These are the park map, section map (playground), measuring sketch for the section map, and the height measuring line across the playground. What I discovered during this park measuring process was that I began to interpret the surrounding in a horizontal sense whereas usually, the urban environment, particularly that of New York City, is one of vertical heights.
This is the “Yes, No, Modify” exercise, I chose the playground facilities in Columbus Park as a measurement of whether I could be contained within a certain height. I placed myself in different sections of the jungle-gym. It’s a No when I have to bend my legs more than half-way, as it is uncomfortable to remain in that position for a period of time. In the first two photos, I had to squat, so the indict is a no. For the next two, I could stand upright and still had space above my head, thus they are labeled as Yes. My position in the last two photos are not entirely comfortable nor uncomfortable, they belong under Modify because the height is awkward, and could be improved.
I chose a swing chair from the playground as a key built element because it is one of the most popular facility at the park with children always in the seats.
This is the soundscape I collected by sitting in three different areas around the park. Most of the noises came from humans as there was a lot of activity during those times.
these are the data I collected from the texture mapping exercise, the colors are inverted because I found the patterns to appear more vibrant and clearer this way. Some of the samples used here are from safe mats, tree barks, and pine leaves, which are commonly found in nearly all parks, and thus makes Columbus Park a regular public space. One that does not have any special facilities that individualizes it from others beside the playground.
These are a small sample of the images I collected from the park, although I’m still in the process of sorting ones that best convey the atmosphere of the park. The first few present the physical surrounding and natural elements, which relate to personal sensations in the park. The next several images incorporate people, which are an absolute essential part of this space. The people of Columbus Park is what gives life to it and makes it distinct from others. The geometric factors of the last few images are to show that no matter the amount of natural forms found here, it is still a centrally designed piece of architecture in the urban environment.
