Why do we need leaders? Because without them we're doomed to Lord of the Flies. The elections last 7 November 2006, whether you liked the results or not, occurred as a result of this opposition, of permanence and entropy, of forever and destruction. My first oppostition is of this form, or more appropriately, of man and himself. We lead eachother because without direction we feel lost. Politicians exist based on the premise that they are the solution to this opposition- they're here (in theory) to lead us, to "protect" our country and make it's decisions for us so we don't have to.
__Politicians actually breed more oppositions- between man and himself- when they act against their voters wishes and when thier decisions cause the lives of their constituents to be disrupted.

Opposition Type: Man & Nature/ Permanence & Entropy

The "question" is no longer a question: we're using the last of our finite resources in these coming years, and there has to be a change for the continuation of human existence. The solutions: sustainable design, forward thinking architecture, renewable resources, energy conservation, waste reduction, and putting our waste to work for us by powering homes.

Opposition Type: Mass & Form

SPACE: there's less of it. PEOPLE: there's more of them. Problem? Yes. Solution: Build up, not out, and more efficiently. FLW's Mile High Tower was the extreme of this solution, allowing more green space and less city clutter. Soleri's Acropolis was another, and leCorbusier's Northern Paris rennovation was a loos interpretation.

Opposition Type: Mass & Form

Traffic is one of life's horrendous oppositions. City, country or suburb, it plagues the population no matter where they are. Solution: London had it right- close off the city to all traffic but buses and taxis. Cars should not be allowed in the downtown area. Trains, buses and taxis are cheaper and friendlier to the environment. It wouldn't eliminate the problem, but it would help.

The building itself has been refurbished, though, now boasting clients such as Allina Health Care on top of the Midtown Market. The ceilings are open and large pillars are a staple in the entry across from the new parking auxiliary ramp that costs only $.75 for one hour of parking. I did not feel like I was in a bad part of town- the building is inviting, and as an architecture student interested in sustainability and using what we already have, I loved the fact that it was a rennovation rather than a demolition-rebuild project.

The flow of people within the market was constant, despite the fact that it wasn't very crowded. Energy is brought through the front doors and to the left, where the market begins. I'd say there is no other place I've seen that combines so many different cultures in one space. Specific shops emit unique heritage, which creates a flow about the large room and seems to move with the consumer, browsing shop to shop. Perhaps the greatest force is felt from the eateries, where Swedish, Mexican and Russian delicacies can all be tasted.

Overall the energy is positive. It's a wonderful place, one of the largest succesful rennovations completed in the U.S., finishing only two years ago. Over ten years the giant of a building sat dormant until finally, the funding and ambition were mustered to start and finish the monster project from 2000-2004. The history and former glory of this antique building are qualities that add to it's energy, and highlight an effort by the city of Minneapolis to re-enlighten it's former glories.