Politics: Defined by me.

About Me:
Name:    Adrian Elder
Age:       22
Major:    Architecture
Minor:    Art History
              Visual Studies


Visual Culture of Politics:
When the topic of politics comes up in conversation I tend to turn negative and put my teeth together so I don't say anything that I'll regret.  This is because I've always viewed politics as strictly government issues, democrat vs. republican, presidential campaigns, etc.  These are all things that have never interested me but have always been present in many conversations that take place around me.  However, this assignment has opened me up to the word 'Politics,' and in this case I'm going to throw in my two cents.  I want to see politics as Aristotle did; 'things concerning the polis,' or as I would define it; factors that manipulate the state of our well being as people. As an Architecture major I feel that this 'politics' concerns me more so than that of my former definition.  Architects create spaces for the people of the world to function in, live in, and enjoy.  A top concern for architects is the safety of the said well being of people.  I feel that my definition of politics goes a long way in architecture and very strongly influences our process of design.  That being said, I would like to discuss the local architectural issues in downtown Lexington that I would call 'political.'

View of EOP's proposal. Focus on Jeff Ruby's

View from Fifth Third Pavilion

The blank patch of grass that sits in downtown Lexington used to be a small block of businesses until it was decided that it should be demolished for further progress of the city.  However, that block has simply remained a patch of grass for years with many different proposals coming in and out of Lexington for what it should become.  There have been proposals from famous Architect, Jeanne Gang, to the local growing architecture firm of EOP; which is showed on the left.

I see this as a political situation for the growth of Lexington because we truly need to understand what's best for this location.  What factors play against the proposals and what factors decide what is necessary.  My opinion is that this is not a viable solution for the growth of downtown Lexington and many will disagree with me.  My justification is this. The rendering of the proposal places emphasis on the addition of a steakhouse, Jeff Rubys, while in the back corner of the render shows the existing DeSha's restaurant.  DeSha's is a local business that has been a dining attraction for years in the downtown area, however, it is currently shutting down.  If this local restaurant can barely make it, why add and emphasize that of Jeff Ruby's.  Also, in the view above from the Fifth Third Pavillion, it shows an apartment block that looks similar to that of a student housing apartment complex while just down the street above the Toasted Barrel are empty apartments in an already existing apartment complex.  I believe that these solutions are not the right ones for Downtown Lexington.  However the hotel and business offices may be a step in the right direction.  Yet again, there are many empty office spaces within a minutes walking distance of this area which will give my doubts more fuel.  These are all factors or, political issues, that are brought into discussion in the world of architecture.  Also, this proposal has recently been approved by the city of Lexington.  I have my opinion and I have voiced it, but who knows, I could be wrong. 

These are politics from the standpoint of an architecture student.