I have a few projects in the areas around Boston, and have been on scope/survey trip this week. I noticed that the vast majority of the street curbs are granite. Just one of those interesting regional things that facinates me.
Is there a functional reason for this? Freeze/thaw durability? Are there other little regional design things that are unique to your area?
bundy
Aug 25, 16 10:35 am
I was in Florence Italy and watched a utility crew pull up a half street length of granite pavers one morning and get to work on a communications cable. By the time I returned that evening they had put the street back together perfectly. I was amazed at the simplicity and ease of it. No saw cutting, concrete placing or asphalt topping. The granite paver blocks were about 8x8 square and deep, like 16 inches or so. To think they've probably been there longer than most streets in America is simply amazing.
Non Sequitur
Aug 25, 16 10:40 am
I just love Boston's granite curbs.
Wood Guy
Aug 25, 16 10:54 am
Granite holds up much better to salt, plows and car tires than concrete, and especially asphalt curbing. There is a ready supply in New England.
There are a million "regional design things," one of the great things about vernacular architecture. Like regional accents, they are rapidly disappearing, and like accents, the loss is unfortunate. One of my favorites in northern New England is standing seam metal roofs.
I have a few projects in the areas around Boston, and have been on scope/survey trip this week. I noticed that the vast majority of the street curbs are granite. Just one of those interesting regional things that facinates me.
Is there a functional reason for this? Freeze/thaw durability? Are there other little regional design things that are unique to your area?
I was in Florence Italy and watched a utility crew pull up a half street length of granite pavers one morning and get to work on a communications cable. By the time I returned that evening they had put the street back together perfectly. I was amazed at the simplicity and ease of it. No saw cutting, concrete placing or asphalt topping. The granite paver blocks were about 8x8 square and deep, like 16 inches or so. To think they've probably been there longer than most streets in America is simply amazing.
I just love Boston's granite curbs.
Granite holds up much better to salt, plows and car tires than concrete, and especially asphalt curbing. There is a ready supply in New England.
There are a million "regional design things," one of the great things about vernacular architecture. Like regional accents, they are rapidly disappearing, and like accents, the loss is unfortunate. One of my favorites in northern New England is standing seam metal roofs.