DC Libraries and the Need for Visual Literacy
Books are under attack. In a world of Internet access and e-readers, the pages that live between tangible covers have never been more threatened. So it’s more important than ever that our libraries offer more than shelves. Like other good civic architecture, libraries must be fundamental pillars of society. Further, they must encourage knowledge and … Continue reading
When is a Model Worth a Million Pixels?
In this age of computer generated 3D renderings, most architecture firms have come to regard physical model making as an old-school, outdated tool – no longer worthy of a contemporary design process. We’re not talking about formal presentation models here, but rather the “working” models, usually white and made of foam core, that are such … Continue reading
In Memoriam
Dear Friends and Family – We are deeply saddened by the loss of long-time DMSAS colleague William “Bill” H. White, III. Bill passed away on Monday, September 24th and was laid to rest next to his mother in a private service in New Jersey on Friday, September 28th. For almost 15 years, Bill was an … Continue reading
The Smith Center at Six Months
Six months after its opening, Las Vegas is taking the pulse of its new The Smith Center for the Performing Arts and the reviews suggest it’s become a star – not only of a PBS production that airs this week, but of the community that turned to us to design a cultural magnet for the … Continue reading
More than Just a Ballpark: Recent Trends in Baseball Stadium Design
As we round third and head towards the homestretch of the 2012 baseball season, it’s not just the crack of the bat and the flavor of a ballpark dog that lingers in our memories, but how the walls and halls that surround those magnificent diamonds inspire our national pastime. Today’s baseball experience is not solely … Continue reading
Top 10 Things We Wish They’d Taught in Architecture School
Welcome to Parchment, the blog of David M. Schwarz Architects. In this space our team will share our musings, thoughts, and perspectives about architecture, design, and place making, all of which are rooted in our belief in humanism and a humanistic approach to design that gives us people-sensitive, pedestrian-friendly, socially active architecture defined by characteristics, … Continue reading
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On Casinos: A Lesson in Urbanism from Las Vegas
Casino. The word evokes a visceral reaction for most. But embrace them or despise them, casinos are no longer an exotically rare commodity confined to Las Vegas, Reno, Atlantic City, and a few remote tribal properties. Casinos more and more are becoming an urban phenomenon. And as more casinos spring up, it’s more important to … Continue reading →
Filed under Commentary, Design · Tagged with architecture, Caesars, casinos, design, gaming, Las Vegas, planning, urban