Sam W.
Yesterday, our Architecture class took a trip to Starkville's Cotton District to observe the community as an example of traditional neighborhood development, and the use of architecture to create a unique environment. We began on Mississippi State University's campus, in the building that gives the Cotton District its name, an old cotton mill that is now used as a facility building. We explored it and talked about the unique aspects of the architecture and building techniques to be found in its halls. We also discussed the development of an entertainment area around the building that is currently being constructed, and about how residents will be able to walk, rather than drive, to entertainment areas like movie theaters and bars. We set out walking through the Cotton District and talking about and documenting the architecture we found. The streets were very narrow and walkable and traffic was at a minimum, creating a very pedestrian-friendly environment. The houses were all very aesthetically pleasing and I could easily see myself living there. The streets were lined with alleys that led off to a myriad of hidden gems: a tunnel-like alley with a green ceiling of tree limbs and vegetation, where we found a small courtyard, surrounded by apartments with large windows that look over it. The floor was covered in moss covered bricks, and benches had been placed throughout as well as a swing. We also saw a sushi restaurant easily within walking distance of any apartment in the area, near a fountain. Across the street was a small Cigar Lounge, and just near was a small Chinese eatery, and a tiny bar. We talked to the son of the original designer of the area, who showed us around the area and gave us some background. I would love to live in the Cotton District, because I really like the idea that one can walk to such attractions as restaurants, shops, and lounges without getting in the car and using gas. The architecture is beautiful, and the hidden courtyards and tiny alleyways make the community feel like it has real depth. The only drawback would be the small amount of space in each apartment, it may be kinda cramped.
Yesterday, our Architecture class took a trip to Starkville's Cotton District to observe the community as an example of traditional neighborhood development, and the use of architecture to create a unique environment. We began on Mississippi State University's campus, in the building that gives the Cotton District its name, an old cotton mill that is now used as a facility building. We explored it and talked about the unique aspects of the architecture and building techniques to be found in its halls. We also discussed the development of an entertainment area around the building that is currently being constructed, and about how residents will be able to walk, rather than drive, to entertainment areas like movie theaters and bars. We set out walking through the Cotton District and talking about and documenting the architecture we found. The streets were very narrow and walkable and traffic was at a minimum, creating a very pedestrian-friendly environment. The houses were all very aesthetically pleasing and I could easily see myself living there. The streets were lined with alleys that led off to a myriad of hidden gems: a tunnel-like alley with a green ceiling of tree limbs and vegetation, where we found a small courtyard, surrounded by apartments with large windows that look over it. The floor was covered in moss covered bricks, and benches had been placed throughout as well as a swing. We also saw a sushi restaurant easily within walking distance of any apartment in the area, near a fountain. Across the street was a small Cigar Lounge, and just near was a small Chinese eatery, and a tiny bar. We talked to the son of the original designer of the area, who showed us around the area and gave us some background. I would love to live in the Cotton District, because I really like the idea that one can walk to such attractions as restaurants, shops, and lounges without getting in the car and using gas. The architecture is beautiful, and the hidden courtyards and tiny alleyways make the community feel like it has real depth. The only drawback would be the small amount of space in each apartment, it may be kinda cramped.
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