The new Len Lye Centre under construction in New Plymouth is the city’s “I Can’t Get No-Satisfaction”. The Rolling Stones were formed in 1962. Other great events in 1962 included Pope John’s excommunication of Fidel Castro, snow falling in San Francisco, and the birth of my beautiful partner Lynne. In the early years, despite their […]
We hear much about Big Brother, but what about your Mother? Urban myths are tantalising – especially the ‘Oh My God’ ones like Kentucky Fried rats or that a tooth will dissolve if you leave it in Coca Cola overnight. Then there is the famous and pervasive man not landing on the moon. Did you […]
In this age of global connection, it’s hard to believe we all don’t think the same. The world is unbelievably connected – just ask sexy Siri. As information envelops us like a London fog, there seems to be no excuse for ignorance. Even if you wish to escape it you don’t know in which direction […]
In the pursuit of collective identity, Landscape Architects risk falling into the ‘club rules’ trap. It has taken me years of angst, but I have reluctantly joined a club. Not just any club mind, but a golf club. Despite my love of golf, (it keeps me humble), I joined very reluctantly. Not a biggy you […]
When I am dictator there are going to be a few changes. The great thing about democracy is that Donald Trump will never be dictator. Neither will I. This is a good thing. Despite democracy’s shortcomings, its singular greatest strength is that no one gets to stay in the top job. When leaders start to […]
Our cities are for everybody – unless you are poor, own a dog or smoke. The great thing about cities is just how liveable they now are. Urban playgrounds for the well off. No longer dirty or crime ridden, our cities have never looked so good – full marks to the design professions. Just take […]
Cycling is exploding in popularity and so is drinking coffee – clearly there is some kind of relationship. We are not entirely sure for how long civilisations have been smoking cigarettes, but as a worldwide habit, it probably took off in the 18th century. Certainly, the poms were at in the early 1700’s with around […]
Despite the fashion for fresh local produce the days of slaving over a hot stove are almost over. As a kid I well remember my mother washing clothes with a wringer washing machine. We thought the whole squeeze through the ringer process looked like fun, as the towels emerged stiff and flat like beach flotsom. […]
Though famed for its design excellence – after WWII has it all gone terribly wrong? Like my fellow middle class man, I like to travel. However, once I became a designer, travel was and continues to be, forever ruined for me. Instead of wandering dreamily through foreign places focussing on the smiling faces of those less […]
