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This site is under construction. Estimated Completion is 12 / 08 . Included in this website will be examples of Urban Design, Community and Industrial Development Concepts and Renderings, Architectural Design Examples, Construction Administration Information, Study history, Travel Photos from studies abroad, and other general information. But foremost will be examples of Urban Design Proposals designed and digitally render for communities. And as schedules allow, current Visioning projects now posted with secured access will also be posted.
As an American architect with Italian heritage, I have studied and traveled throughout North America and Europe, including historic Italy and Greece, along with many other nations known for architectural and planning excellence. In fact, some of my most profound experiences in life have been in Eastern Europe including the beautiful city of Budapest. Though many of the nations of eastern Europe are only now beginning to once again prosper since the restoration of democracy, all have extremely rich histories in not only the fine arts, but in architecture and urban design.
After University in the United States, I had the incredible opportunity to begin advanced studies at the Budapest Technical Institute at a time when democracy was yet a dream. In fact, as the curtain fell on Marxism in the former Soviet Union, new dreams of freedom and prosperity began to fill the minds of some of the worlds most creative thinkers, and I was blessed to have personally witnessed the beginning of a paradigm shift. To have experienced the eastern block nations when a bright light was just becoming visible on the horizon of time was intense. But to have witnessed how Vision for a better future can change the world is nothing less than profound.
Throughout the world, including Main Streets across North America, the future is brighter than ever. The rebirth of downtown is visible from Vancouver to Charleston, from San Diego to Quebec City. And the rebirth of Main Street and Town Square is clearly seen from Port Clements, BC to Port Charlotte, FL; from Santa Marie, CA to Saint Johns, NS.
An interesting development resulting from current fluctuations in crude oil prices may be the need for more local products, a trend that could benefit smaller towns throughout the US & Canada. While metropolitan cores throughout North America may begin to experience an influx from suburbia, smaller towns may also experience a trend to once again live on the town square and on Main Street. Communities may have new challenges and opportunities to take a more active role in regional economic prosperity, as well as a growing world economy. And it will all begin DOWNTOWN!
As an old saying goes from the last century, “The future’s so bright, gotta wear….” well, you remember! And speaking of songs, the following are links to two very different versions of a very favored song:
“Downtown” the bright vision a darker version on YouTube
Which version sounds most like your town’s vision? Is the vision of downtown one of streets paved in dark shadows of poverty and decay, or is it a vision where the lights are indeed much brighter, where life is carefree, and where success and prosperity are still the promise of DOWNTOWN.
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R. Dean Randalls, Architect
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