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).
Saturday, February 18, 2012
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).
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Survey Response Answers
Hello all... The answers to your questions are as follows (in the order they were received...)
Colin: I was attending the Landscape Institute to get a Certification in Landscape Design. At the encouragement of some of my instructors, I was asked to consider taking my career path to the next level (basically, getting my Master's in LA). I knew the only other schools offering such programs in this area were the GSD, RISD and UMass Amherst. I was not in the position to leave the state as my children were already well on their own academic ways in Massachusetts, and to be honest, I like Boston and the area too much to leave. I was told to look into the BAC's undergrad program and so I did. Yes, I was willing to obtain a second Bachelor's degree to make this career change happen! So I went to see Pat Loheed where I learned that a Master's curriculum was in the works. So I signed on, and moved into the Master's program when it was up and running. Incidentally, I had only 1 class left at the Landscape Institute and an Independent Project to complete to get my Certification. I made the move anyway, and do not regret it for 1 minute! The summer before I was to start the BAC, it was announced that the LI was purchased from Harvard and was now part of the BAC's continuing ed program.. Kinda interesting how things turned out.
Luis: I grew up on Long Island in New York, very close to the beach. I think the open and simplistic landscape of the ocean has always had a positive impact on me and has been a place where I go to get away from everything. I have lived in many places since then, all of them close to the ocean. I don't think I could live any where that was landlocked. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. On the negative side, my family move to Long Island during the mass migration days of Levittown and the "suburban sprawl" of the late 1960's. Each property was, for the most part, a perfect square with little variation between composed and often times tortured landscapes. I knew from the time I was little I couldn't be comfortable in this type of cookie cutter community and vowed I would never live in one as an adult. I am happy to say that I don't.
Sara: I am also a fan of public transportation. I would definitely be willing to pay a little more for extended services. For example, I would love to take the commuter rail all the time to class, but can't as the service on my line ends at 10pm. There is no way to make that happen if you have class at 7:15-10:15. It can be a logistical nightmare.
Matt: I don't work in a firm so can't really answer that question directly. I think though that you need to keep your value up by always being able to bring something to the table for your company. It's about what you have to offer them. So, stay ahead and always keep improving yourself.
Ted: My favorite hobbies are surfing, swimming and reading. I was an avid swimmer for a long time, logging about 1.5 miles each session 4 or 5 days a week. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back into it lately because of other obligations but I have felt the bug a lot in the past month or so... time to get cracking. I read ALL the time, everyday in fact, just for pleasure. It helps to settle me in for the night, no matter what time. Mostly french history... very intriguing...
Susan: Wow... I think we need to change these attitudes not just through education but by leading by example as designers and planners of landscapes. I agree with what your saying. There are still so many people out there who just either don't get it or don't care (shameful as that is..). I worked for a landscape company this year that could have cared less about anything to do with sustainability. The look on the faces of my colleagues (former colleagues, I should state) was priceless when I went on a small soapbox and let them know that sustainability isn't going anywhere, it is now and more importantly the future and that they best stop fighting it, rolling their eyes at the mention of trying to do things differently and get on with it! OK, so I took a non nurturing approach, but, it felt good to knock on stupidity's door and deliver the message!
Colin: I was attending the Landscape Institute to get a Certification in Landscape Design. At the encouragement of some of my instructors, I was asked to consider taking my career path to the next level (basically, getting my Master's in LA). I knew the only other schools offering such programs in this area were the GSD, RISD and UMass Amherst. I was not in the position to leave the state as my children were already well on their own academic ways in Massachusetts, and to be honest, I like Boston and the area too much to leave. I was told to look into the BAC's undergrad program and so I did. Yes, I was willing to obtain a second Bachelor's degree to make this career change happen! So I went to see Pat Loheed where I learned that a Master's curriculum was in the works. So I signed on, and moved into the Master's program when it was up and running. Incidentally, I had only 1 class left at the Landscape Institute and an Independent Project to complete to get my Certification. I made the move anyway, and do not regret it for 1 minute! The summer before I was to start the BAC, it was announced that the LI was purchased from Harvard and was now part of the BAC's continuing ed program.. Kinda interesting how things turned out.
Luis: I grew up on Long Island in New York, very close to the beach. I think the open and simplistic landscape of the ocean has always had a positive impact on me and has been a place where I go to get away from everything. I have lived in many places since then, all of them close to the ocean. I don't think I could live any where that was landlocked. I wouldn't know what to do with myself. On the negative side, my family move to Long Island during the mass migration days of Levittown and the "suburban sprawl" of the late 1960's. Each property was, for the most part, a perfect square with little variation between composed and often times tortured landscapes. I knew from the time I was little I couldn't be comfortable in this type of cookie cutter community and vowed I would never live in one as an adult. I am happy to say that I don't.
Sara: I am also a fan of public transportation. I would definitely be willing to pay a little more for extended services. For example, I would love to take the commuter rail all the time to class, but can't as the service on my line ends at 10pm. There is no way to make that happen if you have class at 7:15-10:15. It can be a logistical nightmare.
Matt: I don't work in a firm so can't really answer that question directly. I think though that you need to keep your value up by always being able to bring something to the table for your company. It's about what you have to offer them. So, stay ahead and always keep improving yourself.
Ted: My favorite hobbies are surfing, swimming and reading. I was an avid swimmer for a long time, logging about 1.5 miles each session 4 or 5 days a week. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to get back into it lately because of other obligations but I have felt the bug a lot in the past month or so... time to get cracking. I read ALL the time, everyday in fact, just for pleasure. It helps to settle me in for the night, no matter what time. Mostly french history... very intriguing...
Susan: Wow... I think we need to change these attitudes not just through education but by leading by example as designers and planners of landscapes. I agree with what your saying. There are still so many people out there who just either don't get it or don't care (shameful as that is..). I worked for a landscape company this year that could have cared less about anything to do with sustainability. The look on the faces of my colleagues (former colleagues, I should state) was priceless when I went on a small soapbox and let them know that sustainability isn't going anywhere, it is now and more importantly the future and that they best stop fighting it, rolling their eyes at the mention of trying to do things differently and get on with it! OK, so I took a non nurturing approach, but, it felt good to knock on stupidity's door and deliver the message!
Friday, February 3, 2012
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