Quick Take: New ideas must use old buildings

on April 28, 2009 in Quick Take

 

Photo credit: rllayman on Flickr.com

Photo credit: rllayman on Flickr.com

“ need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous and districts to grow without them…. for really new ideas of any kind—no matter how ultimately profitable or otherwise successful some of them might prove to be—there is no leeway for such chancy trial, error and experimentation in the high-overhead economy of new construction. Old ideas can sometimes use new buildings. New ideas must use old buildings.”

–Jane Jacobs

 

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About Yuri Artibise

I am urbanite with a deep interest in place making, community building and creating livable neighborhoods. To this end, I have dedicated myself to build a community of people interested in creating and sustaining an authentic urbanism.
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  • http://twitter.com/asset_transfer Asset Transfer Unit

    Couldn’t agree more – hence: http://www.theplacestation.org.uk (all welcome and encouraged to make use – no matter where they are in the world!). I would also tentatively suggest that old buildings need new ideas to facilitate their reanimation; I’m speaking in London tomorrow at http://www.newlondonarchitecture.org/event.php?id=299&name=historic_buildings_in_the_modern_city and, you might also like: http://www.meanwhile.org.uk/ for a take on the temporary use of high street shops… 

  • Emme

    I so agree Yuri, would you consider having an on line mentor forum for those individuals in communities around the USA, wanting to do the same thing? 
    I would love to manufacture my eco clothing lines and eco friendly products in the USA and turn old factories into new again, revitalize and rejuvenate communities, create jobs  – especially now.  Please let us know!

  • http://www.yuriartibise.com Yuri Artibise

    Thanks for the comment and support Emme. I’m not sure I’m the best person to act as a mentor though. I’m a devotee of Jane Jacobs and enjoy sharing here wisdom, but that’s about as far as my expertise goes in this area. I’m not too familiar with manufacturing or preserving buildings. Your best bet is to find a historic preservation office in your city and/ or state and see what resources and efforts are already being made and see if there are locals who can act as mentors.

    Hope this helps!