Claudia Chalfa

Exactly my thought, Ryan. As for the skaters, what if they gave them a skate park? Don’t even get me started on the issue of teenagers and the severe lack of design geared towards them. The kids are going to skate. the kids are going to paint. So, why not give them places where they can do this without destroying things?

Thanks for all the cool videos!! I really love those.

I agree that the defacement of existing public art is not graffiti. However, I do think it is worth an attempt, to give youth an arena for expression that is not illegal and yet still has a somewhat rebellious tone. The videos show me what I already suspected: these artists are all about…[Read more]

Thanks Ryan. When you mentioned the “just tear it down if it doesn’t work” strategy, it made me realize that what also might work is temporary walls. You could try putting them in various places to see how different locations affect the content, etc. In fact, this would make a really great research project. I’m about to graduate, does anyone want…[Read more]

Andrew, sorry your reply was deleted…don’t know how that happened! The pictures I posted here are not controlled. It is possible that the owner of the building gave the artists permission, although to be honest I sort of doubt it. The art here is hidden, no one would find it unless they typically drive around the back of abandoned strip malls…[Read more]

also “a place of my own” by Michael Pollan

and for the “big idea” : “Ishmael” by Daniel Quinn.

lol…It’s some sort of abstract sculpture. I admit, it’s not my favorite, but at least they are trying to implement a public art program. Belfast has had many really beautiful public art pieces destroyed in recent years, usually by bored youth. There is a glass mosaic piece further down the river walkway that someone took a blunt object to,…[Read more]

Ok, I think we are all in agreement that graffiti can be considered artwork, and can have a place in public spaces. But what about situations like the picture below? This is in Belfast, Northern Ireland, next to the waterfront. They have tried to install public artwork in public spaces around the city, and much of it is vandalized by youth who…[Read more]

I agree. Another issue is that many communities have gang presences, or other anti-establishment groups that may place their symbols on the wall. “KKK”, for example. I love the idea of giving young people a way to express themselves, but I agree with you that it is difficult to monitor what occurs and decide what is appropriate and what…[Read more]

These are all really great comments. Thank you so much for taking the time to address my specific concerns. In answer to some of your questions, yes I have been in touch with several firms, in fact I started sending out resumes last year and have already met with three firms in the city I am relocating to. I am hopeful to have a job by September.…[Read more]

Thanks to you all. I really appreciate the comments, and I am sure there are plenty of other recent or near-future grads that also appreciate any suggestions and insights.

The bottom line is this: I have been waiting for 15 years to become a landscape architect. I want to start my new profession in 2009. I don’t have the luxury of wasting a few…[Read more]

Hi Daryl, I haven’t checked with them yet; I am still holding out hope that I may get a ‘real’ job next summer. But as my graduation gets nearer, I may be forced to start exploring these other options more seriously. The irritating thing is that in these grim times, with so many landscape architects out of work, we are at a point where we really…[Read more]