Following our mapping of Newbury Street discussion, Shaun presented a great lecture on reclaiming the public realm. I especially enjoyed the discussion of ecotones and patches. I had only been introduced to these terms and concepts in a Living Systems studio and how they relate to animal habitats. What an interesting transference into human behavior. What struck me most was the image of where the edges of two ecotones meet and what happens along that edge, lots of gathering. The idea of scale was also of interest to me and the perspective of grain vs. extent.
As I ponder my research paper and question what specifically I want to know about my site (Front Street in Scituate, Mass). I began to piece together all we have been presented with and read. I then re-read my initial observation of front street and began to think about what was most important to me about this site not only as a citizen of the town but as someone who never takes for granted the beauty and natural space that surrounds us everywhere here. There was one element of my observation I kept coming back to: all of the walkers, dog walkers and cyclists in town who use Front Street as part of their routine walks or journeys everyday. Completely surrounding Front street is a beautiful marsh area and a lovely harbor complete with lighthouse and ocean views. Along the perimeter of the waterway is a paved walkway and in at certain points a gazebo and a grassy overlook. The walkway follows the same path as Front Street so it is not a detour or doesn't take the user out of the way. Yet, it is underutilized. My observations and recollections for this course and from the past make me so curious about this. Is there something in the design of that path that repels users? What happens in that edge space where animal habitats meet peopled habitats? Of course I could be wrong and the walk is used a lot more than I think.... That is what I would like to find out. I would like to use Zeisel"s outline for trace evidence, direct observation, at differing times and questionnaires. I will most definitely be looking for both what is there and what is missing.
I have presented my ideas to Nora and with her guidance and beginning to get more focused, she gave me a lot to think about! I will have a skeleton questionnaire and a more focused approach tomorrow!
By the way, I forgot to post my new favorite term:
Shadow Citizen: A person who is physically present in a site but mentally detached from it, perhaps because they are listening to an iPod, texting etc. (From Class Notes)
Also:
Light Trespass: The infiltration or interruption of light where it is not desired. (From Class Notes) Thanks, Ted!
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Thoughts on Mapping and Shaun's Newbury Street Excercise
Environmental Transactionalism: The impact humans have on a place and the impact a place has on humans on a microsecond by microsecond basis. (From Class Notes)
From Shaun O'Rourke's Presentation on the 21st Century Public Realm: How do we see the Public Realm? As a series of elements and/or a collection of details? Or perhaps as a network of a diverse biotic and abiotic interactions that continually change along the temporal scale?
I enjoyed the readings on Mapping Through the Senses. I am not sure if there was a hard copy of this to read, but I found and listened to the podcast. It was a unique and fun way to take in the information and allowed me to use a different sense to interpret the information. As in the segment of mapping sound, I felt a sense of "hyper awareness" that I think sometimes isn't as acute through straight text reading.I am amazed at how many things in our surrounding environment go unnoticed and what we can interpret about a space by mapping abstract elements. In particular, I thought the mapping of leaf light to be such an interesting way to draw conclusions about a neighborhood.
The MacFarlane and Haggett piece on Mapping Tranquility was also interesting. I appreciate the author's explanation that to measure tranquility one must form a definition first and rely on quantitative data. They write, " While tranquility may be a personal experience, there are places where it is more likely to be experienced. The concept merits a mention in documents, policies... unless the experiential or felt aspects of landscapes are considered alongside more easily quantified and indicated characteristics, landscape, countryside and environment quality can only be partially safe guarded into the future." How hard it is to formulate a working definition to a "concept" word! I thought the use of Participatory Appraisal as a research method worked well in this instance. Through expressive interpretation participants painted a clear picture of what tranquility as a concept meant to them. I felt it was a great way to gather data on a personal meaning. There was segment however, where I paused to wonder about data collection and interpretation. Participants were asked to rate their top three reasons for visiting a park (in this case, it was Northumberland Park in England). It was reported that one of the top three reasons given was for "tranquility". While the rest of the reading was very precise in explaining how research was conducted, I found this one particular questionnaire was not explained. The reason I questioned it is because of the very use of the word "tranquility". I wanted to know if the participants were given a list of reasons and asked to rate them on a scale of let's say 1-5 or 10 or if most of the participants came up with the word tranquility on their own. I think of the responses i would use to answer an open ended question and I am not sure the word "tranquility" specifically would come to mind. I was just curious about the manner in which the question was asked.....
Zeisel's reading on observing physical traces was my favorite of the group. The use of trace evidence to me is something I could see myself easily doing. I especially like the notion of not only documenting what is in evidence, but, perhaps more importantly what is missing. Definitely something to think about. I felt that the topics he discussed were followed up nicely with relateable examples. The case study of the healing garden was so good for me to read as it gave me a better understanding of how all that we have been studying relates back to landscape architecture.
Shaun's exercise on mapping elements along Newbury Street gave us a wide range of elements to cover and a lot to talk about in class. My particular element was to look at municipal infrastructure that is visible at street level. Not the most photo appealing topic, so I decided to map out where these elements lie on the street scape and/or sidewalks (Map to follow as soon as I can get to the BAC to grab it off my H drive). A few things were discovered along the way. All of the gas and water access ports are grouped in threes on the sidewalks. All of the fire hydrants on that particular segment of Newbury Street are on the north side sidewalk, nothing on the south side. My assumption is that the street is small and narrow enough to access any building in the event of a fire. Luckily, this leaves more parking opportunities on the southern sidewalks! The one thing that I was most curious about was the adjacency of storm water drains to crosswalks. Thinking about storm water management and the issues of pollutants entering, and at times blocking storm grates, it seems to me, crosswalks, where many people gather in large groups and drop paper, cigarette butts and other pollutant, and storm drains siting is completely incompatible. Can this ever be changed? Most likely not. But what can change is the responsibility of the people in the crosswalks or better yet, placement of trash receptacles at either end of the cross walk, an observation that was not noted anywhere....
From Shaun O'Rourke's Presentation on the 21st Century Public Realm: How do we see the Public Realm? As a series of elements and/or a collection of details? Or perhaps as a network of a diverse biotic and abiotic interactions that continually change along the temporal scale?
I enjoyed the readings on Mapping Through the Senses. I am not sure if there was a hard copy of this to read, but I found and listened to the podcast. It was a unique and fun way to take in the information and allowed me to use a different sense to interpret the information. As in the segment of mapping sound, I felt a sense of "hyper awareness" that I think sometimes isn't as acute through straight text reading.I am amazed at how many things in our surrounding environment go unnoticed and what we can interpret about a space by mapping abstract elements. In particular, I thought the mapping of leaf light to be such an interesting way to draw conclusions about a neighborhood.
The MacFarlane and Haggett piece on Mapping Tranquility was also interesting. I appreciate the author's explanation that to measure tranquility one must form a definition first and rely on quantitative data. They write, " While tranquility may be a personal experience, there are places where it is more likely to be experienced. The concept merits a mention in documents, policies... unless the experiential or felt aspects of landscapes are considered alongside more easily quantified and indicated characteristics, landscape, countryside and environment quality can only be partially safe guarded into the future." How hard it is to formulate a working definition to a "concept" word! I thought the use of Participatory Appraisal as a research method worked well in this instance. Through expressive interpretation participants painted a clear picture of what tranquility as a concept meant to them. I felt it was a great way to gather data on a personal meaning. There was segment however, where I paused to wonder about data collection and interpretation. Participants were asked to rate their top three reasons for visiting a park (in this case, it was Northumberland Park in England). It was reported that one of the top three reasons given was for "tranquility". While the rest of the reading was very precise in explaining how research was conducted, I found this one particular questionnaire was not explained. The reason I questioned it is because of the very use of the word "tranquility". I wanted to know if the participants were given a list of reasons and asked to rate them on a scale of let's say 1-5 or 10 or if most of the participants came up with the word tranquility on their own. I think of the responses i would use to answer an open ended question and I am not sure the word "tranquility" specifically would come to mind. I was just curious about the manner in which the question was asked.....
Zeisel's reading on observing physical traces was my favorite of the group. The use of trace evidence to me is something I could see myself easily doing. I especially like the notion of not only documenting what is in evidence, but, perhaps more importantly what is missing. Definitely something to think about. I felt that the topics he discussed were followed up nicely with relateable examples. The case study of the healing garden was so good for me to read as it gave me a better understanding of how all that we have been studying relates back to landscape architecture.
Shaun's exercise on mapping elements along Newbury Street gave us a wide range of elements to cover and a lot to talk about in class. My particular element was to look at municipal infrastructure that is visible at street level. Not the most photo appealing topic, so I decided to map out where these elements lie on the street scape and/or sidewalks (Map to follow as soon as I can get to the BAC to grab it off my H drive). A few things were discovered along the way. All of the gas and water access ports are grouped in threes on the sidewalks. All of the fire hydrants on that particular segment of Newbury Street are on the north side sidewalk, nothing on the south side. My assumption is that the street is small and narrow enough to access any building in the event of a fire. Luckily, this leaves more parking opportunities on the southern sidewalks! The one thing that I was most curious about was the adjacency of storm water drains to crosswalks. Thinking about storm water management and the issues of pollutants entering, and at times blocking storm grates, it seems to me, crosswalks, where many people gather in large groups and drop paper, cigarette butts and other pollutant, and storm drains siting is completely incompatible. Can this ever be changed? Most likely not. But what can change is the responsibility of the people in the crosswalks or better yet, placement of trash receptacles at either end of the cross walk, an observation that was not noted anywhere....
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Survey Question as Data for Research
The Question: Where do you see Landscape Architecture going over the next several years and do you think the downward turn we are experiencing in the job market turning around for us?
Exploration and Review: My question was answered in several different ways and all of the answers were narrative in form. The question was framed in an open ended manner, literally asking for the respondent's opinion. The answers I received were linked to the responders experiences in the field and perhaps, maybe a little bit biased based on where their personal interests/work experiences lie. To be fair, knowing the responders and what their backgrounds are has maybe made my evaluation and interpretation a little biased too. After reviewing the question, I still wonder if it could have been framed differently, but in order to do that I had to evaluate what it was that I wanted a specific answer to. I have concluded that I truly did want just an opinion. Except for the the last part of the question, ("do you think the downward turn..." ) I didn't expect a "yes" or "no" answer. I don't think I would re frame the question but rather, turn into two questions.
The responses I received were interesting and there were several categories that emerged. Two of the responders, saw the field of LA becoming increasingly more collaborative with other disciplines. Two of the responders felt that success in the field was entirely up to the individual and shouldn't be dependent on industry trends. Two others were a bit unsure of the future of the field and its trends. The common ground for all of the responders was that the future success and sustainability of the field lies on being open and flexible to a changing market whether it be in a large firm or individual practice. Overall, five of respondents were optimistic about the future and one unsure but seemingly hopeful.
In general, the responses I received were expected given the nature of the question. There were two outliers however. One of the answers was quite philosophical in nature and after reading it several times, I realized that only one sentence in the paragraph attempted to answer the question but did so very indirectly. The other responses were quite definite in their opinions and answers. The other answer that didn't quite fit with the others addressed why the role of the landscape architect was important but did not address the future trends of the field.
Exploration and Review: My question was answered in several different ways and all of the answers were narrative in form. The question was framed in an open ended manner, literally asking for the respondent's opinion. The answers I received were linked to the responders experiences in the field and perhaps, maybe a little bit biased based on where their personal interests/work experiences lie. To be fair, knowing the responders and what their backgrounds are has maybe made my evaluation and interpretation a little biased too. After reviewing the question, I still wonder if it could have been framed differently, but in order to do that I had to evaluate what it was that I wanted a specific answer to. I have concluded that I truly did want just an opinion. Except for the the last part of the question, ("do you think the downward turn..." ) I didn't expect a "yes" or "no" answer. I don't think I would re frame the question but rather, turn into two questions.
The responses I received were interesting and there were several categories that emerged. Two of the responders, saw the field of LA becoming increasingly more collaborative with other disciplines. Two of the responders felt that success in the field was entirely up to the individual and shouldn't be dependent on industry trends. Two others were a bit unsure of the future of the field and its trends. The common ground for all of the responders was that the future success and sustainability of the field lies on being open and flexible to a changing market whether it be in a large firm or individual practice. Overall, five of respondents were optimistic about the future and one unsure but seemingly hopeful.
In general, the responses I received were expected given the nature of the question. There were two outliers however. One of the answers was quite philosophical in nature and after reading it several times, I realized that only one sentence in the paragraph attempted to answer the question but did so very indirectly. The other responses were quite definite in their opinions and answers. The other answer that didn't quite fit with the others addressed why the role of the landscape architect was important but did not address the future trends of the field.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Glossary 2
Diagnostic/Descriptive Study: A study where the goal is to understand the topic. Provides suggestive evidence on a broad realm and offers insight into the structure and dynamics of a whole situation. (From Class discussion and notes).
Theoretical Study: Study that tests specific hypotheses suggested by experiences elsewhere or from a larger more comprehensive theory. (From Class discussion and notes).
Action Study: A study where changes are made or components are manipulated and analyzed. (From Class discussion and notes).
Environmental Determinism: Design of a place or environment drives the behavior of the users. For example, at the BAC, the observation that smokers tend to utilize the front of the building to have a cigarette for a variety of reasons that can be linked to the design. Here we as a class observed that the area is closely linked to the street where there is a lot of activity, there is an overhang to protect them from the elements and that the cigarette butt receptacle is in the front of the building. Another example is the observation that panhandlers choose to locate themselves on narrow passages of the sidewalk to solicit change. (From Class discussion and notes).
Explanatory Research: Establishes a cause and effect relationship between 2 variables. Explains why a phenomenon occurred. (From www.wiki.answers.com., accessed February 16, 2012 and class notes.)
Predictive Research: Forecasts the likelihood of a phenomenon occurring given a known baseline variable. For example, in the design of public spaces, if we know that certain factors, such as seating options, attract users to a space, can we, through design, make that space successful utilizing these know factors. (From www.wiki.answers.com., accessed February 16, 2012, class notes and personal example).
Third Places: Places other than home or work that one has an emotional attachment to. (From class notes and discussion).
Theoretical Study: Study that tests specific hypotheses suggested by experiences elsewhere or from a larger more comprehensive theory. (From Class discussion and notes).
Action Study: A study where changes are made or components are manipulated and analyzed. (From Class discussion and notes).
Environmental Determinism: Design of a place or environment drives the behavior of the users. For example, at the BAC, the observation that smokers tend to utilize the front of the building to have a cigarette for a variety of reasons that can be linked to the design. Here we as a class observed that the area is closely linked to the street where there is a lot of activity, there is an overhang to protect them from the elements and that the cigarette butt receptacle is in the front of the building. Another example is the observation that panhandlers choose to locate themselves on narrow passages of the sidewalk to solicit change. (From Class discussion and notes).
Explanatory Research: Establishes a cause and effect relationship between 2 variables. Explains why a phenomenon occurred. (From www.wiki.answers.com., accessed February 16, 2012 and class notes.)
Predictive Research: Forecasts the likelihood of a phenomenon occurring given a known baseline variable. For example, in the design of public spaces, if we know that certain factors, such as seating options, attract users to a space, can we, through design, make that space successful utilizing these know factors. (From www.wiki.answers.com., accessed February 16, 2012, class notes and personal example).
Third Places: Places other than home or work that one has an emotional attachment to. (From class notes and discussion).
Front Street, Scituate, Mass.
Monday, February 13, 2011 4:00pm Front Street is the central commercial street in Scituate. It really is the only commercial street in the town. So much so that I often refer to it as "Main Street". It runs in a north south direction and lies just east of the harbor. In fact, it directly abuts the harbor and at certain intervals you get a lovely view out onto the water. Beginning at the southern most end, my walk down Front Street begins with my back to St. Mary of the Nativity, a lovely white church and parish center with a rolling lawn and small town feel. There is a Bank of America on my right and as I continue onto an overpass the harbor spills out and around to the north. There are no buildings to my immediate left, just a tidal marsh. The grasses are brown but stand tall, moving rhythmically in the wind. It feels open and spacious. Just ahead Front Street lies before me and the periphery closes in and is clearly defined by a stretch of two storied buildings that contain local businesses. To my right, there is a road entrance to Cole Parkway. It is actually not a thoroughfare as the name would indicate, but an enormous parking area that serves the downtown district. To the left is Brook Street which is a residential block. There is a small cluster of stores that houses a marine supply store, the always busy pizza and sub shop and a curious boutique called "Native" that sells jewelery, clothing and artifacts from exotic locales. The local supermarket lies just ahead of this store cluster and is fronted by a large parking lot that is rather full at the moment. Cars are moving in and out of the lot at a good clip.
Walking along the street, I am noticing the mixed architecture that makes up the building mass. There are a variety of styles showing, from coastal, cedar shingled structures with columned porches to brick square boxes to unadorned clapboard storefronts. Almost all of them have window boxes or planters in front filled with winter greens that are beginning to yellow as the winter wears on. It is an eclectic mix. Front Street in its entirety stretches for about 3 1/2 blocks and the buildings make up most of the density. The first block being so heavily occupied, there is hardly a hint that just beyond Cole Parkway lies an unspoiled view of the harbor and seaside that drew most of the inhabitants to the town to live. This first block of businesses is also where of most of the "hustle and bustle" of the area takes place. As I pass this first block and look down the second entrance/exit to Cole Parkway a gazebo that lies harbor side comes into view. The sky opens up and seagulls fly past. I feel like I am in a beach town again. Three kids ride their skateboards along the sidewalk that flanks the harbor. The pace of the street slows down a bit as I move to the second and third blocks. Here the streets are lined with gift shops and galleries all with pretty window displays and stores waiting to be browsed. The physical appearance of the block seems to widen as the stores are larger and are spaced further apart. In reality however, the sidewalk and street widths are the same but somehow seem more spacious. In the distance, the road takes a curve westward and as it does a vista of the outer harbor and lighthouse comes into view. The mood of the area has changed. I feel like I have become a visitor to a seaside town. There are no errands to take care of and time as well as my own pace has slowed down.
Traffic is light all along Front Street and the cars move slowly past the shops and restaurants. There are parking spaces along both sides of the street but not all of them are occupied. Pedestrians cut across the street, paying little mind to the traffic or corner crosswalks. There many people out and about on both sides of the street but it doesn't feel crowded. Adolescent and teenage kids come and go from CVS and Dunkin Donuts, which are the only national chain stores in the area, as well as from the pizza place. There are mothers with strollers and several kids in tow to run after school errands or drop off the children at the dance or art schools. Several clusters of women dressed in workout clothes walk through the area on their daily exercise routes and 2 dog walkers keep up a steady pace along the sidewalk. A woman with a large Labrador stops in front of a restaurant to give her dog a quick drink and a treat that has been graciously supplied by the business owner. Excluding the children, most of the people out today are female and represent all age groups. There are very few men in sight with the exception of a few fathers and some older gentlemen who escort their wives in and out of the shops. By far the largest volume of people are occupying the first 1/3 of the area.
The pace as well as the occupation of front Street can be easily linked to the design. The fact that most of the activity is seen in the first third of the area is most likely due to the types of businesses that are contained within the street. It is a place where the convenience of one stop shopping can occur. In this small area of the block you can go to the bank, the market, the drugstore or the hardware store; drop the kids off at CCD, the movies or dance classes; get a haircut at one of 2 barbers or 2 women's hair salons, get your nails done at 2 different locations, grab a slice of pizza at 2 different shops, get a cup of coffee, go bowling, pick up a gift, a bottle of wine or flowers. The narrow street and close proximity of the stores seems to move the user efficiently along. As the street visually broadens things slow down and a more leisurely approach is taken. The pedestrian pace slows and there is a noticeable relaxed approach to shopping and browsing. It becomes apparent to me for the first time in the ten years I have lived in Scituate that the physical layout of the street and building/business type directs the pace and demeanor of the user. Interesting...
Walking along the street, I am noticing the mixed architecture that makes up the building mass. There are a variety of styles showing, from coastal, cedar shingled structures with columned porches to brick square boxes to unadorned clapboard storefronts. Almost all of them have window boxes or planters in front filled with winter greens that are beginning to yellow as the winter wears on. It is an eclectic mix. Front Street in its entirety stretches for about 3 1/2 blocks and the buildings make up most of the density. The first block being so heavily occupied, there is hardly a hint that just beyond Cole Parkway lies an unspoiled view of the harbor and seaside that drew most of the inhabitants to the town to live. This first block of businesses is also where of most of the "hustle and bustle" of the area takes place. As I pass this first block and look down the second entrance/exit to Cole Parkway a gazebo that lies harbor side comes into view. The sky opens up and seagulls fly past. I feel like I am in a beach town again. Three kids ride their skateboards along the sidewalk that flanks the harbor. The pace of the street slows down a bit as I move to the second and third blocks. Here the streets are lined with gift shops and galleries all with pretty window displays and stores waiting to be browsed. The physical appearance of the block seems to widen as the stores are larger and are spaced further apart. In reality however, the sidewalk and street widths are the same but somehow seem more spacious. In the distance, the road takes a curve westward and as it does a vista of the outer harbor and lighthouse comes into view. The mood of the area has changed. I feel like I have become a visitor to a seaside town. There are no errands to take care of and time as well as my own pace has slowed down.
Traffic is light all along Front Street and the cars move slowly past the shops and restaurants. There are parking spaces along both sides of the street but not all of them are occupied. Pedestrians cut across the street, paying little mind to the traffic or corner crosswalks. There many people out and about on both sides of the street but it doesn't feel crowded. Adolescent and teenage kids come and go from CVS and Dunkin Donuts, which are the only national chain stores in the area, as well as from the pizza place. There are mothers with strollers and several kids in tow to run after school errands or drop off the children at the dance or art schools. Several clusters of women dressed in workout clothes walk through the area on their daily exercise routes and 2 dog walkers keep up a steady pace along the sidewalk. A woman with a large Labrador stops in front of a restaurant to give her dog a quick drink and a treat that has been graciously supplied by the business owner. Excluding the children, most of the people out today are female and represent all age groups. There are very few men in sight with the exception of a few fathers and some older gentlemen who escort their wives in and out of the shops. By far the largest volume of people are occupying the first 1/3 of the area.
The pace as well as the occupation of front Street can be easily linked to the design. The fact that most of the activity is seen in the first third of the area is most likely due to the types of businesses that are contained within the street. It is a place where the convenience of one stop shopping can occur. In this small area of the block you can go to the bank, the market, the drugstore or the hardware store; drop the kids off at CCD, the movies or dance classes; get a haircut at one of 2 barbers or 2 women's hair salons, get your nails done at 2 different locations, grab a slice of pizza at 2 different shops, get a cup of coffee, go bowling, pick up a gift, a bottle of wine or flowers. The narrow street and close proximity of the stores seems to move the user efficiently along. As the street visually broadens things slow down and a more leisurely approach is taken. The pedestrian pace slows and there is a noticeable relaxed approach to shopping and browsing. It becomes apparent to me for the first time in the ten years I have lived in Scituate that the physical layout of the street and building/business type directs the pace and demeanor of the user. Interesting...
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Newbury, Mass Ave, Boylston and Hereford Analysis
(Boston, Ma., Wednesday, 5:30pm). The block covering Newbury Street to Mass Ave to Boylston Street to Hereford offers an interesting mix of atmosphere as well as users. Heading west up Newbury Street, the block is intimate and close. Many shops and restaurants occupy the brick, detailed buildings that are reminiscent of bygone days. Street trees line the sidewalks and in the evening during the winter, are lit with twinkling white lights. Parked cars occupy the sidewalks on both sides and thru traffic passes by slowly on the narrow street. The sun has set and the sky is dark. It feels like a ceiling, with an expanse visible only when seen while looking west beyond the end of the block. The air is calm and rather warm for a February night. There are many pedestrians with shopping bags from local stores, students carrying backpacks, tourists and commuters. A homeless man sells papers outside the North Face store. For the most part, the age of the pedestrians range from early 20's to middle aged. There are very few, if any, senior adults and no small children to be seen.
Turning on to Mass Ave, the streets seem to open up and widen with traffic covering four lanes heading both north and south. It becomes noisier. The buildings have less character and pedestrians, while still among the same age range as on Newbury street, walk and pass by with more purpose as if they are concentrating on their destination. A line for the bus is formed outside of the Best Buy and most people are busy corresponding on their handhelds or have earphones on. Heading up to the bridge that expands over the Massachusetts Turnpike, the sky opens up and it appears that the neighborhood lies out before you. The wind is stronger and carries a chill that was not felt on Newbury Street, exposing you to the elements. A homeless person has set up a sign asking for donations and a seating area, but at the moment is not at his or her post. The feeling is one of vastness as the cars rush by underneath you along the turnpike, the sky is open and the Prudential Tower and other tall buildings rise up over the neighborhood rooftops to the southeast. Their are lights everywhere and the roads and sidewalks are wider than on Newbury Street. I feel like I am walking faster.
Turning onto Boylston Street and heading eastward, the wind still carries a bite. The street is just as wide as Mass Ave and carries the same feeling of openness. The intersection is crowded with cars stopped at the traffic light and a large crowd of pedestrians crosses from each corner. Parked cars line the street on either side and the four lanes traveling east and west are wide and carry relatively little traffic right now. Pedestrian traffic is also much less condensed than the other two blocks. There are several people ranging in age from early 20's to 50's and as before walk with purpose and move with a steady stride. There are no children and as before, no senior adults. The Mass Pike generates noise and movement below to my left. The buildings on the south side of the street are large but low in height. Their presence is felt but not in an imposing way.
As I proceed onto Hereford Street the feeling changes again to one of closeness. The street is narrow with cars lining both sides. The buildings are low but large giving the street a "boxed in" vibe. The sidewalks are narrow and the sky closes in again. There are 2 pedestrians including myself. The person on the other side of the street is a young woman, carrying a large "Blick" bag. I am wondering if she is also a student at the BAC. There are no street trees, just buildings, concrete and cars.
I think that the reason certain users occupy these streets can most definitely be linked to the design of each street. Along Newbury Street for instance, the streets are lined with stores and restaurants creating a space that offers the opportunity to slow down, look at the window dressings, stop in to shop, grab a coffee or have a bite to eat. The narrowness and quaint feeling is comfortable and causes one to almost slow down. It is a destination. I feel that the absence of senior adults and children could be that the type of commercial businesses that line the street don't really have anything to offer the two age categories. Mass Ave, Boylston Street and Hereford Street feel like they are a means to get to the next spot. They are pathways to public transportation and nearby parking areas and have very few, if any, places to stop and "have a look". With wider streets and sidewalks they are designed to accommodate large amounts of people and their movement. Where as Newbury Street is a destination, Mass Ave., Boylston and Hereford Streets are a means to any number of destinations.
Turning on to Mass Ave, the streets seem to open up and widen with traffic covering four lanes heading both north and south. It becomes noisier. The buildings have less character and pedestrians, while still among the same age range as on Newbury street, walk and pass by with more purpose as if they are concentrating on their destination. A line for the bus is formed outside of the Best Buy and most people are busy corresponding on their handhelds or have earphones on. Heading up to the bridge that expands over the Massachusetts Turnpike, the sky opens up and it appears that the neighborhood lies out before you. The wind is stronger and carries a chill that was not felt on Newbury Street, exposing you to the elements. A homeless person has set up a sign asking for donations and a seating area, but at the moment is not at his or her post. The feeling is one of vastness as the cars rush by underneath you along the turnpike, the sky is open and the Prudential Tower and other tall buildings rise up over the neighborhood rooftops to the southeast. Their are lights everywhere and the roads and sidewalks are wider than on Newbury Street. I feel like I am walking faster.
Turning onto Boylston Street and heading eastward, the wind still carries a bite. The street is just as wide as Mass Ave and carries the same feeling of openness. The intersection is crowded with cars stopped at the traffic light and a large crowd of pedestrians crosses from each corner. Parked cars line the street on either side and the four lanes traveling east and west are wide and carry relatively little traffic right now. Pedestrian traffic is also much less condensed than the other two blocks. There are several people ranging in age from early 20's to 50's and as before walk with purpose and move with a steady stride. There are no children and as before, no senior adults. The Mass Pike generates noise and movement below to my left. The buildings on the south side of the street are large but low in height. Their presence is felt but not in an imposing way.
As I proceed onto Hereford Street the feeling changes again to one of closeness. The street is narrow with cars lining both sides. The buildings are low but large giving the street a "boxed in" vibe. The sidewalks are narrow and the sky closes in again. There are 2 pedestrians including myself. The person on the other side of the street is a young woman, carrying a large "Blick" bag. I am wondering if she is also a student at the BAC. There are no street trees, just buildings, concrete and cars.
I think that the reason certain users occupy these streets can most definitely be linked to the design of each street. Along Newbury Street for instance, the streets are lined with stores and restaurants creating a space that offers the opportunity to slow down, look at the window dressings, stop in to shop, grab a coffee or have a bite to eat. The narrowness and quaint feeling is comfortable and causes one to almost slow down. It is a destination. I feel that the absence of senior adults and children could be that the type of commercial businesses that line the street don't really have anything to offer the two age categories. Mass Ave, Boylston Street and Hereford Street feel like they are a means to get to the next spot. They are pathways to public transportation and nearby parking areas and have very few, if any, places to stop and "have a look". With wider streets and sidewalks they are designed to accommodate large amounts of people and their movement. Where as Newbury Street is a destination, Mass Ave., Boylston and Hereford Streets are a means to any number of destinations.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Glossary
Space: A place available for a particular purpose; an extent, or a particular extent of time (Random House Webster's College Dictionary).
Place: A particular portion of space, whether or definite or indefinite extent (Random House Webster's College Dictionary). (From class notes) Place is experiential.
Deductive Research: Starts with a theory and generates hypotheses that can be tested. Observations are collected to test the hypotheses. Conclusions drawn from the data collected can then either support the original theory or not. ("Research Methods Knowledge Base", Social scienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Inductive Research: Research that begins with observations and measure. Data is interpreted for patterns and regularities that can be formed into hypotheses that can be explored, leading to theories and conclusions. ("Research Methods Knowledge Base", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Positivism: A sense of a right or wrong answer. A belief that the purpose of science is to describe the phenomena of what we experience, only what can be observed and measured. ("Positivism and Anti-Positivism", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Phenomenology: Emphasizes subjective experiences and interpretations, interest lies is understanding how the world appears to others. ("Qualitative Approaches", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Grounded Theory: Theory that is based or "grounded" in observation. Research begins by considering general questions that guide the study but are not intended to be restrictive. As data collection continues, core concepts are formulated. As research evolves, concepts become more focused and centralized. ("Qualitative Approaches", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Place: A particular portion of space, whether or definite or indefinite extent (Random House Webster's College Dictionary). (From class notes) Place is experiential.
Deductive Research: Starts with a theory and generates hypotheses that can be tested. Observations are collected to test the hypotheses. Conclusions drawn from the data collected can then either support the original theory or not. ("Research Methods Knowledge Base", Social scienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Inductive Research: Research that begins with observations and measure. Data is interpreted for patterns and regularities that can be formed into hypotheses that can be explored, leading to theories and conclusions. ("Research Methods Knowledge Base", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Positivism: A sense of a right or wrong answer. A belief that the purpose of science is to describe the phenomena of what we experience, only what can be observed and measured. ("Positivism and Anti-Positivism", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Phenomenology: Emphasizes subjective experiences and interpretations, interest lies is understanding how the world appears to others. ("Qualitative Approaches", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
Grounded Theory: Theory that is based or "grounded" in observation. Research begins by considering general questions that guide the study but are not intended to be restrictive. As data collection continues, core concepts are formulated. As research evolves, concepts become more focused and centralized. ("Qualitative Approaches", Socialscienceresearchmethods.net, Accessed 2/12).
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