Cities are organic, they are always changing, evolving, growing, contracting and generally moving toward another place from the present. One of the drivers of change, at least for short periods, is the seasons of a year. Specifically, cities where the four seasons are evident and pronounced, can take on a variety of visual and active changes that alter the way people feel and live in their particular urban environment. A healthy city is one where assets are fully utilized and offer an enhanced quality of life for its inhabitants.
The third week of September marks the beginning of the autumn season, and the urban environment will accommodate the changes that it brings. The sights, smells, tastes and activities in our cities will be altered as pedestrians traverse the global built environment in cities and towns. With the following images, we identify many ways that our downtowns, districts, neighborhoods and public spaces take on the season. Enjoy!
Look for other seasonal posts as the year goes on – look for the joys of an urban winter coming in December.
The fallen leaves adds color to a neighborhood house.
LaSalle Gardens, Detroit
The changing leaves in a neighborhood public space creates a unique frame to a view across to the adjacent houses.
LaSalle Gardens, Detroit
Streets and sidewalks are altered during the Fall season, changing the overall view of the landscape.
Birmingham, MI – Brown Street Townhouse
Taking on a fresh view during a neighborhood walk.
Birmingham, MI – neighborhood sidewalk
Sidewalk, bikes, leaves and historic architecture.
Amsterdam Sidewalk
The crisp, cool air and vibrant colors lure pedestrians and their canine pals, to take to the sidewalks.
Village of Hamstead, London, neighborhood walk
The cool evening provides a refreshing environment for dining al fresco – and also the sound of the rustling leaves underfoot of the walkers.
Cafe walk, Plymouth, MI
The view of the skyline is a bit more colorful in October.
Towers from Berzcy Park, Toronto
The Fall feel of a centre city street.
Amsterdam Street
Even with cooler temperatures, many find outside cafes quite pleasant – a fresh alternative to the hot summers.
Outdoor Cafe in Camden Town, London
The market is filled with Fall produce, unique to the season – and very colorful.
Eastern Market Shed, Detroit
Selling the harvested products.
Eastern Market, Detroit
Seasonal events take over downtown – the Scarecrow Festival in October.
Kellogg Park – Plymouth, MI
A Market a some fresh fall food adjacent to the restored train station.
Yonge Street Train Station, Toronto
The cool night air bring a clear, crisp view of the sky and skyline.
King Street East, Toronto
A cities natural assets get a visual boost in the autumn months.
Downtown Grand Rapids
Children throwing a football in the park – a classic recreation in the Fall.
Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto
Natural urban amenities uniquely change for the season.
The urban edge of Hamstead Heath, London
Views and the walking path – and a very tall terminated vista.
Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto
Sitting in an urban park, a short walk from home – the smell of leaves, warm sun, sounds of crunching underfoot and the golden view.
Ketchum Park, Rosedale, Toronto
Historic Architecture as a backdrop for the public square.
Frederiksplein, Amsterdam
Trinity Square, Toronto
Mark Nickita, AIA, CNU, APA, BSArch, BArch, MArch is an architect, urbanist, retail entrepreneur, developer, educator and an elected municipal leader and President of Archive DS in Detroit and Toronto. Mark is the elected Mayor of Birmingham, Michigan and is co-owner of retail establishments in Downtown Detroit, including the Pure Detroit Stores, The Rowland Cafe and Stella International Cafes.