a few words about the formal aspect(i see it’s quite popular to engage that quite relative subject too around here). like someone already said here, it looks more like the colloseum than a canyon. of course i can see the similarities in some areas(layers, vertical profile etc.), but..if you are going to get inspired from this kind of concept, do it all the way not just with a few elements..the primary symbolic atributes of the canyon are length and direction..maybe time. i cannot see any of these here. Also the canyon is a threshold, a place where different identities come together, a place that has not only the qualities of those two elements but also that draws power from they’re coexistance. identities are confirmed, the result is more impressive that either of them separately.

this project did not have however another crucial element needed for this kind of “utopia” we are talking about: the fascination part. Did not get that “blade runner” kind of vibe from this. the study is elaborate, i respect the ideea, the work behind it, the innovative intent, just think it misses the edge to work and to be followed.

This was for a “opportunity to create an innovative and sustainable prototype for an urban community”. So I think they have made a good attempt. Sure it is a bit shocking that you grow veg but haven’t cities had allotments for years so that people can grow there own food. There are plenty of opportunities to sell veg through these schemes.

Why does this have to a ‘hippy’ commune? I am sure that the Architects do not attend to lock people inside and make them grow carrots 24/7. I am sure you would be allowed out to work.

I think these conceots are the basis of a way forward. However there must be a change of attitude from the public. How can attitudes be changed which aren’t dictitorial. Well I think that a bottom up approach that allows community to participate in the design process will mean that issues, like those expressed by Arthur, can be accomodated.

(“The kitchen offers classes and food tastings focused on nutrition as well as a place to share family cooking techniques. The kitchen is part of a holistic approach to health that includes exercise and intergenerational social interaction encouraged by work in the canyon’s gardens….Produce from the community farm is either consumed in the community kitchen or sold in the market spaces below.”)

it would probably turn out as a very ermetic comunity/society, it will alienate people from the rest of the city/urban life, and btw, which people that live in the city and have a somewhat busy and active life still have the time to practice this kind of architecture and “intergenerational social interaction” thay preach. Well, if they would be in some kind of cult together maybe, they could even hold hands while they plant the seeds..and the women will all be named Rain and have dresses made of wheat.

i think this (self)”sustainable” ideea is a bit misunderstood and surely over preached..this along with “green” and “ecological”.

thank you

I would like to see this project develop in more detail as I think it offers much potential.