Bentley Motors’ Post

Creativity brings people together. Art sends a message. Springhouse hosts a Procession of the Species on Earth day each year and it is pretty magical. When we hold this parade, we honor the species of the Earth and we shed light on the danger they are in. Learning from the Earth and taking care of vulnerability are two of our cultural design principles. Through this parade, we practice those principles. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ekZFqbng

As buildings age into historical landmarks, it's important to preserve these pieces of time. Through repair and restoration, while weaving in modern technology and sustainable practices, STRUCTURAL honors the past while embracing the future. Discover how the old meets the new in a dance of preservation and innovation. Learn more about STRUCTURAL's historical restoration expertise. https://lnkd.in/e9UwF3GW

E&E/GreenWire recently covered our The Mountain Pact report - "President Joe Biden should use his fourth year in office to designate six national monuments in five states, as well as expand two existing ones in California, urges a report from a group that works with Western community leaders on climate and public lands issues... 'Protective outcomes achieved under the Antiquities Act can ensure more equitable access to nature; address the climate crisis; restore America’s biodiversity and wildlife; and begin to reckon with historic and present injustices,' the report says. 'Through the use of the Antiquities Act, some of the most important resources in our nation are preserved for the betterment of all. These are among the many reasons that our work concentrates on encouraging greater use of the Antiquities Act.'" https://lnkd.in/dmkFDTFs

In contemporary society, it’s commonly held that humanity stands apart from nature. Yet, when we examine the intricate creations of both natural beings and humans, this distinction blurs. Bird nests, anthills, and beaver dams demonstrate the ingenuity of the natural world, but aren’t towering skyscrapers and sprawling complexes also products of nature’s design? After all, are we not animals ourselves? This realization unveils a profound unity that exists beneath the surface, inviting us to reconsider our relationship with nature and explore the valuable lessons that can be gleaned from this interconnected relationship. Through self-reflection as an integral part of nature, one learns the virtues of patience, generosity, humility, and community. Recognizing the inherent unity of humans and nature has the potential to chart a new course for our planet, urging us towards a collective endeavor to foster positive change. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/dtZswaHY

Little Tokyo in LA is on the 2024 America's 11 Most Endangered Places 2024 (National Trust for Historic Preservation). I stumbled upon this area accidentally when I worked in downtown LA in the early 2000s and it became a quick favorite for its great food, shops, and history (of course). It's one of Los Angeles's second-oldest ethnic communities. Established in 1885 by Japanese seaman Hamanosuke Shigeta, it burgeoned into a thriving community by 1900, serving as a significant urban enclave for Japanese Americans. However, World War II brought upheaval as Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated, leaving behind a void filled by black residents from the Deep South who migrated north to fill a labor shortage in the war defense industry. In this little period, Little Tokyo evolved into Bronzeville, a vibrant cultural center for black businesses and art. The neighborhood buzzed with activity, as the wartime shifts ran 24 hours a day, and renowned performers like Count Basie, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and Charlie Parker graced the stages of Bronzeville's black-owned breakfast clubs. This scene evaporated as the Japanese returned to the area and wartime work dried up. Concerns like gentrification and displacement play a big part in Little Tokyo's story now. (sources: Charlotta Bass Journalism & Justice Lab USC & Advisory Council on National Preservation). You can read the full list of Endangered places below, and also learn how to support these diverse historic places so their stories can endure.

This amazing report is a must read from Mushkegowuk.

Earth to Earth by Chris Ma “Despite one’s lifetime achievements, everything will eventually return to the earth. This is the fleeting nature of life.” Chris Ma’s insights into his “Earth to Earth” artwork showcased the juxtaposition of porcelain clay and red bricks, highlighting life’s dichotomies of fragility and strength, one red, one white; one thick, one thin; one firm, one soft; one addressing objects, the other humanity. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gaMTnmwK

Once we tap in to the vitality that infuses the web of life, a whole new way of organizing our world becomes possible. Hear more from our brilliant board member Dr. Eileen Crist about A Profound Vision For An Ecological Civilization https://lnkd.in/eUEBmrvG

"Exemplifying seamless integration of new and old, Witherford Watson Mann's discreet union at Clare College, Cambridge, showcases a harmonious blend of modern resolution within historical circulation pathways. The meticulously crafted triple-height extension not only enhances coherence and accessibility but also embodies a sensorially rich architectural experience with its use of natural, finely wrought materials. The distinctive staircase, a focal point of the extension, serves not only as a means of emergency egress but also as a sculptural masterpiece. From its immaculate oak carpentry to panoramic views offered through full-height windows, every detail invites tactile and visual engagement with the university's historic gardens and the River Cam. By seamlessly melding materials such as oak, brick, and Purbeck stone, the architectural team preserves the essence of the historic building while infusing it with new life and functionality. This strategic approach not only ensures continuity but also allows the structure to age gracefully, evolving into a richer version of itself over time. With 300 meticulously designed mortise-and-tenon joints, the prefabricated oak framework stands as a testament to precision and innovation, seamlessly navigating the existing building's idiosyncrasies. This fusion of technical expertise and aesthetic sensitivity not only elevates the architectural discourse but also sets a benchmark for sustainable, enduring design practices. #Architecture #HistoricPreservation #MaterialsIntegration #InnovativeDesign #ClareCollegeCambridge #WitherfordWatsonMann"

I was fortunate to work on the Ford Land site what seems like ages ago. I recall some of the conversations about the restoration and how things 'found their way back' to Central Station as restoration had begun. After the years of neglect that the station went through over time the building had fallen to decay and disarray. Objects of value long removed and only the shell of its previous self remained. The historic restoration of this Detroit Monument is an outstanding example of a global company investing in the past to create a more united future. I recall a sign that said "City of Tomorrow". It was out of order, but remained among the skeletal structure once a bustling train station, surrounded by debris, limestone toned beams, cement, debris, and the dust of once was. I thought that it was ironic being in this environment among the rubble and decay. But, at the same time — that sign represented a vision that would become a reality. One that would infuse blood into the heart of a on-the-rise city that was once shaped the world we live in today. Used as an environment representing Gotham City, in Batman V Superman — it seemed apropos that Detroit, and Michigan Central Station be a cinematic representation of an environment like that. There are actually a lot of shots from Michigan Central Station in that movie (also of Detroit in general). The opening of the movie should look familiar to many Deoroiters and those that work downtown. Now a long way from that environment that worked as a character in and of itself. The stories of the station, and the centrality of this as it relates to historic stories, human events and MCS as a hub that pins some of these historic events is one of great tales of the area. I recall pitching a touchscreen project that captured the historic evolution of of Michigan Central Train station around the time the updated Ford Land site launched. I heard some of the stories during that time while working on the project. Some even since. Working with the Archived photos during the initial launch, the evolution, development and opening of the Michigan Central Station, captured on the scanned slides of yesterday. Like a time capsule exposing me to the glorious past of a city that had taken it's hits and left the station as a devolving remnant of its once glorious past, I had a glimpse of what once was — and what might become again. I wonder. What will these tales bring to the people who come through Michigan Central Station? What will the totality of those stories amount to. What narrative will be told with the MSC as a core character in these stories. Only time will tell. BUT, it's certain to capture the heart, lives and impacts of the time and add to the story that started with Ford re-igniting the ignition of this station for new generations to come. Bravo. Ford. Bravo.