Story of the Block

Each exercise we participated in during class revealed the important of sequence, progression, and perspective.When someone enters a block they immediately have an impression. Our senses flare constantly. Each person reacts uniquely to a situation or encounter. This is important to note, that everyones experience is unique and their perspective different. When studying a block I immediately noticed patterns. Cars blared in spastic rhythm. Their break would screech when the light turned red and as soon as the light turned green horns would blare. As time continued the block went from feeling completely deserted to slowly gaining life. As time evolved the blocks atmosphere would change. However, the constant pattern of cars stayed the same. The sequence of buildings became important because it became another constant within the block. In one excursive we overlapped the photos, representing a collapse of time. In the next we kept each photo distinct from the other, which slowed and stretched the sequence. In another exercise we repeated the photographs, dropping the ones that seemed insignificant. In our final layout we included images that showed the passer-byers and important highlights of the block. We were offered the option of titling these extra photos. This created a narrative for the block. Through each exercise a story line was created.

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Each block in New York is incredibly unique. From the people to the stores to the garbage that lines the sidewalk, it is special and different. However, 6th ave between Waverly Pl and Washington ST. lys a block that is all too bland. CVS and Duane Reade have monopoly on one side of the block. On the other side sits a big white church, that’s not particularly pretty. The church was built in 1834 making it the oldest Roman Catholic Church in New York City. A red door is at the front and happens to be the most vibrant part of the block. An occasional woman may stroll along. Most likely falling across it by accident, having just come from the friendly streets of the west village, which is bustling with hip activity. Empty storefronts lay next to CVS and Duane Reade. Apartments that seem abandoned sit next to the church with a red door. The streets fairly clean. The church must maintain it or its cleanliness is due to its vacancy. A food stand is stalled on one of the corners. And after thirty minutes not a single sole bought food from the stand. Cars often rush by, sometimes screeching to a halt. The stoplight that faces south is quick and gives cabs just barely enough time to pass through. Older women walk by tugging at their puppies, who wander aimlessly. Compared to many streets in the city this one feels empty. Cars overwhelm the street. However, the sidewalk and buildings seem vacated. It’s eerily peaceful, yet somehow the block maintains to feel like the streets that follow freeway exits. The sun sometimes blares down on the block, making the white church with the bold red door appear almost heavenly. The roar of cars took precedence over any other sounds. Every once and awhile a pedestrians voice may override the hum of vehicles. The sounds of other people’s conversations linger only for a moment as the roar of the cars blare back.