Sometime after the Oklahoma City bombing of the Federal Building there, I saw concrete barricades go up around the Federal Building in downtown Phoenix. At that time they were those ugly concrete barriers we see on the sides of roads during construction activity. Since that time the barriers have been converted into an attractive arrangement of concrete posts topped with concrete balls.
In between the concrete posts are steel beams and seats for people to use as a place to rest. I hate the thought that these are necessary but I'm glad they have been constructed in a way that is both appealing to the eye and useful.
Except perhaps when it is above 100°F :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool and makes for great repetition shots like these two.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Egypt, I could be spending hours telling you my adventures there. Just to have an idea, I went right before the US invaded Afganisthan so there were almost no tourists at all and even for non-arabic readers like me, you could understand the mood against the west on the newspaper covers. All the security around me was something I would have never imagined. And it was Ramadan! Quite an experience, believe me! :-)
It is good that the design is attractive and not as formidable as the utilitarian concrete blocks of the previous barricade.
ReplyDeleteSharon, your post is an interesting one. I have noticed the same thing. The immediate response to the demand for greater security was to rush out what was available, namely Jersey barriers. Now, architects have had time to get their minds around the problem, and far more attractive solutions have been found. It is the same sequence we saw with ramps and handicapped access after the ADA was passed. Utilitarian bandaid approach first, then design them in.
ReplyDeleteA sign of the times unfortunately hey Sharon.. I love the way you've composed the first shot, very dynamic!
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is nicely done. We have different barricades in front of our mall here! The interesting thing is these protect us from home-grown terrorists, not the other kind!
ReplyDeleteThese are very attractive. I Wouldn't want to touch one of those steel beams in the heat of the day. Such a shame that we have to do things like this to protect ourselves from each other.
ReplyDeleteHi again: In re your comment on Ocala: Use your imagination, silly! :)
ReplyDeleteA very attractive barricade, and as you rightly say, useful too!
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to add some seating areas, but they probably do not want people sitting around the outside of a federal building.
ReplyDeleteI love a repetitive shot like that. They are very attractive barricades.
ReplyDeleteVery nicely done but those seats must be definitely very hot in the summertime.
ReplyDeleteVery attractive. Wouldn,t think a barricade could look this good.
ReplyDeleteAt least it has a nice design.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the perspective and repetitive shapes! Great eye!
ReplyDeleteYeah, at least they designed them well. It seems weird that gaining just that small amount of protected space on the sidewalk would do much for the building in case of an attack, though, you know?
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