Sara Sakura took Galileo to her architectural studio, tucked into a pocket park in the middle of the city. “As you can see here, we've tried to introduce some traditional design along with a bit of nature, directly into the dense urban core – but on a tiny scale. The striking contrast between the skyscrapers and the much smaller traditional structures, along with the modest greenery, provides some welcome relief from the often overwhelming urban feel.”
“Oh yes, and it's quite effective!” remarked Galileo. “Some American cities have introduced similar pocket parks, but I can see why here in Asia, with many more and much larger urban areas, these tiny spaces would be so important. What an inspiring location for your architects to create their designs!”
Sara nodded, then continued: “Of course, urban parks aren't a new notion...going way back, Olmstead's creations were amazing...Central Park in New York, among many others. But now we face some new challenges...many cities around the globe have become increasingly dystopian...even where they are still livable, there are deteriorated or even abandoned parcels. Pocket parks can help alleviate these problems...and if we build enough of them...we can incorporate many more plants to help offset the destructive effects of massive concrete expanses on climate conditions.”
“Well said,” Galileo commented. “We certainly need to apply that same approach more fully back in America as well. I'm taking snapshots with my cellphone to share with colleagues back at Jonson Engineering...do you have more places developed by your design consortium that I could photograph as additional examples? Perhaps tomorrow, as I need to return to our Jonson Engineering office the following day....”
Sara responded quickly: “Indeed we do! Lili mentioned wanting to show you a Chinese-inspired place...perhaps she can take you there in the morning.” Galileo nodded: "Excellent, eager to see that...looking forward to seeing Lili then!"
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