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Edinburgh Report

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Carlton Hill, located within an easy walking distance from the city's bustling center, is an excellent example of a primary location. [1] The space offers its users with a wealth of activities. Among the biggest draws to the area are the multiple vantage points which offer breathtaking views of King Arthur's Seat, the water and the historic buildings in the city below.  The space has a lot more to offer than simply its stunning location. For instance, it is home to The Collective--a modern art organization. Just outside The Collective is a food truck called Milk at Collective, which offers selections such coffee and sandwiches. Two tables offer visitors primary seating. The Collective is expanding into the adjacent City Observatory, a  gorgeous building that is a draw in its own right. The observatory was designed by William Henry Playfair in 1818 and the style was inspired by the Greek temple of the Four Winds [2]. Classical inspiration is also clearly visibl...

Understanding Place: Emelyn Jaros

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Pittsburgh, PA [1] Street--Murray Avenue [2] Murray Avenue is located in the heart of Squirrel Hill, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. Squirrel Hill is largely residential and  Murray Avenue has the feel of a small town main street. It has a distinctly slower  pace than the hectic city center and boasts a host of unique restaurants and independent shops. The street is popular with the young families who have flocked to the neighborhood and is also frequented by students from Pittsburgh's numerous universities.  For students, Murray Avenue provides a wonderful place to go to get away from campus and have a nice dinner out with friends or visiting family members.  [3] The entire neighborhood was mostly rural until 1893, when the creation of the electric trolley tied the area to the heart of the rapidly growing city center.  Murray and Forbes became the center of a growing business district and took on the roles t...

Design Concepts Assignment: Emelyn Jaros

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Emelyn Jaros  Traditional Design Thinking: Pittsburgh, PA [1] [2] Grid layout—The city was originally planned out in a grid, which was a common feature of pre-Industrial cities. This design makes the city easy to navigate to this day.  [3] Market Square—Market Square is a plaza in down town Pittsburgh that is ringed by shops, bars, and restaurants. The square also is host to community events such as an ice rink that is set up each winter. [8] [4] Cathedral of Learning—Lovingly called “Cathy” by University of Pittsburgh students, the Cathedral of Learning is the central to the identity of both the campus and the larger community. The Cathedral of Learning hosts social and educational events and, like a traditional religious Cathedral, is a gathering point for the community. Its limestone exterior is visible at many points throughout the city. The building was commissioned in 1921 and is a note...