Visual & Spatial Analysis

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

Visual & Spatial Analysis: Queen’s Park 1|P a g e

Aki Erenberg

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

District

Erica Allen-Kim

Node

Path

Edge

Monument

Mental Map 2|P a g e Title Image: https://chuckmantorontonostalgia.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/postcard-toronto-skyline-downtown-aerial-queens-parkcenter-toronto-island-top-new-cibc-building-was-built-in-1972.jpg (accessed 25/10/2015)

Aki Erenberg

999709702

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Queens+Park+Crescent+W,+Toronto,+ON/@43.6642668,79.392417,851a,20y,270h/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x882b34b9dd9ef05d:0x55f1a5722d8ef7c9 (accessed 25/10/2015)

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

General Map 3|P a g e

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

Key Node

Landmark/monument

Connection to districts

Cyclist/running trail

Pathway (line weight proportional to usage)

Visual Elements 1.

Pathway (line weight 4 | to Page proportional usage)

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Looking south from the Equestrian Statue of Edward VII, a brief glimpse of what makes this park so important is captured. The many pathways and natural elements that distinguish this park are in full view. Across the street, the Ontario Legislature Building stands, representing Toronto’s political significance and stature. To the right and left of this photo lies the connecting nodes between the neighbouring campus district and the park, as well as roads leading vehicles toward different areas of the city. I have chosen to use this photo because it represents the relationship that Queens Park holds within the city; a corridor between the University of Toronto, the Ontario Legislature Building, and the rest of the city that also provides a natural refuge from the constructed cityscape surrounding it. A park that emphasizes both aesthetic and function.

Erica Allen-Kim

Perspective 5|P a g e

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

The southwest side of Queens Park consists of a multi-functioning edge/node. Lynch measures the performance of the city using five attributes: vitality, sense, fit, accessibility, and control. This area of Queens Park is a fine representation of Toronto’s performance as a metropolis. The integration of the pedestrian/cyclist/automobile pathways shows not just the vitality of the city but the ability to control traffic and aid accessibility to/from the park as well. Those using this node recognize that it is a convenient corridor from the park to campus, and this fulfills the “sense” of the city. Lynch wrote that a location that fits is determined by “how well the spatial and temporal pattern of a settlement matches the customary behaviour of its inhabitants” (Lynch, 1960), otherwise seen as a cultural acceptance factor. Demonstrated by the coexistence of both an educational institution and a public amenity, this node helps meet all of Lynch’s requirements to the performance of the city.

Lynch, Kevin. The Image of the City. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT, 1960. Print.

Significant “Spot” http://www1.toronto.ca/City%20Of%20Toronto/Parks%20Forestry%20&%20Recreation/02Parks%20a nd%20Trails/Park%20Projects%20and%20Improvements/Files/images/Queen_Park_North_aerial_vie w_featured_800wide.jpg (accessed 25/10/2015)

6|P a g e

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

Observations: 

   

Queens Park is composed of three main elements: the paved pathways (used for transitioning form one side to the other), the running/cycling path (unpaved and vacant for 4 months of the year), and the grass patches (used for static, personal activities such as studying or yoga) The typical meeting spot is the surrounding area of the Edward the VII Statue, which is also the most popular area to sit as well There are constantly people in the park, but the busiest times of the day are in the morning between 8:30am – 9:00am, around lunch between 12:00pm – 12:50pm, and after school ends for small children between 3:00pm – 3:30pm Students occupy this park the most frequently, followed by parents with small children, pet owners, and tai chi advocates The running/cycling path is an additional form of pedestrian traffic, yet is incredibly efficient at not interfering with other park activities

Comments:   

The park has a terrible reputation of being a dangerous space to travel through at night, and this could be a large reason for why the park becomes a mostly vacant space after sunset If you are using the paved pathways, it is implied that you are to stay in constant motion; the only place to stop or pause is towards the central monument where the pathway widens Jaywalking is an extremely popular activity across the access points of the park, but many of these points are not controlled by traffic lights and evidently people do not care to abide by traffic rules if they are committed to getting somewhere

Thoughts:  



Cyclists using the paved paths are a constant danger for pedestrians, exhibiting the necessity for dedicated bike paths within the park There is a unique relationship between the pathways in the park; similar to Central Park, it is difficult to look directly across the park without making eye contact with a stranger or having your view be obstructed by nature (almost forcing you to admire the surrounding environment) The access point closest to Hart House is, while the most purposeful, one of the most terrifying for pedestrians, as both cyclist AND vehicle traffic are opposing the path of motion across the street

Personal Thoughts 7|P a g e

Aki Erenberg

999709702

ARC334

Erica Allen-Kim

1. Without restructuring the current paved pathways, is there an intervention that can be made which will allow cyclists and pedestrians to coexist within the park?

2. What relationship do the paved pathways create between the park and the pedestrian?

3. How can the access points safer for pedestrians entering/exiting the park be made safer, especially on the southwest side neighbouring Hart House?

4. What can be done to further promote rest within the park?

5. Conversely, what can be done to promote more physical activity within the park (excluding transitioning through)?

6. To what degree does this space support the essential biological performance of those within it?

7. What elements of the park make it a desirable space to occupy?

Questions 8|P a g e