and watched the city flow in front of me and had an epiphany. I saw how everyone–including pedestrians, cyclists, and car drivers–knew what to do and how to respectfully interact with each other, even without stoplights or traffic signs. And even though the compact streets were busy, there were no honking horns or road rage to be found.

Typical carfree lane in a Netherlands town center.

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A Vision for Notre Dame

 

B4place rendering of view from the south

A trio of architects based in Atlanta, GA have outlined a beautiful vision for the restoration of Notre Dame.

Reinaldo Hernandez, Jacques Levet, and Rene Salas have proposed an elegant design that allows the public space around the cathedral to continue to serve the public during the 10+ years of the reconstruction process. 

In their proposal, they advocate for:

  • The Heart: A full restoration of the cathedral as it was before the fire.
  • The Mind: An immediate place for people to continue contemplation and worship in a new ‘Ephemeral Cathedral’.
  • The Hand: An area for the craftspeople involved in the rebuilding efforts to share their traditions with the public.

You can check out the details of proposal, along with their lovely images, here. 

Here at B4place, we know that respect for historic architecture is the basis of an enduring public place. We were so inspired by the trio’s proposal that we created some quick 3D visualizations based on the plan. These renderings show their proposed temporary structures (indicated in orange for visibility) within the context of the existing square in front of Notre Dame. 

B4place rendering: overview from the southeast
B4place rendering: view from Rue d’Arcole into the northeast corner of the square in front of Notre Dame
B4place rendering: view from the corner of Quai de Marche Neuf and Rue de la Cite looking east to Notre Dame.

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Ed Roberson, Ranch Broker and Blogcaster

Mountain & Prairie

Here at B4place, we’re inspired by the work people are doing in ecological/agricultural conservation and rural development. One of them is Ed Roberson, a ranch broker and blogcaster.

He runs a beautiful website, Mountain & Prairie, featuring articles and podcasts about rural conservation, history, and adventures in the American West. 

Ed talks with fascinating characters including artists, entrepreneurs, and ranchers, all focused on the rural west’s survival and development.

His interviews cover a wide range of interesting topics, from grassland restoration to filmmaking to impact investing. And his detailed timeline index and extensive reference links at the bottom of each podcast are much appreciated and so user friendly! 

Here’s just a sampling of some of Ed’s podcasts:

Pat O’Toole, Owner/Operator of Ladder Ranch

The Salisburys established the Ladder Ranch in 1881 on the Wyoming/Colorado border. For six generations they’ve been leaders in holistic range management. Pat, the current patriarch, tells his story of coming from the East Coast to join this remarkable family.

Pat’s Interview, Six Generations of Balanced Ranch Stewardship

Ed Roberson podcast: Pat O'Toole

Larry Yaw, Aspen, Colorado-Based Architect to the Stars

Larry describes the influence of world travel on his modernist architecture and conservation-focused design. Growing up in rural Montana gave him an appreciation of the utilitarian nature of ranch buildings.

Larry’s interview, Creating a Sense of Place in the New West

Ed Roberson podcast: Larry Yaw

Mark Maggiori, Artist and Filmmaker

In 2010, Mark came from France to America to make a film in Arizona, and he fell in love with the lifestyle and landscape of the West. Inspired by Frederic Remington’s art, he started painting scenes of cowboys, big skies, and Native Americans. 

Mark’s interview, A Fresh View of the American West

Ed Roberson podcast: Mark Maggiori

Jim Howell, Founder and CEO of Grasslands, LLC

Jim is a leading expert in holistic range management who co-founded the Savory Institute with Allan Savory. He talks about the challenges with the intellectual side of holistic animal grazing, and the impact of his world travels on his life mission.

Jim’s interview, Conserving and Restoring the World’s Grasslands

Ed Roberson podcast: Jim Howell

The friendly and low-key nature of Ed’s conversations are refreshing, while also being informative and inspiring.

Mountain & Prairie

Mountain & Prairie Podcast

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