Location: International
Website: www.urbantimes.org
Citizen journalism curated for the people by the people -
Welcome to the go to place for optimists and forward-thinkers.
We launched Urban Times to tackle the sensationalism and hearsay that permeates the news and media culture of today. Our content is entirely user-generated as citizen journalists and thought-leaders from across the globe submit their content to be edited for free. By mixing the scale and impact of a mega content generator with the positive values and culture of a small startup, we will rewire the global worldview towards solutions-oriented thinking.
Urban Times is the sustainable future of online publishing.
Our doors are open to all potential contributors, whether you’re a writer, editor, designer, developer or something else entirely: GET INVOLVED!
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Public Architecture
Location: San Francisco, CA
Website: www.publicarchitecture.org
Public Architecture is a new model for architectural practice. Supported by the generosity of foundation, corporate, and individuals grants and donations, Public Architecture works outside the economic constraints of conventional architectural practice, providing a venue where architects can work for the public good.
Rather than waiting for commissions that represent well-understood needs and desires, we take a leadership role, identifying significant problems of wide relevance that require innovative research and design. We seek needs and desires that are palpable but poorly defined, in circumstances where both client and financing must be imagined in new ways.
We don't just do our own projects; we encourage architecture firms nationwide to formalize their commitment to the public good. While many--perhaps most--architects give of their expertise from time to time, the profession as a whole has not structured its pro bono endeavors as clearly as has, say, the legal profession. "The 1%" program, through which firms pledge one percent of their billable hours to pro bono service, aims to institutionalize and celebrate pro bono practice in architecture.
Can't sophisticated design serve social justice? It can, and it should. The distinction between progressive design and popular design is a class prejudice—and a red herring. Public Architecture brings the values of design—formal innovation, intellectual currency, critical appraisal of the status quo—to bear on real problems in our communities.
Architecture doesn't just function; it expresses the human condition. It's about human dignity. It's about respect. It communicates identity and enables people to speak, to participate, to act. If you want to see what design has to do with identity, look at people's clothes, their cars. Architecture does the same things; it just lasts longer.
Beauty dignifies, but architectural beauty isn't just in the look of things. It's the expression of who we are and what we value as a community. It's also in the sound of footfalls on a plaza, the smell of rain on pavement, the warmth of a brick wall in the sun. It's in the sequence of spaces we pass through—tall and narrow, broad and open, bright, dark, loud, quiet. Public Architecture advocates for places for people with minds and bodies, not just eyes.
Website: www.publicarchitecture.org
Public Architecture is a new model for architectural practice. Supported by the generosity of foundation, corporate, and individuals grants and donations, Public Architecture works outside the economic constraints of conventional architectural practice, providing a venue where architects can work for the public good.
Rather than waiting for commissions that represent well-understood needs and desires, we take a leadership role, identifying significant problems of wide relevance that require innovative research and design. We seek needs and desires that are palpable but poorly defined, in circumstances where both client and financing must be imagined in new ways.
We don't just do our own projects; we encourage architecture firms nationwide to formalize their commitment to the public good. While many--perhaps most--architects give of their expertise from time to time, the profession as a whole has not structured its pro bono endeavors as clearly as has, say, the legal profession. "The 1%" program, through which firms pledge one percent of their billable hours to pro bono service, aims to institutionalize and celebrate pro bono practice in architecture.
Can't sophisticated design serve social justice? It can, and it should. The distinction between progressive design and popular design is a class prejudice—and a red herring. Public Architecture brings the values of design—formal innovation, intellectual currency, critical appraisal of the status quo—to bear on real problems in our communities.
Architecture doesn't just function; it expresses the human condition. It's about human dignity. It's about respect. It communicates identity and enables people to speak, to participate, to act. If you want to see what design has to do with identity, look at people's clothes, their cars. Architecture does the same things; it just lasts longer.
Beauty dignifies, but architectural beauty isn't just in the look of things. It's the expression of who we are and what we value as a community. It's also in the sound of footfalls on a plaza, the smell of rain on pavement, the warmth of a brick wall in the sun. It's in the sequence of spaces we pass through—tall and narrow, broad and open, bright, dark, loud, quiet. Public Architecture advocates for places for people with minds and bodies, not just eyes.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
CyArk
Location: International
Website: archive.cyark.org
CyArk is a 501c3 non profit organization with the mission of: digitally preserving cultural heritage sites through collecting, archiving and providing open access to data created by laser scanning, digital modeling, and other state-of-the-art technologies.
Unlike cultural artifacts safely housed in museums, cultural heritage sites are constantly at-risk. They are exposed to the daily effects of the natural environment, from the seemingly benign: sun, wind, and rain; to the dramatic: earthquakes, fire, and human s.
To better understand the threats facing cultural heritage, CyArk has also developed an interactive Hazard Map to help visualize individual site risk.
Digitally preserving these sites provides heritage professionals with tools they can use to help physically preserve their sites.
Digital capture of the world's significant heritage sites ensures these places will be available for the future, while uniquely telling their story today.
CyArk uses the data captured in the creation of educational and cultural tourism media which is then broadly disseminated via the CyArk website. Education of visitors and potential visitors can have a positive impact on the cultural resource and the community through the promotion of responsible cultural tourism.
The local communities will also benefit directly from the digital media created for education. This content can be used to educate the local children about their own history and culture, both online and in the classroom.
In order to meet the challenges facing cultural heritage, CyArk has developed the Total Process for Digital Preservation. This four-step process is performed by CyArk and its world-wide partners.
A representation of the CyArk Method:
1. A site is chosen based off many factors, specifically individual site need, and its significance to human culture.
2. Upon arrival at a project site, the CyArk team uses a variety of methods to thoroughly collect and document the site. These include traditional survey techniques, new photographic processes, and 3D laser scanning.
3. Collecting data in such a manner allows CyArk to create a multitude of "deliverables" including CAD drawings, High Dynamic Range photographs, accurate 3D Point Clouds, and multimedia for educational and cultural tourism.
4. Once these files have been created they are securely stored in the CyArk archives and made available to site managers and the public in the Heritage Sites section of our website.
Website: archive.cyark.org
CyArk is a 501c3 non profit organization with the mission of: digitally preserving cultural heritage sites through collecting, archiving and providing open access to data created by laser scanning, digital modeling, and other state-of-the-art technologies.
Unlike cultural artifacts safely housed in museums, cultural heritage sites are constantly at-risk. They are exposed to the daily effects of the natural environment, from the seemingly benign: sun, wind, and rain; to the dramatic: earthquakes, fire, and human s.
To better understand the threats facing cultural heritage, CyArk has also developed an interactive Hazard Map to help visualize individual site risk.
Digitally preserving these sites provides heritage professionals with tools they can use to help physically preserve their sites.
Digital capture of the world's significant heritage sites ensures these places will be available for the future, while uniquely telling their story today.
CyArk uses the data captured in the creation of educational and cultural tourism media which is then broadly disseminated via the CyArk website. Education of visitors and potential visitors can have a positive impact on the cultural resource and the community through the promotion of responsible cultural tourism.
The local communities will also benefit directly from the digital media created for education. This content can be used to educate the local children about their own history and culture, both online and in the classroom.
In order to meet the challenges facing cultural heritage, CyArk has developed the Total Process for Digital Preservation. This four-step process is performed by CyArk and its world-wide partners.
A representation of the CyArk Method:
1. A site is chosen based off many factors, specifically individual site need, and its significance to human culture.
2. Upon arrival at a project site, the CyArk team uses a variety of methods to thoroughly collect and document the site. These include traditional survey techniques, new photographic processes, and 3D laser scanning.
3. Collecting data in such a manner allows CyArk to create a multitude of "deliverables" including CAD drawings, High Dynamic Range photographs, accurate 3D Point Clouds, and multimedia for educational and cultural tourism.
4. Once these files have been created they are securely stored in the CyArk archives and made available to site managers and the public in the Heritage Sites section of our website.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Envision Utah
Location: Utah
Website: www.envisionutah.org
In 1997, Envision Utah launched an unprecedented public effort aimed to keep Utah beautiful, prosperous, and neighborly for future generations. As a neutral facilitator, Envision Utah brought together residents, elected officials, developers, conservationists, business leaders, and other interested parties to make informed decisions about how we should grow. Empowering people to create the communities they want is still our goal.
To understand our neighbors’ hopes for the future, Envision Utah conducted public values research, held over 200 workshops, and listened to more than 20,000 residents between 1997 and 1999. We heard a common dream: safe, close-knit communities; opportunities for our children; time to do what matters most; and the security of a good job. To achieve the public’s aspirations, in 1999 we created the Quality Growth Strategy, which provides voluntary, locally-implemented, market-based solutions.
Simply said, it’s a strategy developed by the people of Utah to make our lives better – that provides more choices for how we, and the next generation, would like to live.
Since facilitating the Quality Growth Strategy, Envision Utah has partnered with more than 100 communities in Utah. The Envision Utah approach of civic engagement has been replicated by dozens of regions around the country. How we grow will affect how we and our children will live. At Envision Utah, we don’t believe in sitting back and seeing where growth will take us. We seek to be visionary and actively secure our future.
Website: www.envisionutah.org
In 1997, Envision Utah launched an unprecedented public effort aimed to keep Utah beautiful, prosperous, and neighborly for future generations. As a neutral facilitator, Envision Utah brought together residents, elected officials, developers, conservationists, business leaders, and other interested parties to make informed decisions about how we should grow. Empowering people to create the communities they want is still our goal.
To understand our neighbors’ hopes for the future, Envision Utah conducted public values research, held over 200 workshops, and listened to more than 20,000 residents between 1997 and 1999. We heard a common dream: safe, close-knit communities; opportunities for our children; time to do what matters most; and the security of a good job. To achieve the public’s aspirations, in 1999 we created the Quality Growth Strategy, which provides voluntary, locally-implemented, market-based solutions.
Simply said, it’s a strategy developed by the people of Utah to make our lives better – that provides more choices for how we, and the next generation, would like to live.
Since facilitating the Quality Growth Strategy, Envision Utah has partnered with more than 100 communities in Utah. The Envision Utah approach of civic engagement has been replicated by dozens of regions around the country. How we grow will affect how we and our children will live. At Envision Utah, we don’t believe in sitting back and seeing where growth will take us. We seek to be visionary and actively secure our future.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Save The Bay
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Websitewww.saveSFbay.org
Save The Bay is the largest regional organization working to protect, restore and celebrate San Francisco Bay. As its leading champion since 1961, Save The Bay protects the Bay from pollution and inappropriate shoreline development, making it cleaner and healthier for people and wildlife.
We restore habitat and secure strong policies to re-establish 100,000 acres of wetlands that are essential for a healthy Bay. We engage more than 40,000 supporters, advocates and volunteers to protect the Bay, and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders by educating thousands of students annually.
Websitewww.saveSFbay.org
Save The Bay is the largest regional organization working to protect, restore and celebrate San Francisco Bay. As its leading champion since 1961, Save The Bay protects the Bay from pollution and inappropriate shoreline development, making it cleaner and healthier for people and wildlife.
We restore habitat and secure strong policies to re-establish 100,000 acres of wetlands that are essential for a healthy Bay. We engage more than 40,000 supporters, advocates and volunteers to protect the Bay, and inspire the next generation of environmental leaders by educating thousands of students annually.
The Architectural League of New York
Location: New York, NY
Website: www.architecturalleague.org
The mission of the Architectural League is to advance the art of architecture.
The League carries out its mission by promoting excellence and innovation, and by fostering community and discussion in an independent forum for creative and intellectual work in architecture, urbanism, and related disciplines. We present the work and ideas of the world’s most interesting and influential architects and designers to New York, national and international audiences, through lectures, exhibitions, publications, and the worldwide web. We identify and encourage talented young architects, through competitions, grants, exhibitions, and publications. And we help shape the future of our built environment by stimulating debate and provoking design thinking about the critical issues of our time.
The Architectural League’s governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and most recent financial report are available upon request to the League office, 212-753-1722, ext. 10.
Website: www.architecturalleague.org
The mission of the Architectural League is to advance the art of architecture.
The League carries out its mission by promoting excellence and innovation, and by fostering community and discussion in an independent forum for creative and intellectual work in architecture, urbanism, and related disciplines. We present the work and ideas of the world’s most interesting and influential architects and designers to New York, national and international audiences, through lectures, exhibitions, publications, and the worldwide web. We identify and encourage talented young architects, through competitions, grants, exhibitions, and publications. And we help shape the future of our built environment by stimulating debate and provoking design thinking about the critical issues of our time.
The Architectural League’s governing documents, conflict of interest policy, and most recent financial report are available upon request to the League office, 212-753-1722, ext. 10.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
First Friday Art Walks
Location: Nationwide
Website: (see specific cities)
Portland, ME -
Join us for a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the First Friday of every month from 5-8 pm.
Our mission is to open the doors of Portland's visual arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland. Promoting interest with non-exclusivity and easy access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.
Richmond, VA -
Richmond's First Fridays Art Walk showcases over 40 diverse creative venues in Downtown's growing arts and cultural district. Visitors are invited to enjoy and support a variety of art galleries, cultural venues, accommodations, restaurants, and shops along Historic Broad Street, east of Belvidere Street and west of 9th
Street as well as in Historic Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward.
Phoenix, AZ -
Open studio tours are a good way to experience art and artists. Every first Friday evening of each month you can take a free self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix galleries, studios and art spaces. It's called First Friday. First Friday is organized by Artlink, a nonprofit organization "...dedicated to bringing together artists, the public, and businesses for a greater understanding, appreciation, and promotion of the arts and the development of a strong and vital downtown Phoenix arts community."
Honolulu, HI -
The mission of firstfridayhawaii.com is to enrich the downtown/Chinatown neighborhood by providing a easy, fun, and interactive resource to celebrate community events, activities, restaurants, galleries and local happenings. By using a variety of creative Internet-based technical solutions we provide the pubic with resources to enhance community connections.
Website: (see specific cities)
Portland, ME -
Join us for a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues on the First Friday of every month from 5-8 pm.
Our mission is to open the doors of Portland's visual arts community by joining together and introducing a wider audience to the unique vitality of the artists and venues of Portland. Promoting interest with non-exclusivity and easy access, thereby strengthening the arts and community through diversity and celebration.
Richmond, VA -
Richmond's First Fridays Art Walk showcases over 40 diverse creative venues in Downtown's growing arts and cultural district. Visitors are invited to enjoy and support a variety of art galleries, cultural venues, accommodations, restaurants, and shops along Historic Broad Street, east of Belvidere Street and west of 9th
Street as well as in Historic Jackson Ward and Monroe Ward.
Phoenix, AZ -
Open studio tours are a good way to experience art and artists. Every first Friday evening of each month you can take a free self-guided tour of downtown Phoenix galleries, studios and art spaces. It's called First Friday. First Friday is organized by Artlink, a nonprofit organization "...dedicated to bringing together artists, the public, and businesses for a greater understanding, appreciation, and promotion of the arts and the development of a strong and vital downtown Phoenix arts community."
Honolulu, HI -
The mission of firstfridayhawaii.com is to enrich the downtown/Chinatown neighborhood by providing a easy, fun, and interactive resource to celebrate community events, activities, restaurants, galleries and local happenings. By using a variety of creative Internet-based technical solutions we provide the pubic with resources to enhance community connections.
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