The Society Of The Spectacle

Last Sunday’s Observer had an insightful and tragic article on the slow decline of one of the most iconic cities in the USA, if not the world. Detroit. Highlighting not just the hardship that the recession has wrought on the long suffering working class of the city, but also the damage now being inflicting the once prosperous suburban districts, scene of the ‘white flight’ that left inner city Detroit a unique wasteland. This wasteland has now taken on an almost post-apocalyptic quality, with some abandoned skyscprapers now sprouting plants and vines, mimicking something out I Am Legend. A truly surreal state. So it’s no surprise the the Internet is at the forefront of documenting this slow decline. (more…)

On the better never than late blog, I followed a link to a huge thread based on the evolution of the Manhattan skyline from the 20’s to the 70’s, through photographs and postcards and illustrations. There are some truly amazing views to behold and sides of the city I have never seen. (The ones of the World Trade Center under construction are very poignant and you would imagine.) I’ve selected a few of my standouts, but take a peek at the whole set here. (more…)

Just saw this on Selectism, which solves a little mystery I had from my travels in October. Namely, what was this amazing building in the Meatpacking District? Was it a Hotel? Was it another luxury apt block? Well, it’s going to be the new Standard Hotel, joining sister establishments in L.A and Miami. Designed by Polshek Partnership Architects for André Balazs, it looks absolutely stunning. The rooms look well proportioned and the views are either the irregular rooftops of downtown New York or overlooking  the Hudson and all seem equally impressive. It also looks (relatively) reasonable price wise. There is a more in-depth (and excellent) critique from Design Observer on the building which I would recommend, as well as a piece in Vanity Fair. So there you go, one to put in the (Smythson) diary to visit.

The Standard NYC – October 2008.