tarabell
07-30-2007, 12:29 PM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/eyesore_200707.jpg
Above is LA's latest contribution to the green movement, the "sustainable" solar-powered parking garage.
What ... you don't think some lipstick makes a pig prettier?
Santa Monica, California, presents a contradiction in terms: the nation’s first "sustainable solar-powered parking structure."
Apparently nobody informed these idiots that happy motoring is not a sustainable activity, and neither is the parking that necessarily attends it. This is apart from the sheer appalling monumental ugliness of the building. The official PR handout is a prime example of how America is blowing green smoke up its own ass:
The six-story, 882-space structure at the Civic Center features photovoltaic roof panels, a storm drain water treatment system, recycled construction materials and energy efficient mechanical systems.
The $29 million structure -- which sits near the entrance and exit ramps at the end of the 10 Freeway -- also features ground-floor retail, art works on every floor and sweeping city and ocean views.
City officials hope the 290,000-square-foot-garage will become the nation’s first parking structure certified by the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The structure’s photovoltaic panels -- which cost $1.5 million -- will pay for themselves in 17 years by generating $90,000 a year in electricity,” said Craig Perkins, director of Environmental and Public Works Management for the City.
Ground control to Santa Monica: in 17 years the automobile age will be over.
http://www.kunstler.com/eyesore.html
North Americans still believe in the myth of endless wide-open spaces; perhaps that's why things like the Santa Monica garage make sense here. If we can't be pried out of vehicles, at least we can park them in environmentally decent buildings.
Sadly, it will take a whole lot more than a sustainable parking garage to transform Los Angeles into a sustainable city. As one of the most dispersed, suburban cities on the continent, L.A. is a classic example of why we need to reacquaint ourselves with the idea of urbanity, which translates into dense, compact communities based on public transit and proximity.
The garage, whose owners are hoping will qualify for LEED certification, is like the Splenda you add to your coffee after eating a trans-fat-laden, cholesterol-rich, carb-heavy, 3,000-calorie dinner. All very well, but it doesn't really make a difference except perhaps to help us feel better.
So expect more "sustainable" parking garages in the future, more green malls, environmentally friendly SUVs and that sort of thing. Just don't confuse any of these for solutions; they're more justifications.
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/241183
Above is LA's latest contribution to the green movement, the "sustainable" solar-powered parking garage.
What ... you don't think some lipstick makes a pig prettier?
Santa Monica, California, presents a contradiction in terms: the nation’s first "sustainable solar-powered parking structure."
Apparently nobody informed these idiots that happy motoring is not a sustainable activity, and neither is the parking that necessarily attends it. This is apart from the sheer appalling monumental ugliness of the building. The official PR handout is a prime example of how America is blowing green smoke up its own ass:
The six-story, 882-space structure at the Civic Center features photovoltaic roof panels, a storm drain water treatment system, recycled construction materials and energy efficient mechanical systems.
The $29 million structure -- which sits near the entrance and exit ramps at the end of the 10 Freeway -- also features ground-floor retail, art works on every floor and sweeping city and ocean views.
City officials hope the 290,000-square-foot-garage will become the nation’s first parking structure certified by the U.S. Green Building Council Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
The structure’s photovoltaic panels -- which cost $1.5 million -- will pay for themselves in 17 years by generating $90,000 a year in electricity,” said Craig Perkins, director of Environmental and Public Works Management for the City.
Ground control to Santa Monica: in 17 years the automobile age will be over.
http://www.kunstler.com/eyesore.html
North Americans still believe in the myth of endless wide-open spaces; perhaps that's why things like the Santa Monica garage make sense here. If we can't be pried out of vehicles, at least we can park them in environmentally decent buildings.
Sadly, it will take a whole lot more than a sustainable parking garage to transform Los Angeles into a sustainable city. As one of the most dispersed, suburban cities on the continent, L.A. is a classic example of why we need to reacquaint ourselves with the idea of urbanity, which translates into dense, compact communities based on public transit and proximity.
The garage, whose owners are hoping will qualify for LEED certification, is like the Splenda you add to your coffee after eating a trans-fat-laden, cholesterol-rich, carb-heavy, 3,000-calorie dinner. All very well, but it doesn't really make a difference except perhaps to help us feel better.
So expect more "sustainable" parking garages in the future, more green malls, environmentally friendly SUVs and that sort of thing. Just don't confuse any of these for solutions; they're more justifications.
http://www.thestar.com/printArticle/241183