This probably could have gone in a lot of threads, but I thought it might deserve its own. Mayor Walsh was at the Boston Chamber of Commerce today, and offered some thoughts about architecture and urban design. The following was taken from the transcript of his speech, which I received in an email so I don't have a link to share.
I defer to the mods to rename the thread if needed.
Finally, great cities aren’t made by investments alone. They are made by the talent and creativity of the people who live and work in them. Boston is home to the world’s most innovative thinkers – in science and technology, and in business, art, and architecture.
Our City’s built environment should reflect this culture of imagination.
Too often, in recent decades, new buildings have been merely functional.
I believe Boston can do better. We should aim for world-class design. Our historic buildings reflect our unique past. New buildings should project the values and aspirations of our growing city. We can balance the old and new. And we can do it with imagination.
Let’s make sure bold design is part of the conversation – for every building, in every neighborhood.
Let’s talk about what’s going to rise above the concrete garages downtown: from the Harbor, to Winthrop Square, to Haymarket.
Let’s talk about the streets that will grow around the Fairmount Line, and at Beacon Yards in Allston.
Let’s talk about our waterfront. The water’s edge is where Boston was born and where it continues to be renewed. What kind of development will fulfill the potential of the Seaport; of East Boston; of the Wharf District?
All across Boston, we have opportunities to imagine new landmarks; new spaces; and new gateways to our city.
So I challenge every developer working in our city to take design to a new level. Reach beyond your comfort zone. Boston’s design community is a driving force in our creative economy. Invite these innovators to dream up new images and new icons. Let’s build inspiration in our landscape.
I defer to the mods to rename the thread if needed.