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Step by Step: Uncovering the Seating Patterns of the Low Steps
Location The Low Steps of the Low Library at Columbia University serve as a central hub for campus life, offering a space where students, faculty, and visitors gather throughout the day. Type of Interaction Observed: Seating and Social Dynamics Date of Observation: Feburary 27, 2024 March 02, 2024 March 25, 2024 April 08, 2024 Qualitative…
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Whyte and Gehl in Bryant Park
Sitting alone in the park might be a dreaded activity for some people, but Bryant Park has a magical power for solo seaters; many people are comfortable sitting alone in it. This unique comfort in solitude amidst the bustling heart of New York City can be attributed to the thoughtful urban design and planning principles…
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Piano in the Lobby
The place I chose to observe was the piano downstairs in my apartment. It is located next to the mail box, across from the doorman, and generally if people enter through the front door to go to the elevator, this piano is in a line of motion that people don’t notice. I observed that most…
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Step in
Steps in New York serve as more than just passageways for pedestrian traffic; they also function as popular public spaces for socializing, dining, and leisure activities. So I started the observation on people’s usage of the Low Step at Columbia University, mapped the people, and analyzed the result… Findings: For studying, socializing, relaxation, or any…
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The Transition between Public Space and Private Space
The front porch of the tenement building where I reside has become my focal point for observation. During my comings and goings, I’ve frequently encountered groups of people congregating and engaging in conversation on the porch. Intrigued by this social hub, I began to observe their interactions more closely, aiming to understand the porch’s functions…
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When the Station Takes a Bath
A recurring theme in my investigation of urban data this semester has been understanding the role cleanliness plays in the way we navigate urban space. Perhaps I am fastidious, but I often catch myself dodging stray trash on the sidewalk, circumventing miscellaneous gunk, and sometimes changing my route to the subway because I refuse to…
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Got 2 Go!
Source: CleanLink For many, the decision about which bathroom stall to go into is a personal choice. From perceptions of cleanliness, usage, and privacy, the idea of the “best” stall changes from person to person. My series of exercises sought to understand this choice through urban observation across three main categories: stall choice, bathroom path,…
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The Usage Of Bike Lock Stand In Columbia University
The observation conducted on bike lock stand usage at Columbia University has provided insights into how the distribution and accessibility of bike lock stands influence their utilization across different campus locations. My observation usually is conducted through a short walk around the areas with a high significant walk flow on campus, the times the observations…
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An Observation of Urban Rhythms in Times Square
The ebb and flow of Times Square’s vibrancy are captured in snapshots taken at 11:00, 17:00, 19:00, and 22:00, revealing the city’s living pulse. From the sparse morning movements to the dense evening gatherings, each image narrates a distinct chapter of the day’s cycle. By 17:00, the scene thickens with the purposeful strides of the…
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Secret Tunnel Staff Lounge
I noticed this mysterious tunnel lounge area under the Avery at the beginning of the semester, which is located in the passageway behind the Avery vending machine. At first, I thought the tunnel was just for connecting between buildings, but I came to find out that people stopped here for various reasons. My observations happen…