Exploring Urban Resurgence

In a wide ranging personal journey of interest to planners and interpreters of the built and natural landscapes, Chuck Wolfe weaves the interplay of the forces behind the everyday, providing fodder for problem solving in our cities and towns.

1 minute read

August 30, 2023, 10:00 AM PDT

By Charles R. Wolfe @crwolfelaw

On Sacramento Street in San Francisco. | Chuck Wolfe

In 14 essays (the most recent on a West Coast road trip), Chuck Wolfe explores change in built and natural landscapes, the role of memory, inspiration, and urban regeneration.

The illustrated series, often using black and white photography, examines the role of placemaking, development forms and styles, histories, the role of the automobile, changing values, as summarized here:

Illustrating the transformation of spaces influenced by nature, culture, technology, and the beauty in decay, survival, and rebirth. Valuing natural resilience, historical heritage, and human adaptability across cycles of change and growth that shape our shared environments.

The series--from "Cities in Remission," (which asks about a new downtown "livability" based on enhanced security) to "Must Inspiration Inspire?" (which questions formulaic responses to reactivating downtowns)--provides a baseline to think about when working on post-pandemic urban solutions in the months ahead.

FULL STORY: Resurgence: A Journey

Architecture Community / Economic Development History / Preservation Urban Development World United Kingdom United States California Oregon Washington Urbanism View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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