Hand-shaped ceramic vases made in Ghana. The form has been inspired by traditional Ashanti Stools. Photo: Rita Klages, 2006 (s. also the object photos of the vases in this album) The objects are sold inthe shop of Susanne Kwami in Berlin. The background of Mark Kwami is as follows: Mark Kwami is a freelance designer who specializes in instituting design structures in developing countries. This for example includes the establishment of design training in Africa and gaining recognition for design as an economic factor amongst decision-makers. With his projects he contributes to the knowledge transfer between Europe and developing countries and promotes sustainable business relations. His Living Ghana collection fusing African and European design was created in 2001 with the support of the GTZ international cooperation enterprise. Following two shows of this collection at the Import Shop Berlin trade fair he and his wife, Susanne Kwami, in 2003 launched the franchise label Made in Africa Collection (MIA) for design-oriented furniture and home accessories from Africa. Mark Kwami’s father is Ghanaian and his mother German. Following his father’s university graduation in Berlin, the family moved back to Ghana in 1969. At the age of 18, Mark returned to Berlin in order to study product and industrial design. (www.mia-collection.de)

N. Altadena Dr. and E. Washington Blvd. This corner of Pasadena used to be the eastern hub of the city anchored by the awesomely Art Deco St. Luke's Hospital. There was also a block of unique retail stores on all four corners of the intersection. This was back when Hasting's Ranch to the east was still hinterlands and industrial. Today St. Luke's is closed and JPL uses the old hospital property to build telescopes. The unique retail stores have been replaced by homogenous franchises such as McDonald's and 7-11. This old florist closed years ago and is now a camp for hobos and teenagers who want to smoke their weed out of the wind. There's something about mid-century, flat roof, glass and panel architecture that makes it look particularly sad when it's been abandoned. There's building activity next door at the old medical offices complex. Maybe someone will reopen the flower shop when they're done. More likely it'll get bulldozed.