cam, 160 words, 0 comments, Phoenix, Arizona, Scottsdale, Waste Water Treatment, Public Space, Public Structures, Modernism

The Waste Water Treatment plant on Hayden and McDonald contains parks and public areas around it. The building is done in a modern style with rusted metal, rocks in rusted mesh and blood red canvas sails for shade.

You wouldn't know it is a waste water treatment plant other than a back entrance has card access and a warning that only authorized personnel are allowed in. Immediately infront of the facility is a water feature and dog parks. There is a shaded amplitheatre of sorts behind the structure and then it blends into baseball parks.

It is possible that disguising it in the modern structure was a requirement or a means to fend of any NIMBY attacks so that it could go through council. It is quite a stunning building and well integrated into the surrounding public space. (more)

cam, 152 words, 2 comments, Modernism, Contemporary Architecture, Art, Phoenix, McDowell Library

Phoenix has a strong modernist and contemporary streak to it. Most of the public spaces have extra care and attention payed to little details such as making things look good/arty. Architecturally rusted metal has become popular in Phoenix.

McDowell Library from my photostream

It is pretty simple. Metal is put up and left to rust. For the terminally impatient pre-rusted metal can be bought for great cost. It comes through in a wonderful orange color though I am yet to convinced that it isn't treated to make it oxidise (rust) in a certain way. (more)