Day 49_Reflections on Lessons Learned

The trip has had so many memorable events and we've seen and done so many interesting things.  However, I would be remiss without some sort of personal reflection on lessons learned (in no particular order).

1.  So many places revealed good examples of how to incorporate modernity amidst old design.  Bike lane adaptations, the addition of new housing and other infill in old neighborhoods, reuse of things like industrial plants, churches and streets that maintain history and culture, but adapt to modern civilization.

2.  Look to the Moors for how to carefully design with water.  They were experts in physically and psychologically cooling people in hot places, using natural systems in their design, and minimizing waste.

3.  Always look to the river as a design amenity rather than a sewage outlet.  San Luis Obispo wisely discovered this when it re-oriented to the creek.  The Los Angeles River will also eventually use their amenity, but only after 100 years of building and incredible financial cost.

4.  Formal design structures the space, with soft planting softening it.

5.  Always create places for people to sit--because they will--despite the weather.

6.  Design can be all hardscape if you mix the patterns for visual interest.  Trees can be your only plant with this type of design.

6.  Though Europeans have historically been homogeneous by region, immigration is changing the face of Europe.  Like the U.S. where "American" is a mix of ethnicities, religions and ideas, individual physical characteristics within each country are changing.  Americans don't have a single look (though I could usually identify them by their clothes).  For Europeans, the same change is occurring.  It will be interesting to see what historic cultural elements are kept and what types of new places are incorporated by this blend.

7.  Pack very light so you can carry on all your luggage.