Thursday, February 2, 2023

Joe Cianciotto on Walkable Cities and Building Them

 

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Learn About Walkable Cities with Joe Cianciotto

According to Joe Cianciotto, the term walkability is for planning concepts. This is best understood by the mixed-use of amenities, especially in neighborhoods with many residents. If these places are walkable, people can access said amenities on foot. 

Walkability is based on the idea that urban roads should be more than just transport corridors for vehicle use. It should also be a completely livable space. The space should serve a variety of uses, users, and transportation. It should also reduce the need for cars for travel.

A walkable city or neighborhood encourages people to walk, explains Joe Cianciotto. It creates conditions for everyone to navigate the area on foot. This area includes physically enticing, safe, compact roads and streets. As a result, these places become lively. They offer great socialization and allow people to exercise. 

According to Joe Cianciotto, architecture plays an important role here. 

First, it introduces coherence. Cities have clear and organized sidewalks. The sidewalks and streets connect points of interest with activity. They also provide simple yet useful signage and clean lines of sight. 

Second, architectural design shapes the space. An excellent urban design offers a sense of safety that encourages comfortable walking. It also takes away the hassles. It gets the planning and execution right for people to walk in nearly any climate, Joe Cianciotto adds.

UrbanizeHub.com 

Third, landscape architecture makes the environment inviting for pedestrians. Landscape interventions of different kinds can help make routes functional and safe. It also makes going around the city on foot appealing. Including well-designed pocket parks also contribute to overall walkability. Architects make sure their placement and distances are carefully considered. 

Finally, architecture pays good attention to safety and comfort. According to Joe Cianciotto, good design provides pedestrian protection from cars and bicycles. It promotes physical interactions in the community. It keeps humans safely separated from fast-moving vehicles. There are also enough signals at crossroads. 

Do you live in a walkable city? What's it like?



Thursday, January 5, 2023

Joe Cianciotto: Hidden Sci-Fi Gems from Netflix

 

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Joe Cianciotto's List of Underrated Netflix Sci-Fi Movies

As everyone knows, Netflix is today's go-to streaming service for all sorts of movies and TV shows. However, Joe Cianciotto says that it would not be as popular if it weren't for the site's dedication to providing well-produced titles.  

Sure, there are many so-so movies on the site, so we'd instead focus on the ones that are worth your popcorn bingeing. In this blog post, Joe Cianciotto shares some must-see sci-fi movies on the streaming site.

Okja (2017)

Okja is a modern masterpiece by Oscar-winning Korean director Boong Joon-ho. The film is a unique take and commentary on age-old issues regarding animal cruelty and the meat market.  

The director took this concept to new heights with this surreal, hilarious, and ultimately tragic story of a gallant and gigantic pig. We don't want to spoil it, but the plight of Okja and Mija will haunt you long after you finish the film.

myfilmviews.com

Annihilation (2018)

This movie is based on the bestselling book by author Jeff VanderMeer. Annihilation follows the story of a team of female biologists who venture into a territory called Area X. Their goal is to unlock the secrets behind disappearances and medical anomalies resulting from previous expeditions.  

It's a compelling plot, directed by renowned sci-fi director Alex Garland of Ex Machina. Its stellar cast includes Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

ARQ (2016)

This film proves that directors and producers need not have massive budgets and Hollywood superstars to shine. Director Tony Elliott claims that the film worked with a budget of just $2 million. In any case, ARQ is a refreshing take on the genre set in a dystopian future, with the plot revolving around a mysterious device (the ARQ) that allows time to loop.  

What about you? What are your favorite sci-fi films that Netflix produced? Feel free to recommend these titles to Joe Cianciotto
in the comments below.

Thank you.

Monday, December 5, 2022

Joe Cianciotto on Landscaping and Architecture

 

gdcconstruction.com
A Look at Landscaping Architecture with Joe Cianciotto

According to Joe Cianciotto landscaping is a significant part of the world of architecture and design. In fact, it goes beyond simply making front and back yards look good. The art of landscaping is key to residential and commercial planning, wherein aesthetics is as important as function.
Today, architecture aficionado Joe Cianciotto shares his insights on a few types of landscaping for a better understanding of what it encompasses.

The first type of landscaping is more popularly known as urban design. This is important because of all the types of landscaping, it is the one that affects most people.

Joe Cianciotto explains that urban design landscaping is done in places that are heavily populated, such as towns and cities. As such, this is the type of landscaping with the most things to consider. Some of the considerations of urban landscaping include accessibility to people with disabilities and open areas for families with children. Other things designers plan of when tackling this type of landscaping is sustainability, drainage, and space for public eventns.

The next type of landscaping according to Joe Cianciotto is recreational landscaping. It involves the construction of recreational and leisure spaces such as parks and gardens in residential areas.

Recreational landscaping is one of the most popular landscaping types for architects and landscape artists because it’s both relaxing and allows for a bit of fun.

One of the most overlooked areas not just of landscaping, but of architecture in general, is conservation landscaping. Here, landscape architects come up with designs to preserve and emphasize the beauty of areas with historical significance, for people of all ages to appreciate. 

What about you? What kind of landscaping do you enjoy? Can you give examples of landscape architecture that you love to visit? Share them with Joe Cianciotto in the comments below.

Thank you for reading.

Tuesday, November 1, 2022

Joe Cianciotto: Films that Changed Directors Mid-Production




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Joe Cianciotto Lists Successful Movies that Changed Directors
Some say that it takes a village to make a movie. The process is notoriously difficult and can be prone to various setbacks. One such challenge is losing a director, notes movie buff Joe Cianciotto. In some productions, directors are fired. Others quit for differing reasons. Even so, several films managed to overcome the loss and still ended up as a success. Some examples are listed below.



Spartacus (1960)

Shooting a high-budget ancient Roman war epic can understandably be intimidating, especially during the late 1950s when technology was not as advanced as it is now. Original director Anthony Mann took the helm of the extensive production. But three weeks in, the production was over budget and running late.

A 30-year-old Stanley Kubrick was brought in to salvage the film; the rest is history. Spartacus was critically acclaimed that it won four Academy Awards.

Jaws (1975)

Jaws is no doubt one of the most iconic films in history. It helped launch Steven Spielberg's legendary career when he was only 26 years old. But did you know he wasn't the movie's initial director? According to Joe Cianciotto, the first director was Dick Richards, but he was dropped for a hilarious reason; he kept referring to the shark as a whale.

Fortunately, Spielberg was more than capable of leading the production. A commercial and critical hit, Jaws is considered the first-ever summer blockbuster.

Superman II (1980)

thedailyjaws.com
When the first Superman movie was released in 1978, it became a huge hit and cultural phenomenon. Its sequel, Superman II, is worthy in its own right, and some pundits even consider the sequel a better film than the first. Regardless, fans, moviegoers, and film buffs like Joe Cianciotto are thankful that Superman II even made it to the theaters.

Near the end of the production, Richard Donner, the original director who also helmed the first Superman, was fired via telegram due to repeated clashes with the producers. Richard Lester was given the task of completing the movie. The film was largely re-shot, which explains the many continuity errors in the film.

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Architecture traversing different industries

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Architecture combines art, innovation, and structure, while art is a means of collective and relatable human expression. Architecture and art have frequently been associated as complementing disciplines. Joe Cianciotto says that excellent architecture can be considered art and can be used as a setting or an inspiration for various creative works.

Photography

Many professionals and enthusiasts are getting into architecture photography. There are many things one can explore in this type of photography. Some choose to take photos of the whole structure to showcase its unique design, while some explore the intricate details, patterns, and other interesting parts of a structure. Architects also collaborate with photographers as they feature different perspectives in their work. Through the years, there have been many photographers who have been recognized for their work as architectural photographers. Their work has been crucial in documenting the industry's growth and the trends that characterize each era.

Technology

Futuristic architecture is the best place to try new technology, says Joe Cianciotto. Cutting-edge design and innovative technologies can make a structure even more functional. Beyond the aesthetics, it can have more purpose and even help make things more efficient for its users. Emerging tech such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and other smart technologies can make an architectural structure even more groundbreaking.


Performance Art

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Architecture is an excellent backdrop for performance art. Whether it’s music, dance, or acting, architecture can add to the living work of art. In this age where production is becoming easier, it is also becoming even more convenient to feature architectural works in performance pieces. There are many artists who perform their pieces in structures that they feel could help them better communicate their messages. Old structures, modern buildings, and futuristic spaces have been used as performance spaces that serve as a stage where performers can showcase their best work.

Architecture can inspire other art forms as many structures have also been influenced by the art of their time. Artists and architects can work together to create something inspiring and functional

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Revisiting Shazam! and what its success means for DCEU

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Shazam!, a massive superhero film of 2019, proved to be an international success with its lightheartedness and relatability. The film's incredible casting was one of the major reasons it became a hit, following many misses from the DC Extended Universe. In this article,Joe Cianciotto revisits the wins of Shazam! and its importance to the DCEU. 

Following years of living in the shadow of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Shazam! and Wonder Woman signaled the rebirth of DCEU. Its dark and twisted takes on beloved DC comics proved to be too much for many of the viewers—an acquired taste for some. DCEU's Shazam is played by Zachary Levi, an actor who is not a stranger to the comic world. He is, after all, the world's most successful nerd: Chuck Bartowski. His following and previous works certainly played a huge role in gathering fans worldwide to support his DC role.

thewrap.com

Shazam! captured the audience with its quick-witted and welcoming tone, notes Joe Cianciotto. The heart behind the film speaks to audiences of different ages and walks of life. There's no denying that the film is a joy to watch. Prior to its April 2019 release, fans were hoping to see a battle between Shazam and Black Adam. However, it's been revealed that Black Adam would have its own film before sharing the screen with Shazam. 

Shazam! Fury of the Gods is slated to be released in November 2022. In this second movie, Billy Batson and his family are likely to show off their powers as they fight at least two villains. Lucy Liu and Helen Mirren will make their DCEU debuts in the new Shazam! film as Kalypso and Hespera, respectively. Rachel Zegler will be playing an undisclosed character in the new Shazam! movie. With a three-year break from the first one, fans like Joe Cianciotto are excited for another family experience from DCEU. 

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Must-watch Kevin Costner sports flicks

ftw.usatoday.com
Kevin Costner is surely a name that stands out for people who grew up watching movies in the 1980s and '90s. The American actor and producer became known for his affinity for making bold choices even during the peak of his career. Did you know that he has appeared in more than 10 movies related to sports? San Francisco-based film buff Joe Cianciotto discusses some of the best ones in this article.

Field of Dreams

Costner himself describes the movie as "our generations' 'It's a Wonderful Life.'" "Field of Dreams" is a sports fantasy drama film that tells the story of an Iowan farmer who decides to develop a baseball field in the middle of his cornfield despite the risk of financial hardship. In doing so, he invites the ghosts of several baseball legends. The film is considered by many as one of the finest films Kevin Costner ever starred in.

Bull Durham

A year before appearing in the "Field of Dreams," Costner starred in another baseball flick, "Bull Durham." The film's director, Ron Shelton, wanted the actor to be the movie's lead after seeing him successfully hit two home runs during a pseudo-audition. It turned out to be the right decision, says Joe Cianciotto, as the film has become regularly recognized as one of the greatest sports movies of all time. The role was also perfect for Costner as he showcased his strong comedic timing and impeccable charm.
golfdigest.com


Tin Cup

In 1995 and 1997, Costner featured in a box office flop ("Waterworld") and a major critical failure ("The Postman.”) In between those films, though, he starred in a rom-com sports film, "Tin Cup." The movie has him reuniting with Shelton and sees him playing a stubborn, washed-up former golf prodigy who decides to get back to the professional scene and play in the U.S. Open. Shelton hasn't been that active in recent years, but movie enthusiasts like Joe Cianciotto hope he and Costner can reunite once more for a hat trick.