One of the more distressing events of 2010 was the demolition in Brantford of a heritage streetscape on the south side of Colborne St. What was once a canal-side assemblage of interesting, historic buildings is now a steep gradient covered in dark mulch.
Author Archives: michael
Mush Hole, Brantford
Last weekend, I went with my sons to a powerful art show at the Brantford Arts Block called Mush Hole Remembered: R. G. Miller by the accomplished Mohawk artist R. Gary Miller-Lahiaaks (This show runs until April 9, 2011).
Posted in Canada, Ontario, Peace, Writing 3 Comments
If Charlie Kaufman were to write Cucumber design scenarios
Is storytelling in film making similar to storytelling in software design? Are software designers a type of screenwriter?
Posted in Design, Software Leave a comment
Executable design requirements in Cucumber
A fundamental issue in design is that designers must interact with clients in formulating design requirements. It is difficult to come up with a means of expressing design requirements that is both comprehensive, capable of expressing creative ideas and aspirations, and is of use during the entire design and implementation process.
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The value of automated design requirements testing
In large projects, a large book of requirements is often compiled at the beginning of the design process. This documentation is often brimming with interesting ideas and insights, much like a Victorian novel. However, the problem is that this impressive pile of documentation is usually not referred to as often as it should be later in the design process. The greater the length of this documentation, the harder it is to use. It is extremely easy to forget what you know.
Posted in Cities, Design, Hamilton Leave a comment
Demise of The Pearl Company
What The Pearl Company episode does suggest is that private investment in unfashionable areas of Hamilton is extremely risky even though some of these areas appear to be full of economic potential.
Posted in Cities, Hamilton, Renovation Leave a comment
Machine Shop Paradise in Guelph
As part of Doors Open 2010, Guelph channelled its inner Stuttgart with tours at the Linamar Corporation.
Posted in Cities, Doors Open Leave a comment
My Life as a ‘Doors Open’ Tourist
Doors Open events are all about community. This community focus should also apply to how people get to far-flung sites. A communal approach to transportation would make Doors Open touring more environmentally-friendly and more fun as well.
Posted in Cities, Doors Open 1 Comment
Urban destruction in the heart of Brantford, Ontario
In Brantford, I happened to stumble upon what might be one the most flagrant instances of urban vandalism in the province. I confidently categorize it as vandalism because it doesn’t appear, from what I have read, to make any sense whatsoever. They are taking down something of great value and replacing it with nothing at all.
Posted in Cities 14 Comments
Dogs on Roof, Hamilton
Two dogs get some fresh air and exercise on the roof of a front porch to a modest townhouse in a poor neighbourhood of Hamilton.
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