Contemporary architecture needs to reacquaint itself with the creation of beautiful and people-friendly spaces, argues columnist E. Thomas McClanahan.
"What makes some public spaces lively and some devoid of life? Many architects have only minimal interest in such questions, and judging by the projects they turn out, it's as if they believe contemporary architecture is above such concerns.
In Kansas City, for example, the streets adjoining the recently completed addition to our convention complex are utterly dead."
"The Los Angeles Times' architecture critic, Christopher Hawthorne, recently published a meditation on issues raised by ugly buildings, prompted by a local contest to name the city's ugliest structure.
He hinted that perhaps, as in the world of painting, it may be time to back away from the notion of "ugly-chic" and "start talking again about beauty."
Beauty in architecture? What a concept. We now pause as many of the architects in the room run screaming for the exits."
FULL STORY: McClanahan: Bring beauty, people back to architecture

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

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Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

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