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

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, 106 words, 0 comments, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona

One of the things I loved about Germany was its alt stadt or old town. Every large city you went to would have one of varying sizes, such as Munich's massive one, or Aachen's smaller one. It was great. They were paved and pedestrian friendly; had hotels on their perimeter, and contained plenty of pubs and restaurants inside them.

Scottsdale, a suburb of Phoenix, has an old town as well. It stretches to the Fashion Center and Waterfront, but is a small labyrinth of road and shops that are pedestrian friendly with plenty of tourist traps, restaurants and bars. We go there a lot. (reply)