The Layers of San Francisco
A Resurgent Everyday Landscape
A book that I wrote seven years ago, Seeing the Better City, emphasized the role of juxtapositions in understanding the urban built environment. I suggested that attention to these overlaps or overlays — areas of regeneration and resurgence in my current inquiry — could identify the location of current disputes or policy conflicts.
I did not, however, stress these areas as artistic expression, to be interpreted for their contrasts and transitions from layer to layer.
San Francisco appeared in the book for the prospect that tall buildings could be beautiful, ugly, or both, a concept championed by New York City photographer Berenice Abbott one hundred years ago.
But I did not urge the reader to study San Francisco, as I should have, in a more fundamental way. The City is one of the best places in the world to see clearly how layers of city life unfold.
More entries will appear throughout the month of August, and will generate the basis for future presentations and exhibits. All photos by Charles R. Wolfe. Do not copy.
More entries will appear throughout the month of August, and will generate the basis for future presentations and exhibits. All photos by Charles R. Wolfe. Do not copy.
