Re: Time for the "new old new" mall?

From: Georgie Hinklemyer <samoolives_at_yahoo.com_at_hypermail.org>
Date: Sat, 20 Nov 2004 06:53:27 -0000

Grass is easy enough, although a vegetable garden would be more
practical and politically appropriate. But they'll probably choose
lots of different, colorful plants (xeriscaped?) which need about a
foot or less of dirt. Azaleas or camelias could work, although they
prefer shade. Cactus would appreciate the unobstructed sunlight.
Trees? Possible, if boxed up. They'd probably go with crepe myrtle
because it's shapely, flowery, and easy to grow. (They're not even a
true tree.)

Forget saplings, and especially the palm trees (although their roots
are shallow enough). The biggest problem will be the stronger winds
up there. Unobstructed High winds. You wouldn't WANT things that
were tall enough to be knocked over.

What about wildlife? A few birds will show up, maybe. Some rats will
inevitably move in for the human leavings. What about earthworms?
Composting bacteria? At least a couple of squirrels to munch on the
myrtle branches? None. Now THAT'S boring. (On the other hand, they
can probably do without insecticides for quite a long time, not having
anything nearby to "share" with them.)

Another problem: several feet of dirt would weigh close to solid
cement at half the thickness. They'll be putting quite a strain on
the structure if it goes too deep. It'd be even heavier after it's
been watered. Not to mention the added mass as the plants grow.

Still, I'd like to see what they do to it. Echoing The Queen's
question below: would the so-called "parks" be open to the general
public or just to the immediate residents?

Georgie H.

P.S. Lenny, you just haven't rolled around in the right kind of grass
if you think it's all the itchy type... :)


--- In OliveStarlightOrchestra_at_yahoogroups.com, "7visions"
<7visions_at_p...> wrote:
>
>
> What the hell kind of "parkland" can you put on top of a building???
?
>
> Big gorgeous trees? Shady paths? Forest glades?
>
> What nonsense!!!!
>
> Guess what it would be, and here I KNOW that I will offend many
> suburbanites....
>
> It would be GRASS!!!! BORING BLAND ITCHY GRASS!!!!! I HATE LAWNS!!!!
!
>
> and a couple of saplings... and maybe a palm
>
> Here is my suggestion:
>
> Knock out Santa Monica Place, extend the 3rd street Promenade, have
it
> bisect an open mall of no more than five levels, bring in more
restaurants,
> and a Legit theater ( that is stage theater)and a concert hall. Add
a
> skateboard park, ( local culture , a tribute to Dogtown) and an ice
rink for
> the holidays.
>
> Nix the 21 story buildings and DEFINITELY NO ASTROTURF PARKLANDS
>
> Lenny "Urban Critic" Shaw
>
> ----- Original Message ----- * I'm really intrigued by the idea of
adding
> rooftop parkland along the
> tops of the buildings on 2nd and 4th;
>
> * I'm curious as to which strips of green space would be open to the
> public--would all the parkland at the new new mall be private, only
for
> residents?
>
> * I wonder how policing of the rooftop parklands would work, and how
> they'd be lit'
Received on 2004-11-19 22:55:28