Fargo Town & Gown Walkabout

Today our studio team  (with Ron) walked around our Town and Gown target area. We took a novel approach and tried to walk "against" the one way avenues, giving us a perspective the a we don't normally get in a car. 

We lingered at the old buildings, the hot sites for renovation the Union Transfer and Storage site, Woodrow Wilson School, Cooper Tire warehouse. and the Great Northern warehouse. Along the way, we discussed single family neighborhoods, the verity of Multifamily sites, and the manifestations of redevelopment, restorations and NDSU downtown campus venues.
Ron talked about planning as it was done versus how it seems to be handled today (the smoke filled room verses neighborhood organizations).  I believe the students received an introduction to physical aspects of the area  and the possibilities for development that left their head spinning. 

Back in the Saddle Again

I am a critic for an Advanced Architectural Design Studio at North Dakota State University (NDSU) Department of Architecture Fall 09 after a six year hiatus. My section will develop and test design criteria for Fargo's Town and Gown District. This fall NDSU will occupy three off campus buildings adjacent to the central business district. This development has spurred development and although its not out of control there is a greater that normal interest in a part of the city that has not been considered pivotal for some time.

The studio group will conduct case studies, actively develop architectural criteria then to test these, design facilities in potential sites. Friday we take a walk about the site... should be interesting.

This Show Has Legs

From Fosston Mn to Moorhead, MN, then to Fargo, ND, and finally to St Paul, MN in September The 13 Townships, 5 (then 3) Villages, One Big Garden , and More exhibit will receive a well deserved rest.