“Parklets in San Francisco – new urban design or private occupation of public space?” – Michael Arnold, Assoc. AIA

I believe parklets are small scale, urban design, quick fixes for a larger scale city problem. That problem is that existing urban planning models are not providing the amenities that citizens find attractive and/or desire to activate public space. There are many reasons for why I think citizens find these spaces unattractive, some of which I would impress are social and not design related; but as I am in the business of design I will only be looking at this issue through that lens. Before we go too much further onto my soapbox, let’s get some definitions out of the way.

What Are Parklets?

As best as can be described, “A parklet is a small urban park, often created by replacing several under-utilized parallel parking spots [...]” These designed spaces can be anywhere from a permanent installation to one-day ephemeral structures. Most interventions usually consist of movable furniture, potted planters, and connect directly with the existing curb heights to comply with accessibility codes. Often described as an “urban oasis,” these small scale projects provide respite for pedestrians and expanded seating options for nearby businesses.

How did parklets get started?

Normally, here is where I’d write something nice and pretty in this section, but someone else has already done a great job doing just that, so it seems a little silly for me to rehash.

My Soapbox

Personally, I am all for a continued increase of parklets in neighborhoods that can support the building type and would encourage interconnection of these “hot spots” when appropriate. However, careful evaluation of these spaces should be part of their programming as I worry about city-wide parklet saturation, the reduction of automobile parking and the proprietary feel of occupying public space.

To San Francisco’s credit, steps have been taken to reduce my latter worry by including clauses within the parklet application that reduce the connection between the business and the parklet. This is achieved through the use of different tables and chairs, though this kind of fix can only go so far.

Another simple solution to creating less proprietary parklets is to shift the proposed site so that it bridges two business facades, thus emphasizing the parklet as an  interdependent entity that is not soley owned by any one commercial space. In some locations, this has the added benefit of providing bicycle or motorbike parking.

So, the simple answer to Michael’s question is, “Both.” Pro/opponents feel free to weigh in.

Shameless Plug

Want to get more involved on your street? Head over to http://parkingday.org/ and start designing.

Please note that it’s still under development but soon, a magical link will appear where you can trade $’s into cards! The current goal (right now) is to make sure that all the Kickstarter orders for my backers are shipped first and then I will be opening up the store for general consumption around April/May.

Be sure to come by every so often for rules updates, card art, descriptions, and more!

On top of that, my friends over at ReedPop have generously added my project to their curated Kickstarter page with a very heart warming quote. I couldn’t help myself so I took a screenshot (above). A special shout out to my buddy heels is in order. Jetta dawn!

And if that isn’t enough, through the support of my backers, Modern Hanafuda has jumped up to the New & Noteworthy section on Kickstarter’s “Discover” tab. A definitive cherry on top!

Now, I know I have a long road ahead to get 100% funded, but I would really like to thank my early bird backers. Let’s keep this train a’rolling all night long.

Hey, Hi & Hello Wanderlings!

Today I’d like to introduce you to my Kickstarter project Modern Hanafuda cards. Hanafuda cards are Japanese playing cards that can be used for a variety of games all around the world. Over the past couple months, I have been sketching my own modern version of the cards and I need your support to make the next steps possible. Look below for a bit of back story!

What does Hanafuda mean?

The term Hanafuda literally translates from Japanese to “flower.” This flower motif is important to the cards because each suit is represented using flowers in conjunction with other natural elements such as cranes, boars, and butterflies.

What do your cards look like?

All the art will be a modern take on the traditional set done by yours truly. The style of each card is reminiscent of paper cut-outs but will actually be accomplished through the use of Adobe Illustrator. Below are some examples for a few of my favorite months so far.

Each card will measure 2.75 inches x 4.72 inches (70 mm x 120 mm). All cards will be printed on 305 gsm playing card stock, which is the same material high quality poker sets are printed on. The final package also comes with a custom designed tuck box to keep everything sorted and pristine when not in use.

Please note that I’m still in the process of finishing the cards and if you become a backer, you can help make decisions on the final designs. For instance, the cards have a black border but based on user feedback, the final designs might have a red or white border.

What are the suits for each month?

What are some of the games you can play using Hanafuda art cards?

Hanafuda cards are like any good poker deck and can be used to play many different games. Personally, I enjoy playing Koi Koi - a 2 player card matching game that is frequently played in Hawaii. If you are interested in other games you can play with Hanafuda cards, click here for rules and descriptions.

Is the mustache real?

Next question!

Why Kickstarter?

There are many reasons why Kickstarter is cool and one of them is the way it treats projects. Like I said in my video, supporting my project isn’t just a donation because you get really cool stuff in the process all while helping me achieve my dream. That is a really cool concept! However, if I am not funded, your money does not end up in a black hole because you and all the other backers are not charged unless the project is funded. This means there’s less risk for everyone!

On a more personal note, I think Kickstarter is a great way for designers like me to get my work exposed to the world. I feel it is a democratic way to help creative individuals launch themselves into the business of design. In fact, I believe so much in Kickstarter’s mission that I am an avid backer. My hope is that you think my work is snazzy enough to support and ultimately raise enough mula to do a limited print run for my Hanafuda set that you can even pre-order.

All right, I’m sold! What are the rewards?

Take a look at the side bar there to see all the great rewards. Please do note that the posters are approximate sizes. I will know exact dimensions as soon as my prototypes come back from the printer, so stay tuned for updates! In the meantime, if you have any questions regarding the loot, feel free to contact me and I will happily answer your question(s). Thank you very much for your time and for your support!

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

Hi all. So I thought I would let my loyal readers know that in the next few days, I will be releasing my Kickstarter project called Modern Hanafuda (don’t worry, I will link you to the final page when it launches).

So, what are Hanafuda cards? Simply put, they are Japanese playing cards that are beautifully illustrated and can be used for a variety of games all around the world. Think of them as the Asian equivalent to poker cards in that the deck stays the same whereas the rules are what ultimately matter and change.

As a little teaser, I thought I would show you the suits for each month and link you to a place where you can learn about all the various games you can play with a deck of Modern Hanafuda cards. You might also check out Wikipedia for a base understanding of what constitutes a Hanafuda deck.

As always, if you have questions, hit me up in the contact section of the website.

That is right! A rare double rainbow post!

Today marks the end of the Architecture and the City Festival, presented by the American Institute of Architects San Francisco chapter and the Center for Architecture + Design. I know, that is a lot of links for one sentence but trust me, those links are full of architectural goodness and should be explored should you have a proclivity towards brick, mortar, and black rimmed glasses.

The past month has truly been an amazing experience for me as I further explored the city and its buffet of architectural delights. While I was not able to attend every event, the photos that you see strewn about my horribly placed words are artifacts from my adventures. Sadly, neither these words, nor these pictures, can completely describe the experience which is why I endeavored to share with you, the mythical reader, a double post advertising tonight’s closing night party. So while I do not normally copy and repost, I thought I would make this one exception. See you tonight (details below)!

Closing Night Event + Party

September 29, 6:00 pm
$25 General Admission (if you can please register here as sales in in ~5 hours from this posting)
swissnex San Francisco, 730 Montgomery Street, San Francisco

Can good design solve urban problems? Join us for our closing night party, when three San Francisco design teams will present their solutions to city challenges proposed by the government and civic leaders who can help make their ideas a reality. For the third year in a row, this popular event will tackle issues around the festival theme – this year, ”Architecture of Consequence” – that range from emergency preparedness to urban agriculture. This lively presentation at swissnex San Francisco will be followed by a reception under the stars on Hotaling Place, with an outdoor lounge furnished by Propeller Modern and JOBY.

Attendees are cordially invited to our official post-event meet up location, Bix Restaurant, for continued conversation and inspiration.

The Design teams are:

Jody Medich, Kicker Studio | Jay Nath, Department of Technology
“How might we educate the public on the value of open data to help gain support for a growing part of government and civic life?”

Brent Bucknum, Hyphae Design | Dan Hodapp, Port of San Francisco
“How can the changes coming to Pier 27 for the 2013 World Cup improve the waterfront in a way that it becomes an asset for the city?”

Gary Strang, GLS Landscape/Architecture | Brett Melone, California Farmlink
“How do we connect the growing generation of enthusiastic, up-and-coming urban farmers with the skills and expertise of seasoned, rural farmers, who may be retiring or leaving the industry?”

Sponsored by WoodsBagot, Barbara Scavullo Design, Bix Restaurant, swissnex San Francisco,Carrots, Istituto Italiano di Cultura di San Francisco, and Trumer Pils.

Supported by AIA SF, GOOD, Center for Architcture and Design, and KALW Radio and 99% Invisible.

Truth be told, I have never visited this house. In fact, I do not know if it even exists, let alone if it lives in San Francisco. No, this was found on the Internet by a friend of mine who has been monitoring my Pixel Progress. What does it represent? A challenge!

Ta Da! Certainly, this is my biggest project to date and has lots of depth with shadow, lowlight, and highlight. This pixel house apartment took a good amount of time but was fun to map out. Not sure how it will tie in with the rest of my Pixel street. Any ideas?

Pixel house number 5. Nothing new to report other than this little guy. He was all alone on a street once designated for industrial purposes. It has very similar resemblance to a Mission residence we saw last time. It is too bad that other houses did not spring up around it. I found the street to be very charming to stroll. So far, this was my favorite to draw. Especially the folding fence at the top of the stairs.

Not sure why I used this title? Educate yourself in 80′s movie culture.

Today’s pixel house is an old Victorian that has been stripped of its classic Sears-catalog, wooden ornamentation and has been replaced with color on stucco! This gem of an abode was on my left as I made my pilgrimage to the coffee shops of the Mission District. Truth be told, I like this adaption of the stereotypical San Franciscan facade for its simplicity in design and to pixelate!

You’ve clicked the continue reading button!  Kudos to you, dear reader. As an extra special prize, you get not one, but two pixel houses for your viewing pleasure and some additional silly banter.

Our second course today is actually the neighboring house to the painted stucco lady above. An astute observer would notice that the two houses look to be identical (save for the garage) and were probably built at the same time. As always, I am experimenting with the pixelization process and have pretty much landed solidly on the shadow side of the pixel house coin. It was actually the stucco house that convinced me. Without the shadow, the monochromatic house would not convey the bay window and would appear as a flat western-front facade. It also helps that the shadows make the other Victorians pop.