“Infrastructure connects and divides” ~ Michael Maltzan
Michael Maltzan is the renowned architect who designed the Winnipeg Art Gallery, the Sixth Street Viaduct — a bridge connecting (rather than dividing) two disparate neighbourhoods in LA, several affordable housing developments and many other landmarks.
I attended several of his sessions at the Aspen Ideas Festival because I was fascinated by the possibility of thoughtful physical infrastructure contributing to ease, dignity and conversation in a city, in visible and invisible ways.
Think of an elevated bridge designed to help traffic flow between boroughs of a city. That same connective pathway can also fracture walkability and isolate people. (Ever seen the Gardiner Expressway near Toronto’s waterfront?) In Maltzan’s hands, the Sixth Street bridge in LA has become a piazza instead — a destination and gathering space rather than a barrier.
Think of the flow of staff in a busy restaurant. Well designed, their choreography is barely noticed. Poorly thought out, and their chaos distracts from your special night out.
Think of an apartment building intended for people who were formerly unhoused. What if its beauty caused people driving by to ask each other “I wonder who lives there?” and thus to see their neighbours in a new light?
Several of my clients are interested in social infrastructure — the places, events, platforms and roles that support belonging and connection in growing, diverse communities. Imagine if that infrastructure too were designed in ways that promote connection, ease, dignity and conversation. I believe it’s possible.