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Today's Urban Design Observation: Failures of Design Lead to the Need for Aftermarket Products
By Rain Noe - Dec 06, 2017
Enter a caption (optional)The storefront for this appointment-only, high-end jewelry store in SoHo has a shabby appearance.
Enter a caption (optional)The black paint probably looked chic for the first week after it was applied. But now it is chipped and peeling, and we see that black is a poor choice because it readily shows dust. The paint is also peeling on the "Fuck Off, Don't Sit Here" protuberances.
Enter a caption (optional)About those protuberances. The job of the designer is to create a space that serves the client's needs. But these windows have been set back, meaning passersby can sit on the sill. This store doesn't want that, so has installed the protuberances.
Enter a caption (optional)I inspected them and they are made from injection-molded plastic. They, too, have not weathered well and are cracking.
Enter a caption (optional)
Enter a caption (optional)Reader Mike pointed out that these protuberances are plastic closure strips like these, used for corrugated roofing. If the designer had anticipated the client's needs, there would be no need for them to have purchased and installed these strips. But because the need was unanswered, the closure strip company is able to make some extra sales, and some handyman or carpenter is then hired to install them. A failure of design, then, has unwittingly contributed to the economy.
Rain Noe
Rain Noe is a writer and industrial designer based in New York City.
4 Comments
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I don't know that this is a failure of design per se. The building was probably there well before the tenant moved in. Who's to say the original occupant didn't enjoy sitting on the window sill him or herself after a long day.
In my mind, it seems more like they were trying to repurpose something on a budget. Granted, if it's a fancy jewelry store, you would expect they'd have some money and be able to afford a bigger renovation; one that included more than a can of paint and a trip to Home Depot.!Report as spam -
A "failure of design" is also responsible for the creation of the word: retrofit.
Verb; add (a component or accessory) to something that did not have it when manufactured.!Report as spam -
No, the strips are not special. They are closure strips you used to support corrugated roofing. You can find them at Home Depot. They have been repurposed to keep people from sitting.
!Report as spam-
Will update the post to reflect this. Thanks Mike!
!Report as spam
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Continued Reading
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By Rain Noe - Dec 05, 2017
Today's Urban Design Observation: Anti-Craftsmanship
Manhattan's Chinatown is filled with shops, and many of them have outdoor displays. During the day you can't see the actual display unit, just the goods covering them. But early in the morning the displays are visible. They are functional, and only that. Visually they are horrific-looking. I call it
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By Rain Noe - Dec 04, 2017
Today's Urban Design Observation: Massive Iron Strap Hinges From When Manhattan Was Wild
Above is a Google Street View image of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, located in what is now hip NoLita. I pass this building often, and a point of interest for me is this massive iron door that leads into the church grounds. You might be wondering why
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By Rain Noe - Dec 01, 2017
Today's Urban Design Observation: Weather-Dependent Trash Cans
This simple steel wire-mesh trash basket is a staple of many an NYC neighborhood. In recent years I've noticed that various neighborhoods' B.I.D.s (Business Improvement District committees) have been lining them with trash bags, as seen here. I presume this is an effort to make emptying the can a
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By Rain Noe - Nov 30, 2017
Today's Urban Design Observation: Falling Apart at the Seams
It's a shame that everyone from name-brand architects to homeowners to neighborhood beautification organizations often miss this important fact: Wood, if not properly maintained, is actually a very poor materials choice for outdoor products and facades. It has to have a protective coating that must regularly be re-applied. And
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