1. Unwillingly I picture
My walls weathering in the general view.
It is not even as though the new
Buildings did very much for architecture.
Suppose they did.The sickness of our time requires
That these as well be blasted in their prime.
You would think the simple fact of having lasted
Threatened our cities like mysterious fires.
from ‘An Urban Convalescence’
by James Merrill
Design Language Analysis 2
This rooftop has not been designed with human interaction
in mind. Elements of the Design Language include:
No Entry universal symbol.
No Unauthorised Entry sign.
Surveillance.
Illicit graffiti.
Dumped rubbish, litter.
Air conditioning outlet vents making noise and heat pollution.
Cold, uninviting textures and colours.
Bare and windswept.
Incidental scraps of life- a few weeds, a stray cat.
The poem was selected for its gloomy outlook on urban architecture.
NO Unautho

2. And straight the bare home took a gentler grace;
As if some quiet hand had pushed aside
Soul-deadening cares, and left a little space
Wherein dulled hearts , by endless labours tried,
Might turn to where heart-easing Beauty stood
Shrined in the flowers beside the homely food
from ‘The Pot of Flowers’
by Kathleen Hawkins
Design Language Analysis 1
This rooftop has been re-designed for people
to use and enjoy. Elements of the new
Design Language include:
Inviting, proportioned layout.
Shelter and privacy.
Seating.
Pizza oven for outdoor cooking and eating.
Natural habitat for visiting birds, bees, butterflies.
Space for gardening; a productive and therapeutic activity.
The poem was selected for its depiction of a retreat.