Circular Sustainability Economy
What does this mean to you? A circular economy is based on sharing, leasing, repairing, and so on. The circle is: make, reuse, remake, recycle. A real-world example on a micro level is a barter fair, I had the pleasure of attending one in Leavenworth, WA. Rosie Ridge Barter Faire: There were about a […]
Palo Alto Paradox
Palo Alto Paradox A funny thing happened on the way to the core apple store. Driving into the heart of Silicon Valley, where the tech beat began, I started out touring the grounds of Stanford University and then traveled along their palm tree-lined boulevard, under the freeway, popping up on the main street of Downtown […]
Wenatchee Vibe
On a trip to Wenatchee, Washington I decided to do some exploring in the Downtown area. Wenatchee is situated in the dry and productive Columbia River valley, with a similar look to my home stomping grounds of Kamloops, BC. Being a continuation of the Canadian Okanagan valley, fruit orchards and vineyards abound. Driving into the […]
Community Planning
Community Planning Community Planning does not rest on the shoulders of one entity. There are many people, businesses and organizations that must work together to develop a community. Neighbourhood Plans Developing neighbourhood plans takes a substantial amount of time. You must involve everyone who uses the neighbourhood: Businesses, residents, and visitors. Business Improvement Associations have a role to play. -Facilitating conversations; bringing businesses together with each other and […]
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico
Community Squares – Merida, Mexico Central Squares are the Heart of Vibrant Cities Latin culture is wonderfully social. The practice of gathering in public spaces to socialize is ingrained in their daily lives. Community squares are designed into their cities to serve as their social and cultural heart. The activation that North American place makers work to cultivate, naturally […]
Destination Leavenworth, Washington
Destination Done Right Leavenworth Washington must have the most insanely robust design guidelines anywhere! At some point the planners in this town of only 2000 decided that their community should be themed in a Bavarian style. It is truly an example of destination development done well. They chose a theme and committed to it completely. […]
Successful Pedestrian Malls
Successful Pedestrian Malls Pedestrianized streets work extremely well if done the right way, in the right place at the right time. After strolling streets in many cities, it is apparent that the three key elements required are: design, critical mass of pedestrians and a diverse mix of engaged businesses. Design The best streets tend to […]
Vibrant Spaces: Antigua Guatemala
Vibrant Spaces: Antigua, Guatemala Guatemala is a mystery destination for many people. In the recent past there were years of civil war that kept it out of the travel list for all but the young and daring back packers. It is still a third world country just finding its way into mainstream tourism. The lure […]
It’s about the Journey
It’s about the Journey Are you one of the people who arrives in a destination and immediately embarks on an exploratory walk? I have arrived in places at odd hours, after long fights, still itching to wander. Belize City on a blazing afternoon, Sydney Australia after a 24-hour flight – leaping the time meridian – […]
Succession & Transition
Succession and Transition As the leader of your organization you work hard, you are dedicated to the mission at hand, you are indispensable, you are irreplaceable…Or Not! Sorry to break it to you; even though most of the above statements are true, we are all replaceable. But wait – this is a good thing. Why […]