Author: Courtney Gehen
Buffalo, NY: a city that is on the move and ready to show the world what it’s got, including its historically significant, world-class architecture from the past. That’s just it, though. It’s bountiful with architectural gems from the past that reflect what it once was. What if Buffalo, didn’t just revel in its significance in producing such astounding structures long ago and continue the tradition by building imaginative ones now? What if it became “the Barcelona” of the United States? Farfetched? Maybe. But at one point Buffalo was looked to for its stunning architecture. Why can’t we shoot for the stars again when it comes to art and architecture?
Barcelona is well famed for its trendy vibe and being packed with stunning neighborhoods that are overflowing with remarkable buildings, old AND new, particularly those designed by the legendary Antoni Gaudí. People flock to Barcelona to witness for themselves the bustling design scene and to feel what it’s like to walk among these treasures every day throughout the year. Young people want to live in an imaginative urban environment, like this, but with a high quality of life.
Buffalo is an artist’s city already. We have the good quality of life. However, the new buildings that have gone up in Buffalo haven’t really conveyed much imagination. If we compare them to our own relics and what’s being built in other parts of the world, they’re far from extraordinary. Yes, we absolutely need to make sure we preserve and utilize all the structures that exist already, but what does get built needs much more creativity.
At summer’s end Buffalo was introduced to the quirky and spontaneous Shark Girl (see here). Many had lots to say, which covered a whole spectrum of opinions. She accomplished exactly what art is there to do: to enrich a place and create discussion. Let’s continue this idea by incorporating it into the very fabric of our city and build a truly artistic paradise that attracts millions from around the world and brings Buffalo’s brand as an architecture destination full circle!
Courtney is a a traveling ESL teacher and Buffalonian, currently residing in Madrid, Spain. As she travels, she is constantly reminded of the opportunities that Buffalo has before it, as the city embarks upon a new and adventurous road. You will be hearing more about Courtney’s life abroad, and how it correlates to the city that she loves to call “home”.
Photos: Barcelona is a spectacular city, steeped in architectural beauty. I’m traveling the world in search of inspirational cities, and taking away bits and pieces to bring back (through writings and images) in hopes of inspiring another generation of Buffalonians to do great things and create great things.
Pictured here are Antoni Gaudí’s work. One thing I just thought of while looking at the photos from Park Güell with the pillars was the Skyway and the kind of elevated park it could be turned into if we had some imaginative artists/architects design a new version of the structure. On a smaller scale, reimagining what our street lights look like, or what potential a public square holds. Cities need to inspire people, and Buffalo has the potential to do just that. As the city rebuilds, it’s important to think about being great again, not just settling for mediocrity.