Cairo Condominiums

orchid
It's perplexing, but the Cairo has been passed over for an Orchid in Architecture for two years in a row. I believe it is still worthy of an that Orchid, but am nominating it instead for an Orchid in Urban Design. Two reasons: First, it has a gorgeous lobby that is a joy to behold both day and night. The front door and lobby present a warm, sophisticated look to the street and sidewalk, and is a generous design gesture made even more significant given the flaccid public entrances that characterize many of its neighbors in Hillcrest and Downtown. Second, the city-mandated ground floor commercial spaces are connected to the residential spaces (live/work). This design type encourages more "eyes" on the street throughout the day and night. Residents feel connected to happenings on the street, thereby augmenting neighborhood security. Enhancing neighborhood beauty AND security ... how cool is that?
Project Information
Project Address: 
3788 Park Boulevard
Project Owner/ Developer: 
Hip Shot, Inc.
Owner Contact Name/ Email: 
johnb@hippocket.net
Project Architect/ Designer: 
Safdie Rabines Architects
Image
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Essex Street Elevation.JPG
Daybreak.JPG
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Cairo Condominiums

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 10/13/2009 - 07:19.
Orchid. Beautiful construction, the art deco feel, very reminiscent of Miami. This gives the block a very clean, smart, sophisticated look. This structure’s relationship to lighting is what takes it to another level. In natural daylight, the cold, white steel in contrast to the glass makes the building inviting to the public. During the evening, the strategically placed lighting warms up the space. The shot of the sidewalk is almost transparent, it is part of the landscape and it conceals itself well, walking alongside it no one would notice the elegance of the this building.