Chance

What could be more perfect than a clothing line inspired by the classic horizontal stripe? Discover Chance clothing company here.

-DUNN

The Art Of Travel

Oh what I would give for a conversation with Alain de Botton! I, here on DUNNWONG, officially declare my crush on his brain.

One of my favourite de Botton books called "The Art of Travel" deals with, well, the art of travel. "Few things are as exciting as the idea of travelling somewhere else. But the reality of travel seldom matches our daydreams. The tragi-comic disappointments are well-known: the disorientation, the mid-afternoon despair, the lethargy before ancient ruins." It explores travel-for-pleasure and the disparities that arise. Many of the situations he writes about are quite frankly, very vulnerable and thus, telling. Don't many individuals travel to find a new perspective or to meet interesting people? The travel industry doesn't meet that need; not by sending people to look at the Eiffel Tower by themselves. One thing that is absent from modern travel is human contact - though few travelers would deign to admit it. Not wholly dark,the book takes turns both humourous and ironic.

I highly recommend all of his writings which take a philosophical look at a range of topics such as travel, love, work and status without any trace of stilted academic prose or posturing. At the very core of the literature is our human interactions and the intersection between lucid consciousness and popular culture. Digging into any aspect of life can be difficult. But as Socrates' famously polarizing statement suggests: "The unexamined life is not worth living."

-WONG

falling garden

welcome to my dream land.

See the work of Gerda Steiner & Jorg Lenzlinger here.

-DUNN

travel lust

It's always comforting knowing that SOMEONE out there is fufilling my own travel goals and sharing their stories via blog. I'd like to share 3 of my favorites, but beware you may be inclined to purchase expensive plane tickets after reading them!

Everyday Musings

Olivia just got back from an amazing tour of Europe and the UK. Her Scotland posts nearly had me in tears. Her photos are amazing, and you'll certainly appreciate her love of food.

Sending Postcards

This unique couple left everything and hit the road. They have been through some of the less traveled, but amazing areas of the world-and sampled the cuisine in STYLE! Oh yes, this is traveling in style.

Alex and Luke

I actually stumbled upon these guys just last week and immediately had a life crush on them! They too dropped everything and set out with a unique goal-to explore North America with their route determined by social media outlets. Their entire brand appeals to my marketing/travel lovin' ways. They are everywhere- Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and blogging on Wordpress. Check them out NOW.

PS... I'm blogging from here:

-DUNN

Traffic Bridge

Last week I took a magnificent cruise down the South Saskatchewan River...

...And after writing about the High Line, I thought it would also be appropriate to discuss the future of the Traffic Bridge.

The City of Saskatoon has set up two websites: one detailing the current situation and the other asking for the public's opinion.

With sustainable re-development in mind, I am all in favor of keeping the bridge structure intact and having it open to non-motorized users. If it were up to me, I would duplicate the current pedestrian walkway on the down-stream side of the bridge, and use those areas for cyclist traffic, mitigating safety concerns of cyclists speeding down from Victoria Avenue hill. The down-stream side would be for cyclists traveling towards downtown, and the up-stream side for cyclists traveling towards Nutana. The bridge bed itself would then be open to developments for pedestrians, offering a wide pathway interspersed with planters and seating areas.

Roadways on either side of the bridge would have to be considered as well. On the east side, diversions would have to be made for traffic on Victoria Avenue, while still allowing pedestrians and cyclists access to the hill down towards the bridge. On the west side, the established roundabout provides some challenges, as it connects to Spadina Drive and the roadway leading to the Remai Arts Center.

It's apparent that the public is in favor of keeping the bridge for it's historical significance. With the changes that would have to be made to the traffic flows on either side of the bridge, it's a pity that the city didn't better evaluate the life line of the bridge before investing so much into River Landing, as the project could have better integrated the future of the bridge.

Thoughts?

-DUNN

The High Line

I was introduced to NYC's High Line project during the first presentations for the Saskatchewan Architecture School here in Saskatoon last August.

I was instantly drawn to the project as it combines my two favorite objectives of urban planning: revitalization of existing infrastructure, and green living.

The High Line fell victim to the illusive phrase of "I found this sweet thing on the internet and I can't remember what it's called, so I can't show you, but it's really awesome".

After google session after google session, I found it (sorry about the unnecessary back story), and The High Line and I had a wonderful reunion.

Keeping the original structure intact, the High Line has been transformed from an elevated railway track to an attractive public space. Elements of the history of The High Line are incorporated into the design through landscaping, public art, and seating areas. The High Line runs for 1.45 miles, with numerous entrances along the way.

The whole project encompasses the ideas of creating public space for all to experience, interact within, and be inspired by. Projects like the High Line and what they stand for are what I am motivated by in pursuing my planning degree--I might just have to take an educational field trip to NYC!

**ALSO search The High Line in youtube and watch some of the documentaries! I'm at the lake right now, using my BB as a modem for my laptop, so I couldn't embed the videos!

-DUNN

pure genius (and funny)

I recently came across the blog of Keri Smith, mastermind behind the "Wreck This Journal" publication.

I thought you might appreciate another work of hers--the "Artist's Survival Kit"

Click each image & print :)

-DUNN

Behance Network

Getting hired depends largely on past experience and networks - in all fields of study. But what if you are a new graduate just starting out with few professional experiences and contacts? In the competitive field of design, the best work is not always the work that is promoted.

This is where Behance comes in. The whole idea behind the network is that creative talent garners attention based on merit, not credentials. Creative output is judged by peers and seen by a vastly diverse audience serving to make the connections that are so important within art. Cases in point, a light-graffiti team from Germany is seen by an ad company and commissioned by Sprint. An illustrator has his portfolio noticed by Pacific Sunwear and begins producing pieces for their product. A photographer connects an illustrator from across the globe to collaborate on images with. Scott Belsky, Behance's CEO and founder, puts it best - "Our users are the most creative people in the world. They don't need our help generating ideas. They need our help executing their ideas."

-WONG

utter perfection

hey hey hey

-DUNN