Pompeii Archaeological Park – Pompeii, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 4, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, preservation/ 0 comments

We visited Pompeii on a day when the only cloud in the sky cast shadow over the long dormant volcano on Mount Vesuvius that put Pompeii into the historical record as the world’s largest and longest continuously excavated archaeological site. The city was buried under volcanic ash, freezing a slice of Roman life in time. Initial excavations began in 1748

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Visit to Pompeii, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 3, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, plaza, preservation/ 0 comments

I arrived in Pompeii after dark. As I approached my phone was nearly out of power, making it challenging to find my room that had been reserved before arrival. This didn’t discourage me from exploring a bit. Distinctive pavers with light and dark colors helped to make the sidewalk visible and easier to navigate, even after dark. A mural showing

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Piazza della Repubblica – Rome, Italy

Isaac Kremer/ September 3, 2025/ Field Notes, Physical, placemaking, plaza, preservation, storefront/ 0 comments

The piazza is located at the top of the Viminal Hill, near the Termini train station. The distinctive semi-circular palaces lining the square (known as the Palazzi dell’Esedra) were designed by architect Gaetano Koch and built between 1887 and 1898. Their curved shape mimics the exedra (a large semi-circular recess) of the ancient Baths of Diocletian, the remains of which are

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Downtown – Kent, Ohio

Isaac Kremer/ August 19, 2025/ AI Assisted, downtown, Field Notes, Physical, plaza, public art/ 0 comments

Hometown Bank Plaza is a scenic community gathering park located at 203 N Water St. This central plaza was constructed and donated as a gift to the people of Kent by Hometown Bank. It was built in 1998 to celebrate and commemorate the financial institution’s 100th anniversary of community banking in the region (the bank was originally incorporated in 1898).

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Downtown – Birmingham, Michigan (2025)

Isaac Kremer/ July 11, 2025/ downtown, Field Notes, garden, Physical, placemaking, preservation, public art, storefront, streetscape/ 0 comments

Birmingham has a core of historic buildings; interesting storefronts with restaurants, bars, and shops; a variety of housing options; and features that make desirable public spaces. Taken together these make the downtown an enjoyable place to visit. The Ford-Peabody Mansion was built in 1878 by Frank Ford and given to his daughter, Alta, a year later when she married Burt

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Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, Virginia

Isaac Kremer/ June 17, 2025/ beer, Economic, Field Notes, garden, Physical, placemaking, plaza, public art, streetscape/ 0 comments

This is the 50th year anniversary of Busch Gardens. While some people enjoy fast rides I am one who keeps my feet planted firmly on the ground. While walking around I could not help but appreciate the thought and effort that went into the scenery, art, and visitor experience. Entrance gater to the parking garage sets the tone for the

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