The Dilemma

A quintessential, almost archetypal image of an "urban space": the grey, anonymous granite monotony etched with grids and straight lines; featureless steps receding downwards into subterranean concrete wilderness; the desperate echo of some landscaped tree; and the quavering, undecided figure who seems to know not which way to turn nor where to go. Another average day in the city of Boston.

I took this rather Hopperesque picture from the windswept terrace atop the Prudential parking garage, a flat and mostly forgotten expanse of paving stones providing depressing vistas of the junction at Exeter and Blagdon streets. Walk north, past the Boston Public Library which is now a rest home for the chronically inebriated, and you will encounter the string of tedious shops and unadventurous restaurants that flank Boylston Street. If, perchance, you were to wander south instead, your expedition will be impeded by that temple of consumerism known as the Copley Place Mall and obsequious hotel complex. Eastwards lies the stinking pit of malodorous food courts called Downtown Crossing, and in the opposite direction is Fenway Park, home of the processed meat snack and late night disco emporia.
If there is such a thing as urban blight, then when oh when will the famine come?

Comments

[Bleak Mouse]

Hideous architecture. Upscale malls. Monstrous hotels. Food courts ("Guilty! Next case!") Libraries for sleeping bums and for gang youth to play video games. "Exotic" restaurants.

Looks as though Boston is finally matching the sophistication of the suburbs.

[Quicquid]

Just when I was thinking I ought to visit.

[Amy]

I like this photo. It looks like he wants to step outside the lines of the crosswalk but realizes he is not brave and youthful enough.

[Mortimer Shy]

When that guy decides to step on the salmon colored skateboard? How obvious is that?

[Lucy]

A 'rest home for the chronically inebriated' indeed! Modern policy names us 'librarians', sir!

[Anna]

You have enough old quarter to balance the equation. When I was there two years ago the whole road system was under construction, scary caverns of machinery under half-finished underpasses - guess that's all finished now. But the lovely old Boston rode out the new - musty when it rained, the subway (my stop Charles/MGH) a complete daily workout - no elevators. Loved it, an evolving, endearing city.