Code,951007
Subject,"Paul Volpe, City Architecture"
Date,8/1/2006
Interviewer,Addie Tobey
Abstract,"Paul Volpe served as Commissioner of Architecture in Cleveland from 1983-1989, leaving that position to found City Architecture Inc., an urban design firm located in Cleveland. In this 2006 interview, Volpe talks about the various projects he led while working for Mayor George Voinovich's administration. He also discusses his more recent work with City Architecture Inc and the philosophy of urban design and city planning that lies behind it. Throughout the interview, Volpe gives his opinion on Cleveland's assets and the challenges it faces in reversing the trend of suburbanization."
Special Notes,"architecture, urban design and city planning, charles v. carr municipal center, mayoral politics, city of cleveland division of architects, urban issues"
minutes:,
0,"background: education, early career"
1,choosing cleveland over cincinnatti
2,"Division of Architecture, City of Cleveland: getting the job"
3,
4,
5,"first interview in the Mayor's ""Red Room"""
6,
7,meeting Mayor George Voinovich for final interview
8,
9,
10,Voinovich administration: accomplishments
11,"City Architecture, architectural firm: history"
12,recent economic recessions
13,Joseph L. Stamps District Service Center
14,"Division of Architecture, City of Cleveland: working with mayors"
15,sustainable buildings
16,"Archwood-Denison Firestation: (political/budget issues, design concept, location, awards)"
17,
18,
19,
20,"Convention Center, renovation"
21,financing: Ratner Family/Forest City
22,"Charles V. Carr Municipal Center, renovation: location in ""blighted"" area"
23,Warner & Swayze Manufacturing plant building: an emblem of deindustrialization
24,"politics, creative reuse as city maintenence center"
25,
26,benefits of creative reuse and environmental design
27,
28,Mayoral politics in relation to Carr Center (esp. Voinovich versus White)
29,"Mayoral Politics, Cleveland (Voinovich, White, Campbell)"
30,the city as a large corporation
31,City Architecture:  profile of the architect personality
32,importance of buildings to the environment
33,"culture of the firm, urban design"
34,"importance of having downtown office location: ""put your money where your mouth is"""
35,
36,"Cleveland, urban issues: longterm prospects are grim"
37,
38,"Cleveland, positive assets: quality of life, urbanity"
39,"alternative to suburbia,"
40,global changes will lead to renewed emphasis on cities
41,
42,"Cleveland, infrastructure: importance, infrastructure as a symbol of a community"
43,"changes over time, car culture"
44,"""1950s freeway construction...the most devestating thing to happen to cities worldwide"""
45,Detroit Shoreway: Coventry rd. (cleveland heights) model of development
46,"emphasizing the ""urban cool environment"", Chicago's Clark St. as model"
47,freeway redesign
48,"[47:40] architecture, theory and practice: ""environmental design"""
49,
50,"Suburban development patterns: description, problems"
51,
52,
53,"Cleveland, educational/cultural assets: Local History"
54,Arts and Culture
55,
56,*dire consequences of continuing american cultural decline
57,economic and social connection
58,
59,"Millionaires Row (loosely?), renovated mansion on Prospect Ave."
60,
61,end