RL
Juliet Blehm
/
Collections
/
Infrastructure
Infrastructure
All Collections
Infrastructure
Text.inspo.pdf
On People
Scrap Materials
Water
Digital World
Dropped Pin
19w
Infrastructure
Adaptive Reuse
•••
Old structures falling into disrepair can be reinvigorated through adaptive reuse, transforming vacant structures into thriving cultural centers. One of my favorite buildings that has been repurposed so is La Laguna, located in CDMX. A former textiles and yarn factory, it now hosts a multitude of cafes, studios, exhibition spaces, and independent shops. With a large courtyard in the middle and sprawling spaces throughout, the former factory adapted to its new functions skillfully, offering plenty of space and comfortability for businesses. The best part about the space, in my opinion, is the individuality of the architecture. La Laguna is characterized by glimmering lead windows, exposed pipes and hardware, elevated ceilings, and raw materials. Though reclaimed, the sanctity and authenticity of the original building has been preserved, leading to an alluring contrast between industrial and polished; functional and decorative; and dilapidated and renewed. The structure's history, unhidden, seeps through its every pore - and thank goodness! What an experience it is to be exposed to what once was and what is now, all blurred into one. La Laguna successfully blends historical eras and cultural needs into one, making it a monumental example of how cities can continue to be restructured moving forward. As honorable mentions, I would suggest looking into Manifattura Tabacchi, a tobacco factory turned cultural center, and Murate Art District, a prison turned art exhibition space, both located in Florence, Italy.
more
19w
Infrastructure
Living as a Flaneur
•••
In the eighteenth century, there emerged a term for individuals who wandered urban landscapes, slowly absorbing their surroundings. Though it was originally coined to describe affluent males who had the time and ability to aimlessly stroll, the ability to wander is no longer so restrictive as it once was. To live as a flaneur is to open yourself to the unknown. Cast away your plans, maps, and directions, and instead follow what catches your eye. Let the city bequeath you with sights of all kinds. Stumble across a square, bustling with festivities. Find your new favorite cafe. Meet an unexpected companion. Walk along city grids and meandering dirt paths. Don't rush! Take it all in... see what is often passed over.
more
14
19w
Infrastructure
Blueprints
•••
Finding interest in graphs and maps lately: forms of visual information. BLUEPRINT. A blueprint details the form, dimension, layout, and material of a structure for a seamless building process. Blue? Before print reproductions, blueprints were originally reproduced using cyanotype, a photosensitive material that could make exact replicas of a mother copy. And if I were to blueprint something intangible...?
more
20w
Infrastructure
NYC Subway Tile Color Schemes
•••
The New York metro system is well known for its patronage of elaborate mosaics, uniquely designed by a different artist in each station, but even the simple "subway tiles" used in the tunnels hold significance. Differing tile colors at each stop allow subway users to quickly gauge their progress without taking excessive attention away from their conversations, thoughts, or entertainment. Such details can seem so mundane in day-to-day life, yet it is staggering how much thought and design is present in every aspect of life. I recommend visiting the New York Transit Museum not only if you ride the subway, but also if you are simply visiting the city. Movement and transportation has become integral to modern society, and it is really neat to be exposed to the different strategies in which commuting is approached. p.s. Speaking of mosaics, though, I really love the hat mosaic at 23rd street on the 4-5-6 line. With the hats positioned at varying heights, the installation draws riders to actively engage with the work, choosing their ideal hat based on visual preference and height suitability.
more
4
Follow Juliet Blehm
Follow
By submitting, you agree to our
Terms
and
Privacy Policy
© 2026
Privacy
Terms
Support
Report
Cookies