That's funny. I was JUST talking about how they should do something with that in one of my urban planning classes Spring term. Of course, Europe has been taking old silos, textiles, and industrial buildings and converting them into public spaces for years.
Probably, but there's definitely a trend towards higher density new urbanism. I don't think we'll see any more Sears Towers or Empire State Buildings though.
One of you urban design guys please help me out... I remember reading (and being quite interested in) a Popular Science article from summer 2008 that talks about towers that are self-sustained and grow their own food, process their own waste, and have first-level grocery stores. Things like koi ponds recycling water, aerodynamic cooling, etc. Anyone heard of this stuff? I mean, with the amount of sun and rain Portland gets (and its green reputation) you'd think that would be a slam dunk for some investor.
There's actually quite a few concept buildings out there that have something along the lines of terrafarming on each level. It's interesting but I don't know how realistic it is. On the other hand there are plenty of buildings that could completely sustain their water and energy consumption with either solar or wind power and rain collection. There's a building in China that's especially cool in how it harnesses wind to power all of its electric needs.
What's going on just south of the Marquem (sp) Bridge? Is that the beginning of the new pedestrian/MAX bridge?
I believe that's NW Portland. It's colder and wetter in Seattle but palms seem to do okay with the temps in the upper Cascadia range.