The landfill "exhibit" that NYC is doing is a sad shadow of the
   fascinating Michael Singer waste processing plant in Phoenix.  Though
   I've not seen it, I was initially struck in around 1991 by the reports
   about the project, talking about how Michael, a conceptual artist and
   sculptor, was given control over a massive public works project.  He
   led the team that included the architect and engineers, and created
   one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phoenix (or so I read
   in a Times article in the early 90's) and a resource for environmental
   education.  All out of a solid waste processing plant, in which
   visitors can watch the entire process from catwalks.  Again, I've not
   been there, but it sounds like a wonderful project.

   NY is obviously copping some of the same ideas, but without investing
   in ways to make this accessible and engaging.  They are just
   apparently opening it to tourists and providing docents, or something.

   There was some discussion a while back about trying to do something
   like Michael's project with a major water filtration plant planned for
   New York.  But it got lost in the political shuffle.  Getting anything
   done in public works in this city is pretty tough.  Thought, they have
   finally started "WESTWAY" after twenty years of litigation.  It's now
   called, I think, the Hudson River Boulevard.

   Eric Siegel
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