Two Individual Suburban Styles

 From my observation the Cape Cod House generally has a rectangular shape and gives the impression that it only has one story, although some do have two. The all have the triangular windows sitting on the rooftop. I think the rectangular shape and the triangular shape together give the Cape Cod its distinct look.  In reference to the similarity of houses along Millersport Highway, Hayden notes that the concept behind Cape Cod houses were to be produced like cars on an assembly line and sport similar design. This method also lowered the cost of production and of ownership, because everything was standardized. Another point I think worth noting is, one of the primary reasons for developing the sitcom suburbs were to house returning veterans. The military promotes uniformity and veterans were probably more interested in having a nice home than worrying about its looks.

The Split-level home is more representative of the typical suburban home by today's standards in my opinion. Usually sitting in the rear of a generous piece of land, Split-level homes have two floors with multiple bedrooms and rooms for other areas for various family activities (i.e. laundry room, dining room, full basements, etc). The most defining characteristic in my opinion would be the double car garage. Having one car could be considered modest or middle class but, two cars in my opinion represents a status slightly higher than middle class (upper middle class perhaps). The two car garage is representative of the difference between the Spilt-level and Cape Cod houses. The Split-level's design is ideal for customization and unique identity while the similarity of the Cape Cod presents a more modest appearance. Many of the Cape Cod's sport wooden frames with shingled roofing while some of the more elaborate Spilt-level's using a brick exterior. The Cape Cod's were built to be cost friendly and provide a more uniform style of home while the Split-level was constructed around customization and personality of the owner.

The Different Flavors of Tourism

I think Americans and Europeans have different ideas about what each country is like. Europeans probably view America as a place that features many of the best places to shop, very unique and interesting people, and great places to have fun. Americans probably see Europe as a very culture rich, historical, and relaxing place to visit. Just looking at the types of places that were showcased as the premier tourist destinations in America and Europe, the messages were very different. In the U.S., Forbes had rated New York City's Times Square, Las Vegas's Strip, and Orlando's Walt Disney World 1,2,and 5 in the top ten tourist destinations. This is not really a surprise to any American citizen because of the country's emphasis on commercialism and consumerism. I think this is what the general perception is about the U.S.; it's a great place to spend money and have fun.

In contrast, I believe Europe's tourist attractions highlight a totally different culture. Many of Europe's top tourist destinations were classical architecture, historical sites showing the history of the country, and national monuments. Some of the top tourist destinations in Europe were the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Big Ben in London, The Roman Coliseum in Rome, and Acropolis located in Athens. Americans probably expect to experience more of the culture than the commerce, and the overall perception is that Europe is rich in tradition in history.

I think it is important to remember that these places do have some things in common. The is great shopping in Paris, just like there is great shopping in New York City. Also, there are places to gamble and amusement parks in both Europe and in the U.S. What sets these destinations apart is the emphasis placed on these locations by residents and visitors alike. While the United States is one country and Europe is home to many countries there is still a consensus about which destinations are most popular among tourists.  I think many of the shopping and amusement locations in the U.S. are uniquely American because of the experience they provide tourists. There is nothing like walking Times Sq. at three in the morning with thousands of people, similarly there is nothing like the view of Paris from the top of Eiffel Tower. I think both places have unique themes which represent the people and their personalities accurately.  The U.S.'personality is centered around commercial and entertainment and Europe's is more historical and serene.

Dual Ethnic Landscape

For my ethnic landscape I chose Flushing in Queens, New York City because I am very familiar with the area and I believe it covers more than one of the different ethnic landscape types. Now although Flushing is technically a town, that can be misleading to the actual size and diversity of ethnic landscapes. Flushing is home to the largest Chinatown in New York City and its Asian residents account for over half of the population. Ethnic markers are all over Flushing Main Street and this area would be classified under the "Ersatz"or ethnic landscape. Many of the building signs are in Chinese or Korean and newspapers are sold in the same languages. Restaurants and other establishments cater to the largest Asian population in the area. What I believe separates this Chinatown from the one in Manhattan is the focus on tourism. In Flushing their is not that feeling of tourism. (Maybe because tourists think the only thing in NYC is Manhattan). (A few images to show Flushing's Main Street)

In the same "town" of Flushing, a large Italian, Greek, and Irish population have maintained what I would call the Old World landscape with its mixture of churches and houses. Its also home to a large amount of restaurants and businesses that cater to its ethnic population. This large European population has maintained some of the older more classical looks of their home countries. Flushing, named after the Dutch village Vlissingen was founded in 1645 and was the first permanent settlement in Queens. In 1657 the Flushing Remonstrance was issued, which defied Peter Stuyvesant's demand to expel Quakers, Jews, and other religious groups. Flushing was also the first town in the western hemisphere to grant religious freedom to its residents. Maybe this explains why there are over 200 places of worship in a 6.5 square kilometer range.

I think this shows that an area can be made up of more than one type of ethnic landscape, because Flushing definitely represents sort of a hybrid between two types.

What Type of Water Tower Gets You Wet?

Although many people might believe water towers are exclusive to New York City and other large cities, that isn't true. Water towers are scattered all over the country and the world and their uses range from merely aesthetic to actually supplying water to people. Many cites in states across America are tearing down these structures because they are seen as eyesores and taking up to much space. Especially in today's economy if something isn't profitable it's gone.  If schools and hospitals are getting shut down you know a water tower is easily expendable. So what is saving the old structures from becoming extinct outside large cities and places that don't require them. INNOVATION!

In the United States a company called Landmark is setting the standard for water tank design. First composite elevated tanks provide more than 75 percent of water from elevated sources.  But their tanks are very good because they provide a 15-20% cost advantage in maintenance and can hold up to 3.5 million gallons of water. The concrete pedestal is maintenance free and its concrete dome supports the steel tank floor, eliminating condensation and the need for protective ceilings. Inside the pedestal the tank can have several floors of office space and house fire emergency stations with truck bays and water pumping stations. Outside, the tank can have custom graphics and be a source of lighting for the community.  So this water tower can service as a lighthouse, landmark, fire station, and office building in  one, thats multi-tasking!

Addison, a environmental company in Texas is creating one of the first water towers to be completely powered by wind and serve as a piece of art. The wind turbines on top will provide enough energy to run the tower and the street lights below! At the base there will be a classroom where people can learn about wind power and water distribution. These are a few ways in the United States innovation is being used to create effective uses for water towers.

Water towers are also being used as homes. Some of the older water towers built are being cleared out inside and being transformed into luxury houses. It is like having a whole condo for yourself (if you can afford it!). These water tower homes provide a new twist on living green because there is no need for land clearing and demolition, land filling, or need for structural materials. The high glass ceilings are natural for thermal heating. 

Internationally water tank innovation is changing the lives of many people. In Darfur, Sudan the water tower skyscraper design by Polish architect design firm H3AR is creating a multipurpose building to pump water from a underground region of Sudan. What is so amazing about the structure is how important it will be in the lives of the people in the region. It will serve as a treatment plant for water, hospital, school, and a food storage center. This structure is being built compressed dry clay bricks, with a mixture of cement and earth to reduce environmental impacts. It uses two water circulation processes, one to heat and cool the building and the other for kitchens and toilets.

Finally, Castle in the Sky, a water tower concept for Latina, Italy takes innovation to ANOTHER LEVEL! It includes a public garden space, a sky deck, and a device that vaporizes the tower's water and creates rain! Yes, THE TOWER LITERALLY MAKES IT RAIN! The tower sits on a reservoir of incoming water and the shaft of the tower is coated in reflective material to make it appear as if it's disappearing as it rises in the sky! The top can be reached by an elevator, and the sky deck is used for festivities or just a view of the city. Water is pumped up to keep the plants above watered and moisture around the tower keeps the gardens below with enough precipitation. 

Talk about innovation! Who would have guessed something thought to be somewhat useless could be so useful and in so many ways.

Second Stories: Blog #1

Walking from UB's South Campus down Main Street up to Hertel Ave. I noticed several distinct features about the buildings and structures of the surrounding area. The first thing that stood out to me that I had never really paid attention to was the style in which pretty much every store had. They all had an open view or glass windows that you could see what was going on inside or being advertised. For example, the exterior Jim's Steakout reminded me of a classic restaurant in a 50's drive in diner minus the drive in (because its on the sidewalk). Almost all of the establishments give passers by the opportunity to gaze inside and see what's going on inside. Another feature was, most stores appeared if they were once homes before they were businesses. They must have had people living on the first floor at some point and maybe still have people living upstairs in some of these establishments.  If I had to guess, I would assume they started out as family businesses and never were rebuilt. In fact that is what gives the stores along Main Street that "retro" feel. There were even two older looking comic book stores, and comic books are like cassette and VHS tapes, very old! Most of the buildings look the same from the time they were probably first built. The buildings feature painted wood that looks like its been painted over once or twice since its been there. This is a huge contrast in comparison to the modern look of UB's south campus. It feels as if you are moving from modern to retro in a matter of a few blocks. One store that was a must to photo was the Parkside Candies Shop. This building looks as if its appearance was deliberately maintained to retain that classic touch. What also jumped out at me while taking a photo of the store was the plaque dedicated to the World War 2 veterans that served from University Heights. I wonder was it really there from 1941. The Chapels along main look as if they have received maintenance from the time they were built, but most of the buildings appear in the original form. Im guessing these buildings were constructed in the 1940's-50's. An indicator that they were built around the same time is the dulling paint on some of the buildings and the similar building structures.