Texas – An outdoor heaven….

Outdoor Spaces & Environmental Conditions

As we continue to develop ideas for outdoor spaces, many times I hear clients talk about that Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and other cities are not suitable for pedestrian outdoor activities.  Of course if we are placed in the middle of large uninteresting places, such as the parking of a superstore, or an outdoor mall, that may be true.

This is where design makes a difference, the practice of design is about solving problems, addressing the environmental conditions and making  people feel good about where they are.

Often in my life journey, I find myself trying to go between buildings in these so called “Town Centers”, such as the one at the intersection of Spring Cypress and 249.  Try walking between a restaurant and a strip center parking lot for instance in the middle of a summer day… your first and last time!

A Refreshing Approach

On the other end of the spectrum, you can go to places like Market Street at The Woodlands, the River Walk or La Cantera in San Antonio, or City Center in west Houston, and near my townhome, a place where I can walk to various restaurants, do some specialty shopping and watch people, Vintage Park.  A refreshing approach of well planned environments by sophisticated Developers, Planners and Architects.

View from in Vintage Park

Where Design Makes a Difference

Buildings “conform” the spaces, landscape and water features are part of the concept, patios and terraces are shaded, the wind patterns are considered and make being outdoor enjoyable.

These are the types of places that people like to go to, these are the types of places that our ancestors created for themselves throughout Europe and many Western cities, Florence, Milan, Paris, Chicago, Antigua Guatemala, San Andrés de Allende to name a few.

A Challenge

A challenge should be given to every Architect and Planner, to create places that define our culture, that affect our lives and improve our ability to socialize. Imagine a world interconnected with developments with such features… we can have it in our own USA!

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May 9, 2011 | Posted by:

Posted in Design