Weekly Wayfinding: Social Path

Paved Paths Can Be Social Too

Social paths are generally defined as being paths people take that are not paved or deliberately laid out as movement corridors. However, near Rapson Hall, there is a path, paved with pavers, that is absolutely a social path. It is located near the west entrance to the atrium. When there is no snow, it becomes clear that this path is more for aesthetic reasons that for actual circulation. To the left of the path, there is a similar path leading to another entrance to the atrium. Nobody uses this path, despite it being paved. What makes the social path so used is a mindset. Only group in particular uses this route into Rapson Hall, those of us who live there. Your first time entering Rapson, chances are you will not use this path. It is sloped, slightly uneven, and slippery during winter. However, when you are an architecture or landscape design student, chances are you will use this path when entering the building. It is the quickest way in, and we cannot afford to waste any of our valuable studio time. Also, it is somewhat of a status symbol. Trekking this path shows to others on the street that you belong, that you are a CDes student and proud of it.

This path as social is evident in the winter because this walkway is never plowed. But as the photo shows, it is not only trampled down, but completely clear due to the high number of arch and LA students dragging their feet into Rapson 24/7. The social use of this pathway take it from a landscape feature to a social path.

Weekly Wayfinding: Alternative Mode of Transportation

I Can't Feel My Fingers: 2/4/13

My typical mode of transportation to get to campus is the bus (route 2). So for this challenge, I decided to walk. There are many benefits to walking, ranging from personal health to less cars on the road. It also allows me to experience street, or lack thereof, firsthand. While I am used to walking around campus, I rarely walk to campus, as it involves crossing the canyon that is [Interstate] 35W. But today, I decided to take the challenge.

I chose the absolute best day of the week to walk to campus. It was a balmy -22 degrees wind chill.

Luckily, my walk took me right by a Dunn Bros. Coffee break!

Not the most pedestrian friendly place to park your truck...

Would it not be for this challenge, I would be nice and warm on that bus.

I made it! Campus!

This was the first area design specifically for pedestrians. Everywhere else I walked was a car-centric designed corridor with a sidewalk alongside.

My favorite thing about walking is the view. Good morning, Minneapolis! I love how walk-able of a city you are!

Campus is much more pedestrian friendly. Wider sidewalks, less car traffic, and much more foot traffic.

Finally, home sweet home. By this point, I had lost all feeling in my fingers.

Street Life Wayfinding Posts

Do I even need to say it? I'm bad at this game. Said it. So to help me continue posting despite my chaotic schedule, I am going to start posting a fun assignment I have for my Street Life seminar. We have weekly wayfinding challenges, things that involve us getting out on the street and interacting with it in some way, that we have to do weekly. We have to post it on a class tumblr for  Carrie (our teacher) to evaluate. It's actually quite entertaining. I will start posting my weekly entries on here. But in case you want to read the rest of the class's, click here.

Thanks! And keep on keepin on!