In a recent post, San Francisco-based blogger (BLDGBLOG) and Dwell Senior Editor Geoff Manaugh revisits and interview with architect, writer, and urban theorist Jeffrey Inaba, who begs a very provocative question: “Why do today’s ‘sustainable cities’ look like 1980s golf resorts?” Inaba contends— and Manaugh concedes— that so-called "sustainable" projects often receive less scrutiny both aesthetically and practically, thus producing what Inaba calls "regressive urban environments." (Apparently Inaba hasn't been following Curbed's critical analysis now, has he?) Most alarming is the fact that those people who self-identify as progressives are the least likely to question the ins-and-outs of sustainability. Manaugh wonders "why ask yourself tough questions when your all jeans are made from organic cotton?"
It's no secret that San Francisco is blowing up on the green front, but Manaugh's post begs a deeper look at what, exactly constitutes green. Planting wild grass along every damn median strip in the city? Channeling Bob Ross and adding a few happy little trees to the neighborhood plan? This is a question worth asking here in SF, land of the city plan: note the recently approved Market & Octavia Neighborhood Plan; we're waiting with baited breath for the SWL 337 plan, too. Double team. Nice.
· Like 1980s Golf Resorts [BLDGBLOG]