October 31, 2007
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Orange flames and grey smoke invaded San Diegans like me. I am among the lucky ones. Some people lost their lives and many others lost their homes. It was amazing to see how everybody pulled together. But there came a time when the smoke got so bad and the air turned so toxic that I retreated to one of my favorite places, Palm Springs. Before leaving I dropped off blankets, food and water for evacuees at their massive Red Cross shelter in San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. I left keys under the mat so my friends could stay at my home if they were ordered to leave theirs. Then I got the heck out of Dodge in my VW. I was not alone. At my side was my trusty pooch Loup Garou, his fluffy pint-sized white canine friend Boo (we were dogsitting for a co-worker,) and Jenny Son, a friend of mine and super talented designer from New York City who got stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time on a freelance design job in Southern California.
We set out on a route from San Diego to Palm Springs that was anything but direct. We had to use back roads to avoid fire zones. We drove through burned areas where the sky was dark in the middle of the day.
You could see glowing on the horizon. But when we got to the energy generating windmills of Palm Springs, the sky was brilliant blue. We felt relieved to be in a safe place and our moods lightened significantly and Loup Garou finally stopped coughing. A super cool hotel called Century Palm Springs (Link http://centurypalmsprings.com/) took us in dogs and all and we decided to make an adventure out of our travels. We went on a hunt for cool desert design. I'm very passionate about unique and interesting architecture both new and old.
I love finding obscure designs that are experimental. Whether they're beautiful and innovative or just downright strange I like the creativity. I've been a fan of prefab and sustainable architecture for a long time (See Video entry on Architect Jennifer Siegal here LINK: Bravo Video http://video.bravotv.com/player/?id=126537#videoid=126678 ) But seeing large parts of San Diego destroyed by wildfires twice in the past four years really got me thinking about architecture that's designed to work with the environment.
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Comments
Stacy wrote:
Excellent blog. Stunning homes. I'm ready for a road trip to Palm Springs. Seriously, didn't realize there was so much out there. More, please!
posted on November 6, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Christina wrote:
Love the PS clip and the old Ford Drive IN.
posted on November 6, 2007 at 3:41 PM
Angelina Re wrote:
Hi Bryan_
Watching the San Diego fires blazing on CNN had me concerned for everyone's safety. It reminded me of our own "natural" disaster just a few short years ago in Kelowna, BC. I remember the thick smoke lining the highway as I attempted to check in on some friends and family. Thankfully, my loved ones were fine, but it was quite scary and very sad to witness such devastion. The recovery has been a long, slow process but the community spirit has never been stronger.
Therefore, I not only find your recent blog innovative and hopeful, I also think it's rather timely. The wild fires have once again opened up a Canadian debate/discussion as to whether or not, anyone should be building homes within the proximity of heavily forested areas. I'm not familiar with the San Diego area and don't wish to criticize. I only know that in my city due to a number of social and environmental issues, there is now a greater push to build closer in. However, this isn't always economically feasible. Housing prices in the core are exorbitant, making it unattainable for most families; even if they do support the ideals of inner city living.
I appreciate the aesthetics, concept and principles of the "green houses" and hope if for nothing else, it will allow us all to be more forward thinking and open to new possibilities.
Angelina
posted on November 6, 2007 at 5:57 PM
Sonja wrote:
Your video in Palm Springs is really good, and I love all the architecture you find - No grass grows under your feet!! You seem like you are loving what you do!
posted on November 6, 2007 at 7:54 PM
Melissa A. wrote:
Bryan, I love that you always make the most of a tough situation! I'm glad you were able to get out town and head to safety, and have a little fun while you're doing it!
p.s. your video, with all the cutaways of the dogs, really made me laugh!
posted on November 7, 2007 at 1:48 PM
Tera Barnes wrote:
Your coverage of the homes is intelligent and informative. I look forward to seeing more. Hopefully I'll see you on the raod again at another ShowHouse event.
posted on November 12, 2007 at 11:14 AM