GSSD on FaceBookCitycide:
What is an architect’s responsibility to the public realm? This new multi-family building loudly shouts “NONE”. A row of gas meters make their claim as the most important architectural feature of this building. Not only is the facade non-human friendly, a fence was added just in case the message wasn’t loud and clear. “People not wanted”
Cityvive / Active Architecture:
This multi-family dwelling is right next door. It’s clear that people live here. You’ll possibly see them sitting on the front porch, walking out the front door, or working on the beautiful garden.
I can almost bet difference between the 2 buildings is where they were able to locate parking. Parking requirements in soCal are such, always at least 2 spots per housing unit required, that when you combine them with the small lots and high land prices, parking drives the entire design and there really isn’t any room for the front porch design you advocate. If parking minimum requirements were repealed, very interesting architecture would emerge.