Ryan A. Waggoner

Our program is very similar in that our entire L.A. class travels together (optional, but everyone goes). I would definitely suggest the main cities like Barcelona, Paris, London, Berlin, Rome, Lisbon etc. Barcelona is by far my favorite city, and Gaudi’s work is amazing. But stepping off the beaten path have been the most treasured experiences.…[Read more]

I personally like any idea that takes it into a more natural rhythm of things. But the article does ask a good question, is it actually saving any more fossil fuel energy by shipping in goats? Because it is pointless if these goats are being shipped hundreds of miles away to clear a few acres. The positive is that it completely rids the landscape…[Read more]

Hey Jason,
Are you looking for something domestic, in Europe, or something more exotic?
During our study abroad at MSU we went all over Europe. Portugal was a place I would have definitely wanted to spend more time. It is cheaper than the rest of Europe, has a rich and historic culture and a great appreciation for L.A. There are many good…[Read more]

Hey Roland,
Great topic. I’m currently reading a book by Jared Diamond called “Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed” which breaks down all of the reasons different societies have addressed certain issues and what happened after those decisions were made. It is a very interesting read, and definitely makes you look at the decisions…[Read more]

Very true Kevin. I think about that alot, and wonder where those craftsmen are now. Or, have those talents and abilities been completely abandoned?

Hey Robert,
Not sure if you’ve seen this before, but William Whyte’s “Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” might be a great place to start. I used this as a basis to do a study of college campus places and spaces, which turned out to be a really fun project. I ended up writing a 40 page paper kind of by accident as I went through it, because it…[Read more]

haha, I was just there last week (Hotel Del Coronado). I particularly like the sign out front where they say you can get cancer from entering….no joke…and then I entered….

Awesome Chloe…hope you had a great time, I know I’m jealous…can’t wait to get back!

Just tried out the Wacom Intuos III today for the first time. I have to admit that I found it a little counter intuitive which surprised me. I’m sure it’s something that grows on you as you learn to work with it. I’m trying to take a sketchup model into Photoshop, are there any basic tips for a beginner looking to learn quickly?

Any tips for a tablet newbie?

I’m thinking about switching over to the wacom as well for sketchup and photoshop work. How tough is it to use while doing 3d models?

thoughtful design

Wow Steve, couldn’t relate to anyone better. I graduated at the same time and took a job out of state to only be laid off 9 months later. I feel I gained a little from my first experience, but there was still much to be desired. I decided to move to a place I’d like better (Arizona) and at least be happy with where I live instead of chasing…[Read more]

Well that would be interesting. I know the government just realeased money last month to three companies for electronic car production: Ford, Nissan and Tesla. And Chevy has the Volt slated to come up in 2010 or so. That’s a whole new market. But I would assume Best Buy would be selling a much smaller vehicle than those…

I believe that is the view they are looking at. Not only are they improving on their bottom line, but now it is the hip thing to do as well. Why not make more money and come out looking earth friendly? Hopefully this will drive competitors to do the same and branch out accordingly…

Great points Tim, and an interesting discussion there. It is interesting the terms of “place practicioners” and “the future of spatial practice” as architectural goals being brought up (never once mentioning landscape architects). But many of the points that they brought up could also directly relate to our field as well. Working more closely with…[Read more]

Martha did do well in the debate. I do understand some of Alsop’s views, but they just come out as pompous and absurd at first. It seems as if he believes that anything could be done better by an architect than the actual trained professional. What’s next for him, interior designers, civil engineers, etc. Hopefully they do complete a project…[Read more]