I’m really annoyed at architecture for the sake of it. Architecture is not the same as fashion. In that industry you have the runway model. Everyone knows the runway model is there like a moving piece of art. The embodiment of an idea, a fancy.

Sliding House by DRMM

When you see the bouffant hair and the bizarre outfits you understand that it’s to be taken with a grain of salt. Who wears that stuff on the street? I feel the same way about architecture. When I see these projects that have pushed the envelope so far that the house becomes impractical, I can’t help but think they have failed. Beyond the waste of precious resources, the creator has failed at the basic challenge – to build a better house. How can the architect/builder consider a project successful unless it can stand the test of time and utility? This is probably why most of my favorites end up being very sparse. I find myself most touched by clean lines that exemplify volume and materials. I’m also often captured by unique and ingenious use of space. It’s fun to challenge the concept of house, but one is only successful if it actually improves the design…

I’m purposely leaving this video large, sacrificing my format for your viewing pleasure. I’m a fan of this house. It’s one of the rare exceptions of architectural haute couture that really works…

I came home from work to find a new crosswalk being painted across Amory Street from the Southwest Corridor across the street. I’ve been fighting for this for the better part of two years and now thanks to the exceptional work of Officer Mike Santry at E13 and Michael Halle from the traffic and parking meetings, we have succeeded in securing a safer place to cross.

Since the Brewery ramped up operations the pedestrian traffic here has been growing exponentially. This is a good thing, but getting across the street here in the past has been a little like playing Frogger.

As I said, I believe the crosswalk is only temporary until a more permanent traffic and parking solution is created. I am very pleased that the city was able to see that a temporary solution was better than no solution. Big round of applause for Mike Halle, Mike Santry and everyone who made this happen.

Our new neighbor, ZipCar

I’ve been considering selling one of my Subarus for about a year now, but being a Realtor the idea of always bumming rides with my clients or riding my bike doesn’t exactly seem “sustainable”. I had considered the ZipCar model in the past, especially when I learned that they have a business plan. Until now, however, the cars have been too far away for me to give it any real serious thought.

There are three locations in JP now (I think) and ten makes including Volvo, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and Mazda with the nearest being just a few doors down from my home at The Brewery. There are two cars there and at least 10 others in the neighborhood. I think I may have to look into this a bit more now. It seems too convenient to pass up – although I said that about the Mike’s Gym too.

I just happened upon Andree and Ken’s weblog on Neighbor’s For Neighbors community organizing website (I guess it’s working). I’m excited about the prospect of watching them renovate their very old home with an eye to giving it a zero carbon footprint.

Jack's Store is now JP Green House

I signed up for their newsletters and I think you should too. Here’s a snippet from their project page:

The JP Green House is a zero carbon* demonstration project, sustainable urban model and hub for 350.org climate action founded by Andrée Zaleska and Ken Ward. We are rehabbing an abandoned, 100 year old, former neighborhood store located on the line between Jamaica Plain and Roslindale in Boston, Massachusetts. Our aim is to achieve passivhaus standards, win substantial independence from grid supplies of water and electricity, and supply a large portion of our food on a modest income. We are retrofitting the former “Jack’s store” as space for workshops and trainings, neighborhood events and gatherings like our JP Family SongFest.

The JP Green House is located at 133 Bourne Street, Roslindale. We welcome visitors & volunteers and have a schedule of activities and events. You can contact us at:

greenhousejp[at[gmail.com 617.512.8350

I'm "out to get" unwanted mail

I live on Amory Street in Jamaica Plain, MA and I came out to get my mail the other day to find about 15 catalogs. I added it to the pile in my house that had been piling up. I was totally frustrated. There must have been a whole tree there.

I began to do some searching into how I could stem the flow of unwanted mail. It’s bad for so many reasons. It’s not just the paper, but think of all the time, money, materials, shipping, energy, etc. that go into each one. Imagine the resources we could free up if we all opted-out of our catalogs! Well, I’m glad you agree. I’ll save you the time of researching for yourself:

Catalog Choice will allow you to set your preferences for most of these catalogs or opt-out altogether. I highly recommend you also set up an account at DMA Choice which will basically get you off all mailing lists for 5 years if I remember correctly.

Just trying to do a little something for the environment. Help me out.