Recent Visit to Prairie Ridge Ecostation

A recent visit to Prairie Ridge Ecostation opened my eyes to how much is going on there. The 45 acres of prime Piedmont landscape, trapped on an island between several major thoroughfares including I-440, and Wade Avenue as it merges with I - 40, is a protected natural oasis amidst the transportation bustle of West Raleigh.

Prairie Ridge Outdoor Classroom - Treehugger.com

Hemmed in by state-owned buildings and continued development, visitors have access to several eco-friendly structures, prairie, forest and a stream - typical features of the Piedmont Region. Accessed from Edwards Mill or Blue Ridge roads, Prairie Ridge is part of North Carolina's Museum of Natural Science's mission to "enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the natural environment while acting as a model for renewable and sustainable energy."

Surprised as I was to see all the effort that has been put into raising awareness and instructing about sustainable living, I was shocked to learn that an even bolder plan is being envisioned for the future. An overnight facility is being designed to allow visitors the first-hand experience of what it means to live a sustainable lifestyle in the Piedmont, by Frank Harmon's office known as the Prairie Ridge Eco-Lodge. Harmon's office also designed the outdoor classroom, featured in Architectural Record in November 2006. They also provide opportunities for education for visitors of all ages, and other "green" events.

The staff was friendly, and knowledgeable about both the design of the structures as well as the ecology of the natural environment. They shared with us that an upcoming meeting will determine if funding is in place for the Eco-Lodge to be built. Specifics about the meeting will be posted when we find out more information.

If you haven't been out to Prairie Ridge, or just haven't been in awhile, stop by (hours) and someone will be happy to show you around, or take the self-guided tour - either way, it's worth your time.

We're back... again

What better way to return from a long absence of blogging about architecture and urbanism in Raleigh, by posting a very short link to underground urban exploration in New York... Well, it's happening - so we hope you enjoy it.

Photo NPR.org

Undercity.org: Guerilla History & Urban Exploration

On a personal note...

Today is a very sad day for those of us who knew Elizabeth Edwards. She had the uncanny ability to always see the best in everyone, myself included. Although she would carry the pain of Wade's death with her the rest of her life she would use their tragedy as a catalyst for helping others and for that I admired her greatly. We weren't great buddies by any means, Wade and I, but I considered him a friend and I know he felt the same. Through him I got to know his mother and although we hadn't spoken in over 13 years, she is and will always continue to be, one of the best people I will ever know.

Link

Moore Square Meeting THIS THURSDAY

Moore Square Meeting THIS THURSDAY. Whether you like the scheme or not it's important to attend the meeting, especially if you live downtown. They need your input. See below.

Public Meeting #1 will be held on Thursday,
September 9, 2010 at Cobblestone Hall in historic City Market (across
the street from Moore Square). There are two opportunities to participate.
Session 1: 1pm-4pmSession 2: 7pm-10pm

N & O Home of the Month

Vernacular Studios' Bridge House, on Crabtree Creek, is the latest addition to the News and Observer's "Home of the Month" series. They have also been previously recognized by the publication for their Edenton Street residence. Congratulations to those guys, they deserve it.

Bridge House

Two Days Left to Vote for Local Grad Student in the Build a Better Burb Competition

Matt Tomasulo, a Planning/Landscape Architecture dual degree candidate, is one of twenty three finalists for his proposal "B.U.R.P. the Burb: Build Urban Relationships for People" in the Long Island Index organized Build a Better Burb Ideas Competition on Long Island. The competition states "The time for thinking cautiously is over. New visions are needed for the next generation of suburban centers." You can check out the other twenty two finalists in the site's gallery or jump straight to Matt's proposal here. Voting ends Aug. 31st.

NC State & AIA Triangle Fall Lecture Series

The lecture series sponsored jointly by NC State College of Design and AIA Triangle has announced the fall lineup - and there are several great names. The theme for the series is Sacred + Secular. As always, all lectures are free and open to the public, in Burns Auditorium at the College of Design. This year the lectures will return to 6:00 pm, parking is free after 5:00 pm behind Kamphoefner Hall.

Check out the poster below, and be sure to mark your calendar (or more likely put a reminder in your phones) for the lectures you would like to attend.