Can't Google That: The Necessity of Travel Study in Design Education in the Digital Age by eric d reiter

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That The Necessity of Travel Study in Design Education in the Digital Age

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That

Primer: Travel study continues to be significant in the education of a designer. Physically traveling to new places (as opposed to traveling through virtual means) provides unfiltered exposure to the social, environmental, economic, and sensory conditions which truly define one place from another. It is the role of a designer to respond to the conditions of a place in order to produce an informed design response. Responsible designers draw from these highly specific, defining characteristics of a place to influence the development of a design response which is sensitive and appropriate for its context. Many defining characteristics of a place cannot be accurately represented in a virtual setting, and it can become dangerous for designers to rely on virtual representations as a means by which to understand the defining characteristics of a place. There are; without question, certain experiences and knowledge which cannot be gained through virtual means. In other words: You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google everything...

Preface

“No man’s knowledge here can go beyond his experience.”

-John Locke

An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1689

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That

Preface

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That The Necessity of Travel Study in Design Education in the Digital Age

Graduate Thesis Monograph: Eric D. Reiter Graduate Committee: Paul Hirzel

Phil Gruen

Robert Krikac

Can’t Google That

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Preface

This thesis project is the product of shattering adversity. Thank you to everyone who supported me in deciding to pursue a new direction. A special thank you to... Jaime Rice

Phil Gruen

Paul Hirzel

Robert Krikac

My parents, my constants My grandmother Irene, my biggest supporter

Carrie Vielle

Can’t Google That

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

02 Initial Investigation

03 Development

04 Traveling Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Galaxy

05 Conclusions

159

06 References

167

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Introduction

Introduction A. B. C.

The Spark A Brief History of Travel Study in Design Education Significance of Travel in the Digital Age

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A. The Spark Observing the Benefits of Study Travel I was a teaching assistant for five semesters during my undergraduate and graduate career in Architecture at Washington State Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (WSU) School of Design & Construction (SDC). The courses I was involved in were focused around architectural history and theory. In this position I was put into close contact with several groups of second and third-year design students, including students from the disciplines of architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture. In this position, I was able to evaluate students at many stages during their early design education, and I was privileged to be able to observe remarkable changes and maturation within the groups of students. One opportunity offered to second and third-year design students in the SDC is an curriculum-integrated study tour to locations within the United States. Destinations of these study tours have included: New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, and Washington D.C.. In my role as a teaching assistant and evaluator of student work, I was able to observe a remarkable transformation within the body of students attending these study tours. The group of students returning from these study tours were; in many ways, distinct from the group of students who had embarked only one week prior. I noticed small trends initially. The language being used by the students to describe their design work upon their return was much more sophisticated and thoughtful. I was noticing students grouped together in the halls and foyers of Carpenter Hall, discussing architectural topics with great enthusiasm and interest. I had not observed this behavior or interest prior to the study tours, and it peaked my own interest enough to ask some preliminary questions. Were there measurable benefits for students to undergo a period of displacement during their design education? Were these study tours regarded as beneficial by the students themselves? Asking these questions was the spark which inspired the focus of this Master of Architecture thesis project.

Introduction

Fig. [1] “WSU Architecture Students near the Wrigley Building, Chicago.”

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An Influential & Inspirational Conversation After making these initial observations, I had an influential conversation with Jaime Rice; the Graduate Academic Coordinator at the School of Design & Construction, and the primary organizer of the school’s study tour program. We discussed the transformation I had observed among the returning groups of students, and we agreed I was in a unique position given my contact with these students; as a result of my role as a teaching assistant, to pursue this idea further-potentially as a research-based thesis project. I had made one attempt at a thesis proposal prior to this conversation, and after facing a tribunal-esque review the previous semester, I decided I needed to reconsider my thesis project. I vividly remember sulking into Jaime’s office to voice my concerns that I was completely off the tracks and had next to no idea what I was doing with my thesis. It was in the midst of this sorrowful self-reflecting that I shared with Jaime what I had observed in my students, seemingly as a result of the study tours which she was so integral in organizing. There was an immediate energy about the conversation once we started talking about the potential benefits of study tours. I remember being fiendishly excited that something I had noticed could potentially have such deep reverberations. Jaime and I talked for a long while about the topic of the study tour program, and eventually the discussion yielded a question which would be the driving force behind the initial investigation I conducted. The question was: “Are design students benefitting from attending study tours?” The conversation with Jaime was a turning point for me in many ways. I emerged from her office that afternoon with a profound sense of direction which had been absent from my previous attempt at a thesis proposal. I was genuinely invested in this topic, and I wanted to dive into the research phase.

(1) Thoreau, Henry David. Cited in: Cornell, Joseph. Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature. Nevada City: Dawn Publications, 1987. Print. Pg. 1.

Introduction

â&#x20AC;&#x153;There must be the / generating force of love behind every effort destined to be successful.â&#x20AC;? (1)

-Henry David Thoreau

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B. A Brief History of Travel Study in Design Education “The English Journey” In order to conduct my own informed research regarding travel study as an aspect of design education, it was important to gain an understanding of the role travel study has held as a historical aspect of design education. Karl Friedrich Schinkel; who was a Prussian architect and city planner, recorded his own travel experiences through England and France in 1826. Though Schinkel was hardly the first traveler to undertake an endeavor to study design in an unfamiliar place, his story served as a particularly strong indicator of the role of travel as an educational necessity in the early 19th century. The intention of his pilgrimage was to study the different types of built environments and architectural works present in these foreign nations, and specifically how the industrial revolution had affected two leading industrial nations. He documented the details he saw and kept a travel journal (shown on the opposite page). Travel, in this case, was an educational and informative experience. Schinkel observed and documented specific architectural details, and at the time, this was the only consistent way to record such details. Gaining experience of a place (in 1826) required actually visiting the place in question, spending time immersed within the culture and observing the array of differences.(2) The goal of Schinkel’s travels was to bring back the ideas of industrial development and the technological feats being applied to architecture he had observed in England and France, ultimately to influence his own works of architecture. This is a model of travel which can be associated with many wealthy Europeans during this time-frame.

(2) Schinkel, Karl Friedrich. The English Journey: Journal of a Visit to France and Britain in 1826. New Haven & London: Yale University Press. 1993. Print. Pg. 121.

Introduction

Fig. [2] “Portrait of Karl Schinkel.”

Fig. [3] “Pages from Schinkel’s Travel Diary.”

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Thomas Jefferson and the American Aesthetic A familiar example of travel study being a revelatory educational experience is the story of Thomas Jefferson’s travels. Jefferson observed the regal architecture of Europe, and incorporated many of the ideas, details, and philosophies he observed into the development of the “American Aesthetic.” Once more, we see an example of travel being the means by which information is imparted. It was only possible to experience the architecture of Europe by means of traveling to Europe and observing & documenting it for ones self. In the late 18th century, travel was an activity reserved for the elite. Only privileged individuals were able to fund such expeditions. As a result, Jefferson’s travel experiences elevated his architectural ideas to be considered as “professional,” and “refined.” At this time, the very act of traveling qualified an individual as an authority. The quote on the opposite page indicates the extent to which such travel experiences influenced Jefferson’s architectural ideas.(3) Before the explosion of possibilities brought on by the digital revolution, traveling was the only means by which to gain direct knowledge and first-hand experience. Going back to the 17th and 18th century, travel itself was highly regarded as an educational rite-of-passage, and furthermore, a qualifier of intellectualism and authority.

(3) Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 402-09. Print. (4) Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. Pg. 402.

Introduction

“After years of study in Virginia, [Jefferson’s] five-year residency in Paris from 1784 to 1789, supplemented by travel to London and southern France, was a revelation. His firsthand exposure to the monuments and academic debates in those cities radically transformed and reshaped his vision of American architecture” (4)

-Denise Costanzo

“Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements”: Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America.

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C. Significance of Travel in the Digital Age Developing a Thesis Another question which arose in this early stages of this line of questioning was: what is the significance and benefits of travel, specifically in the digital age? This query had arisen from reflecting on my own experience in design studios during my undergraduate education in Architecture. Hours are spent in the design field gathering data and information about places as part of the research process. This investigation precedes any proposal of a design solution. The vast majority of these investigations now take place in a virtual setting.(5) The idea of a “sitevisit” (meaning physically traveling to the place being investigated) is becoming antiquated in contemporary design education. This issue is absolutely relevant to my investigation about study tours; if design students today can conduct a kind of “site-analysis” without the need to physically visit a site, what then, is the purpose of travel as an educational tool? Google Earth alone can provide a staggering pool of information about a place, and can provide a street-level snapshot of the majority of the places in the United States. It is easy to find: topographical information, weather and climate data, photographs, Youtube videos, and even blogs written about places, just by typing a few terms into Google. There are few people who would disagree that the digital revolution has had a tremendous effect on the way humans live their lives, but there seemed to be more specific ramifications in the design field.(6) It is and has historically been the role of the designer to respond to the conditions of a place when proposing a design idea (consider the example of Schinkel, or Jefferson). Responding to place-specific conditions was; up until the digital revolution, a process that required physically traveling to a place. This is no longer necessary, as virtual representations of places are available online and all a person needs is a device with internet-connectivity in order to be connected to an increasingly accurate representation of literally any place in the world. The necessity of physically traveling to places in order to conduct an investigation of that place is in question, yet this has been the role of the designer for centuries.

(5) Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 64. (6) Pelletier, Louise, and Alberto Perez-Gomez. Architecture, Ethics, and Technology. Boston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 55. (7) De Botton, Alain. The Art of Travel. New York: Pantheon Books. 2002. Print. Pg. 11. (8) “Jean Des Esseintes.” Enclopedia Britannica. Web.

Introduction

“What was the good of moving when a person could travel so wonderfully sitting in a chair?” (7)

-Joris Karl Huysmans’ Jean Des Esseintes

Fictional character from “Against the Grain,” 1884. Esseintes is a wealthy French effete described as an “experimental sensualist” (8)

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The Concept of Place in the Digital Age The idea of “place” is being redefined as a result of the digital revolution. Historically, the only way to experience or gain knowledge of a place, or to tap into any kind of a “sense of place”, was to physically occupy a place- to spend time immersed within that place. The exercise of place-finding was also limited to physical experience. Historically it was not possible to gain an understanding of a place without actually visiting a place, but this is no longer the case.(9) Occupying a place is now not exclusively limited to physical experience. It is possible to visit places and engage in place-finding exercises through virtual experience. How then, has the concept of place transformed during the digital revolution? This idea is an underlying thread which is referenced throughout this research, as well as in the deliverable discussed in later chapters. The discussions about physical or virtual experience are laced with the idea of being in a place, the sense of place, or the exercise of understanding the sense of place (place-finding). It is important for the purposes of understanding this research to be informed of the definitions of these terms, which are provided on the opposite page. These definitions are largely influenced by Christian Norberg-Schulz’ writings concerning the ideas of place and the concept of the “spirit” or “sense” of place.(10)

(9) Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 3-26. (10) Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Architecture: Meaning and Place, selected essays. New York: Rizzoli, 1988. Print. Pg. 31.

Introduction

[Place]: Places are defined by collections of phenomenological relationships and the social, cultural and sensory qualities which occur within an environment. Places have unique characteristics and identities.

[Sense of Place]: The unique and distinguishing characteristics of a place. This may be defined by, but it not limited to, household and neighborhood relationships, specific cultural observances, or sensory qualities: the very specific energies which define one place from another.

[Place-finding]: The endeavor to understand the sense of a place. This process is not limited to either physical or virtual exercises, but encompasses both.

Fig. [4] â&#x20AC;&#x153;Definition Set 1.â&#x20AC;?

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Forming my Thesis Committee To get started with researching this topic and to attempt to answer the question of “are design students benefitting from attending study tours?” I wanted to enlist the counsel of faculty members who had an existing connection to the SDC study tour program, or who had extensive travel experience. In addition to Jaime Rice; who would remain an invaluable resource throughout the entire process of developing this project, I looked to the Assistant Director of the SDC, Professor J. Philip Gruen. Professor Gruen had been actively involved in the study tour program, and served as a faculty tour-leader during the tours themselves. Professor Gruen had experience as a professional tour-leader in the city of Chicago, and he was able to provide a unique point of view regarding the physical act of travel, and the practice of tourism. Additionally, I worked very closely with Professor Gruen and Jaime Rice in discussing how the SDC study tour program had evolved since its inception. Robert Krikac; Associate Professor of Interior Design at the SDC, would be the next member of my committee. His experience with study tours was specifically with taking groups of students abroad to Paris or Florence, as well as attending the domestic tours. He also has a particular area of expertise in field-sketching and drawing, and he has actively supported the practicing of such skills during his study-abroad experiences. Sketching is an example of a place-finding method which is described in later chapters, and Professor Krikac was an excellent resource in developing this portion. Paul Hirzel; Professor of Architecture and the Graduate Coordinator of Architecture at the SDC, would serve as the chair of my committee. Professor Hirzel accompanied my graduate class on our international study tour to Norway, and he has an impressive list of travel experiences under his belt, along with a library which; for the purposes of my traveloriented research, rivaled the Library of Alexandria.

Introduction

Fig. [5] “WSU Architecture Students at the Cloud Gate, Chicago.”

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Initival Investigation

Initial Investigation A. B. C. D.

Case Studies: Study Tours Data Collection & Interpretation The Necessity of Travel Study Presenting the Results

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A. Case Study: Study Tours A Gold-Mine of Potential Data Study tour exit surveys would serve as the primary case study for the initial investigation into the question of the benefits of study tours. Students at the SDC are given exit surveys at the completion of each study tour, and I was able to access this collection of data for the last five School of Design & Construction study tours which took students to San Francisco and Chicago. These exit surveys were developed by Jaime Rice, and included free-response and multiple-choice questions which asked for opinions related to the organization and daily plan of the study tours. The sample size of this data-set was 157 student exit surveys, which would provide a baseline data-set to determine; at least at a local level, whether the study tours were considered beneficial by the participating students. This line of investigation is not necessarily addressing the shift from physical to virtual experience, rather it is intended to reveal trends in receptivity to the study tours among the groups of students in attendance. These trends would support the conclusion that the study tours are; at a local level, significant and beneficial experiences for design students to undergo. Furthermore, any such conclusions would provide a strong foundation on which to stage a larger argument concerning the role of travel study, specifically in the digital age. The initial investigation involved collecting these archived exit-surveys, recording the responses left by the students, and looking for trends in the receptivity to the study tours. The opposite page shows a portion of the exit surveys included in this data-set.

Initival Investigation

Fig. [6] “A Portion of the Study Tour Exit Surveys Included in the Initial Investigation.”

30 Can’t Google That

Institutional Research Board Since I would be working with potentially sensitive information regarding student subjects, it was necessary to get prior approval for my research intentions from the Washington State University Institutional Research Board (IRB).(11) I completed a training module through the Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative which qualified me to conduct the extent of data collection required by my research. The module consisted of several micro-modules regarding basic human subject research guidelines, requirements, and responsibilities. The opposite page shows the completion report for the required modules. Once the IRB requirements were satisfied, I was able to proceed with collecting data from the study tour exit surveys.

(11) “Required Human Subjects Training.” WSU Institutional Review Board, 2014. Web.

Initival Investigation

COLLABORATIVE INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING INITIATIVE (CITI) BASIC/REFRESHER COURSE - HUMAN SUBJECTS RESEARCH CURRICULUM COMPLETION REPORT Printed on 07/31/2014

LEARNER DEPARTMENT PHONE EMAIL INSTITUTION EXPIRATION DATE

Eric Reiter (ID: 3941726) 640 NE Maiden Ln 5 Pullman WA 98058 Architecture 5094325466 ereiter@wsu.edu Washington State University 01/21/2019

SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL RESEARCH COURSE COURSE/STAGE: PASSED ON: REFERENCE ID : REQUIRED MODULES Belmont Report and CITI Course Introduction History and Ethical Principles - SBE Defining Research with Human Subjects - SBE The Regulations - SBE Assessing Risk - SBE Informed Consent - SBE Privacy and Confidentiality - SBE Washington State University

Basic Course/1 01/22/2014 12148923

DATE COMPLETED 01/15/14 01/15/14 01/15/14 01/22/14 01/22/14 01/22/14 01/22/14 01/22/14

SCORE 3/3 (100%) 5/5 (100%) 4/5 (80%) 5/5 (100%) 5/5 (100%) 5/5 (100%) 2/5 (40%) No Quiz

For this Completion Report to be valid, the learner listed above must be affiliated with a CITI Program participating institution or be a paid Independent Learner. Falsified information and unauthorized use of the CITI Program course site is unethical, and may be considered research misconduct by your institution. Paul Braunschweiger Ph.D. Professor, University of Miami Director Office of Research Education CITI Program Course Coordinator

Fig. [7] “CITI Program Completion Report.”

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The Exit Survey Specific questions included in the exit surveys varied from year-to-year, but for the most part, there are common threads which remain consistent throughout. The opposite page shows an example of an exit survey complete with student responses. These sample pages shows examples of the free-response and multiple-choice questions. The exit surveys varied from year to year, and the set of questions for a tour to Chicago is different from that of a tour to San Francisco. The entire data-set is comprised of 151 of surveys, and this is just one example. For privacy purposes, the name of the student has been omitted.

Initival Investigation

Fig. [8] “Sample Pages from the 2011 Chicago Study Tour Exit Survey.”

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B. Data Collection & Interpretation Quantitative Data It was impossible to quantify the results left on the free-response questions, but the multiple-choice questions on each set of exit surveys had the potential to be quantified. The specific wording of the multiple-choice responses varied slightly from year to year and tour to tour, but it was possible to draw parallels between these questions, as they are essentially presenting the same option to the students. The opposite page shows the multiple-choice questions included in the exit-surveys for the five study tours included in the initial investigation. The surveys taken in 2013 relating to both Chicago and San Francisco added three additional questions from the previous surveys.

Initival Investigation

Chicago, San Francisco, 2011:

Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed home B. Poorly Organized C. Average D. Very Good E. Excellent F. A worthwhile Educational Experience G. I didn’t want to leave H. I’m moving to Chicago; please forward all subsequent assignments

Chicago, 2012:

Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed home B. Not good C. Average - doesn’t matter to me one way or the other D. A worthwhile educational experience E. Much more fun and interesting than I expected F. Excellent G. I didn’t want to leave! H. One of the best things I’ve been a part of during my time at WSU

Chicago, San Francisco, 2013:

Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed in Pullman B. A waste of time and money C. Stressful and never-wracking D. Just average. It really doesn’t matter to me one way or the other E. It was good, but it would be even better if... (Please explain) F. A highly worthwhile educational experience G. Much more fun and interesting than I expected H. I expected this trip to be fantastic, and it was I. I didn’t want to leave J. Can we have more study tours, please? K. One of the best things I’ve been a part of during my time at WSU Fig. [9] “Study Tour Exit Survey Multiple-Choice Questions.”

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Database & Figures Figure [10] shows the database used to track the results of the answers left on the multiplechoice questions on the exit surveys. The database tracks the number of votes cast for each question, broken down by individual study tour. There are a few issues to clarify with this database. Column one indicates the destination city and date of the study tour. CH indicates Chicago, and SF indicates San Francisco. Also in this column is a letter range (A-H) or (A-K). This indicates the letter range of the multiple choice questions included on the exit survey. For example, (A-H) indicates there were questions lettered A through H, as opposed to (A-K) which has questions lettered A-K. There was not a limitation on how many responses could be indicated on the multiplechoice questions. Students could mark every answer provided, if they wished. As a result of this, each study tour is broken into two rows; one tracks the total number of votes cast for a question, and the other tracks the highest vote cast per each survey. The return rate is calculated by dividing the total number of surveys received per study tour, divided by the roster count of the attending class. Figure [11] shows a graphical representation of the data-set shown in figure (#). Refer to the previous page to see the breakdown of specific questions.

Initival Investigation

CITY & Year TotalVotes/SurveysReceived Roster Count Return % CH 2011 (A-H) 48 21 33 63.63636364 CH 2012 (A-H) 63 18 31 58.06451613 CH 2013 (A-K) 149 40 61 65.57377049 SF 2011 (A-H) 68 31 48 64.58333333

SF 2013 (A-K)

188 47

78.33333333

Total Votes Highest Vote Cast Total Votes Highest Vote Cast Total Votes Highest Vote Cast Total Votes Highest Vote Cast

2 2

Total Votes Highest Vote Cast

Total Votes 20

30 25 20

10 5

5 A

Chicago 2011

0 A

Chicago 2012

40 35 30

25 20

15 10

5 0

San Francisco 2011

Chicago 2013

Total Votes 20

San Francisco 2013

Fig. [11] “Graphical Representation of Exit Survey Data.”

F 9

10 2

4 1 13 1

Fig. [10] “Study Tour Exit Survey Multiple-Choice Response Database.”

E 3

5 1

18 8 13 1 26 1 20 8

12 8 13 1 20 3 16 11

I J K 5 5 16 16 19 25 28 26 1 1 7 26 7 7

22 4

28 22 2

37 6

34 34

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Qualitative Data Free-response questions allow for too varied a collection of responses to quantify into a data-base. These responses do, however, provide specific and often sentimental information about these students’ travel experiences. It was difficult to translate these responses into a data-set, but many specific quotations were so powerful that they indicated a positive trend in the receptivity to the study tours, and to the experiences provided by the study tours. Several of these quotations were included within this monograph, as well as in the deliverable discussed in later chapters. The variation within these responses was indicative of the significance of the potential for spontaneous occurrences. Certain events were clearly so significant that students remembered highly specific details and interactions. These spontaneous events had been attached to the memory of a specific place. Allowing for spontaneity is an important placefinding method in of itself. Oftentimes, it is the quotidian elements of a new place which come to be regarded as the most significant characteristics of a that place.(12) The specific quotations provided in the free-response questions of the exit surveys are indicative of this phenomenon. The opposite page provides one particularly powerful response left on an exit survey for the SDC 2012 Chicago study tour. For privacy purposes, I have omitted the names attached to these quotations throughout both the monograph and the deliverable.

(12) Casey, Edward S. The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Print. Pg. 88-90. (13) “Chicago 2012 Exit Survey Free-Response Sample Answer.”

Initival Investigation

“Especially during autumn, it was such a beautiful green environment around the [Farnsworth] house. Also, when I got into the house, I was surprised how much the house is disconnected from the surrounding environment. From inside of the house, you cannot listen to the sound of the river, cannot feel the wind and the temperature of the site, etc. All you can have from the site is its view and that’s it. / This experience cannot be written in any book or recorded in any movie. You need to be there to figure it out. That’s why I believe it was worth it to go there.” (13)

-Study Tour Student Attendee, Chicago 2012

Referring to the experience of visiting the Farnsworth House

40 Can’t Google That

Interpretation The results were very surprising. The trend clearly indicated that the majority of the responses to the multiple-choice questions were more positive than negative. Most surprising of all was the lack of negative responses. Across all five groups of exit surveys, not a single student indicated the study tour they had attended was “a waste of time”, or that they would have rather not attended the tour. It is important to remember there was no limitation to how many responses could be indicated for the multiple-choice questions. Yet not a single student indicated either choice A or B, which were by far the most negative responses included in the question set consistent across all five study tours included in the sample. This positive trend led me to the conclusion that, clearly, students attending these periods of travel were regarding the experience as significant and beneficial. I seemed to have answered my preliminary question: “Are design students benefitting from attending study tours?” and the answer; within this local case study, was a resounding ‘yes’. Accepting this idea and moving forward, investigating the question of what, specifically, is the benefit of attending study tours, seemed a logical next step.

Initival Investigation

Fig. [12] “WSU Architecture Students in Chicago.”

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C. The Necessity of Travel Study The Benefits of Study Tours Analyzing the data collected from the study tour exit surveys, and through conducting additional research regarding the potential of physical travel, several apparent benefits of such physical experiences were revealed. Examples of some of the research and sources referenced in coming to these conclusions includes writings from Juhani Pallasmaa,(14) Christian Norberg-Schulz,(15) Edward Casey,(16) Joan Ockman & Rebecca Williamson,(17) Roger K. Lewis,(18) and Gaston Bachelard.(19) The common thread which connects these sources are that they are either concerned with the phenomenological aspect of place and experience, or with the pedagogy of design education from the 18th century up to the present. These five theorized benefits of study travel (provided on the opposite page) became the foundation on which I would develop an abstract statement.

(14) Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. (15) Norberg-Schulz, Christian. The Concept of Dwelling. New York: Rizzoli, 1984. Print. (16) Casey, Edward S. The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Print. (17) Ockman, J., Williamson, R., eds. Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. (18) Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. (19) Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Print.

Initival Investigation

Study Tours...

1 2 3 4 5

...provide an opportunity for students to generate emotional responses to experiences that are difficult; if not impossible, to obtain through virtual means

...allow for the rapid development of peer and cross-disciplinary relationships

...reveal sensory qualities about a place; distinct smells, sounds, flavors, sights and textures that are impossible to accurately represent with current technologies

...provide a greater opportunity for spontaneous, unpredictable encounters and occurrences that may be highly influential and memorable

...provide a venue for design students to exercise essential skills regarding responding to site-specific conditions

Fig. [13] â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five Benefits of Study Travel.â&#x20AC;?

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Developing an Abstract Statement Working closely with Professor J. Philip Gruen to develop an abstract statement around these benefits of study tours which were the result of the initial investigation, the thesis project finally had a title: “Can’t Google That: The Necessity of Travel Study for Design Education in the Digital Age.” The five benefits concluded in the previous section would serve as the primary points of support for the argument that travel study was indeed still a significant and potentially transformative experience, even in the digital age. The opposite page shows the final version of the abstract statement.

Initival Investigation

"Can't Google That" The Necessity of Travel Study for Design Education in the Digital Age Eric D. Reiter, Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) Candidate, School of Design and Construction, Primary Author J. Philip Gruen, Associate Professor, School of Design and Construction, Faculty Sponsor

This project demonstrates that multiple-day, faculty-led student travel to cities and sites considerably distant from the sponsoring academic institution is crucial for the education of the twenty-first century designer. Study tours provide on-site, spontaneous and inspirational experiences that are essential in the education of a designer. In contemporary university design education, students typically conduct analysis using digital tools, examining maps and photos of places they have never visited. Students gather information about places virtually using tools such as Google Earth, and formulate opinions about places from social networking and blog sites. Given the possibilities and efficiency of online information-gathering, do the benefits of multi-day study tours outweigh the costs and time of removing students from the classroom and placing them into a new setting? This research hypothesizes that students attending these tours regard the time and experience spent as a significant and influential memory of their time during their design education. Post-tour student evaluations collected from the School of Design and Construction regarding week-long visits to Chicago and San Francisco serve as support. Preliminary findings suggest the following: 1) they provide an opportunity for students to generate emotional responses to experiences that are difficult to obtain through virtual means; 2) study tours allow for the development of peer and cross-disciplinary relationships; 3) these tours reveal sensory qualities about a place; distinct smells, sounds, and textures that are impossible to accurately represent with current technologies; 4) the study tours provide a greater opportunity for spontaneous, unpredictable encounters and occurrences that can become an inspiration for design; and 5) these tours allow students to engage in face-to-face meetings with community members and design professionals. These elements allow students to become educated in diversity, and ultimately makes for more informed designers entering into professional practice. Fig. [14] “Can’t Google That” The Necessity of Travel Study for Design Education in the Digital Age: Abstract Statement.”

Can’t Google That

D. Presenting the Results Washington State University Academic Showcase, 2014 Working closely with Professor Gruen, I was able to refine my abstract statement and submit it for consideration in the annual WSU Academic Showcase. My proposal was accepted and I was invited to present my research at the 2014 WSU Academic Showcase, which was held in the CUB Senior Ballroom of the WSU Pullman campus. The Academic Showcase features and celebrates outstanding research and works submitted by graduate and undergraduate students. Students prepare visual displays to be posted in the ballroom exhibition space, and furthermore, students are to present the topic of their research to the judges and attendees of the Showcase.(20) I prepared a set of posters and presented my work to dozens of attendees and judges as they moved through the showcase. My research was well-received, although the majority of people seemed to be pre-convinced that travel is very much so a necessary aspect of the educational process. The conversations I had with many of the viewers had a common thread; most people had a specific memory or moment from their own travel experiences that they wanted to share. What I found interesting is the nature of these memories and moments; rarely were they stereotypical or cliched. Rather, the memories and moments which seem to stand out tended to be the spontaneous encounters, small moments or interactions with unfamiliar people in an unfamiliar setting. One conclusion I was able to draw from these interactions I had with attendees of the Academic Showcase is that the potential for spontaneous encounters cannot be overlooked. These unplanned occurrences simply cannot be replicated or even represented in a virtual setting. In order to actually gain a unique and genuine understanding of a place, it’s necessary to be exposed to this possibility of the unplanned. These memories were significant enough for many people to want to share with me, and as a result I felt confident in concluding that yes, travel and travel study remains a significant and arguably necessary period in the educational process, and the aspect of the potential for spontaneous encounters could not be understated.

(20) “Academic Showcase 2014.” WSU Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA). 2014. Web.

Initival Investigation

Fig. [15] “’Can’t Google That’ at the 2014 Academic Showcase.”

48 Can’t Google That

can’t google that the necessity of travel study for design education in the digital age

Eric Reiter, Graduate Student, Master of Architecture, School of Design & Construction. Adviser: J. Philip Gruen, Associate Professor & Co-Program Coordinator, School of Design & Construction.

WSU Architecture Students at the Cloud Gate, or the “Bean”. Chicago, 2011. Photo Credit: Allison Dunn

Virtual Space, Virtual Experience The digital revolution has provided a completely new and unexplored possibility of travelling to distant places without actually embarking on a physical journey. Information gathering can be accomplished at incredible speeds with enormous ease. Software solutions such as Google Earth provide a fairly accurate representation of the spatial qualities characterizing a place. This rate of return makes this kind of analysis very economical and efficient. A person could navigate a virtual simulation of a city and be able to ascertain a comparable amount of information as a person who is actually physically present in that city. So if site information is available in a virtual setting, is the very notion of travel being at all “necessary” in education, in question? Is travel still a significant and educational aspect of design education?

“No man’s knowledge can go beyond his experience.” -John Locke, An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1689.

WSU School of Design & Construction Integrated Study Tour. Students at Trump Plaza, Chicago, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

Experiencing Displacement Displacement is a healthy condition for a student to experience, it forces them to adapt to a new setting and provides a very real sense of exploration and discovery. Exposure to different environments and different cultures can have significant implications in design discussion and development. Students are exposed to various mapping techniques, sketching in particular. The sketch has historically been an essential tool associated with design. Sketches can become masterpieces in of themselves, and architects can rise to success with effective sketching methods. Following are three examples of sketches done by WSU students while participating on study tours.

WSU School of Design & Construction Integrated Study Tour. Students at Crown Hall, IIT Campus. Chicago, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

“ROME CAPRICCIO OF CLASSICAL RUINS” by Giovanni Paolo Panini, 1691-1765. Painted while on a tour to Rome.

Travel as a Historic Component of Design Education Travel has been considered an essential aspect in design education for centuries. A prominent example is the Grand Tour undertaken by wealthy European men in the 17th and 18th centuries. This journey to sites of antiquity was meant to be a rite of passage, a formal education in the ways of the world would establish a student’s credibility upon his return. Students would follow maps and travel with guides to to maximize the experience. Many renown scholars and sought-after artists emerged from this process, such as Giovanni Panini, who immortalized his travel experiences through artistic endeavours. Eric Reiter School of Design & Construction Washington State University

Fig. [16] “‘Can’t Google That.’” Poster 1 of 2.”

Byron Martz, Chicago 2011 Study Tour.

Eric Reiter, Chicago 2011 Study Tour.

Ashley Williams, San Francisco 2013 Study Tour.

Persistently Beneficial Despite the capabilities and efficiency of virtual information gathering, there continues to be benefits and valuable experiences gained from participating in travel study. Information gathered from student surveys suggests uniformly positive responses. Virtual experience cannot replace the tangible and spontaneous elements which characterize a place. Sensory information such as sounds, smells, and textures cannot yet be emulated virtually. These experiences can often be inspirational to design, and provide firsthand knowledge of a place, from material quality to the social climate. WSU School of Design & Construction Integrated Study Tour. Students at Mies Van Der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. Chicago, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

Initival Investigation

research & data collection

Total Votes

Student Evaluations

30 25

After returning from a study tour, students fill out evaluation forms leaving feedback on various aspects of the tour. For the research portion of this project, these survey forms have been compiled in order to map the attitudes regarding specific aspects of the study tours. This data is the primary measure by which conclusions about the effectiveness of certain aspects of the study tour are being measured. The primary case studies for this portion of the project are the Architectural Study Tours, as well as the Integrated Study Tours, offered to students of the School of Design & Construction in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Chicago and San Francisco are the cities involved in this investigation.

5 0

Chicago 2011

0 A

WSU Architecture Students at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. San Francisco, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

25 15 20

5 4

5 5

1 0

Chicago 2011

Chicago 2012

Chicago 2013

63%

58%

66%

Chicago 2011

Chicago 2012

Chicago 2013

Survey Return Rate

85%

WSU Architecture Students approaching the San Francisco Public Library. San Francisco, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

of the time

Total Votes 40

35 30

25 20

15 10

5 0

San Francisco 2011

67% of the time

San Francisco 2013

35 30

WSU Architecture Students at the Ferry Building. San Francisco, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

Highest Vote 12

Chicago, San Francisco, 2013: Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed in Pullman students indicated these answers: B. A waste of time and money C. Stressful and never-wracking % of the time D. Just average. It really doesn’t matter to me one way or the other E. It was good, but it would be even better if... (pleae explain) F. A highly worthwhile educational experience G. Much more fun and interesting than I expected H. I expected this trip to be fantastic, and it was I. I didn’t want to leave J. Can we have more study tours, please? students indicated this answer: K. One of the best things I’ve been a part of during my time at WSU

Chicago, 2012: Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed home students indicated these answers: B. Not good % C. Average - doesn’t matter to me one way or the other of the time D. A worthwhile educational experience E. Much more fun and interesting than I expected F. Excellent G. I didn’t want to leave! students indicated this answer: H. One of the best things I’ve been a part of during my time at WSU

Highest Vote

Chicago, San Francisco, 2011: Overall, I would say this Study Tour was (circle as many as are appropriate): A. I wish I had stayed home students indicated these answers: B. Poorly Organized % C. Average of the time D. Very Good E. Excellent students indicated this answer: F. A worthwhile Educational Experience G. I didn’t want to leave H. I’m moving to Chicago; please forward all subsequent assignments

Chicago 2013

The graphs to the right feature data extracted from the surveys, where students are asked to mark all the choices that apply to their experience on the study tour. These questions have evolved between 2011 and 2013, and the different iterations of the questions are listed below.

Chicago 2012

“The self discovery of the city was amazing and inspiring.” -Callista Rillos, Chicago 2011 Architecture Study Tour.

15 10

20 6 15 4

2 0

San Francisco 2011

San Francisco 2013

Survey Return Rate

72% of the time

Eric Reiter School of Design & Construction Washington State University

Fig. [17] “‘Can’t Google That.’” Poster 2 of 2.”

64% San Francisco 2011

78% San Francisco 2013

WSU Architecture Students at the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco, 2013. Photo Credit: Jaime Rice

50 Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That

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Development A. B. C. D. E.

Moving Forward Virtual Experience Problem with the Virtual Developing a Resource Shape of the Resource

Can’t Google That

A. Moving Forward Addressing the Ramifications of Virtual Experience So I had this idea that travel continues to have an important purpose during a designer’s education. This didn’t seem like a revolutionary idea by itself-most of the people I interacted with at the Academic Showcase agreed that travelling during the educational process is a beneficial experience. My experience with the Academic Showcase further indicated that the general consensus seems to be: yes, travel study; even in the digital age, remains a significant and potentially transformative experience. I had collected data which supported this argument which was; essentially, already universally agreed upon. There had to be something more to this investigation in order for it to satisfy the requirements of a Master of Architecture thesis project. The “something more” seemed to already be present in investigating the benefits of travel, specifically in the digital age. Virtual environments are constantly improving in fidelity and accuracy, and furthermore, there will likely come a point when the fidelity of these virtual environments is indistinguishable from the physical environment being simulated.(21) So what happens once there really is no need to physically travel, when it is possible to engage every sensory input in a simulation, and to portray a true-to-life representation of the physical world through simulation? This may sound like science fiction, but this reality may only be decades away. (22)

This presented a problem; which concerns the expectations and role of the designer in a design intervention. Whereas historically, the only way to gain an understanding of a place was through direct, first-hand contact. A designer had to physically occupy a place in order to make informed decisions which would affect that place. Technology now allows designers to gain; at least in a limited form, an understanding of a place without the need to ever be physically present in that place.

(21) Holkins, Jerry; Krehulik, Mike. “Video Games.” Penny Arcade TV, 2009. Web. (22) Kurzweil, Ray. “The Accelerating Power of Technology.” TED, 2005. Web. (23) Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 12.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Computer imaging tends to flatten our magnificent, multi-sensory, simultaneous and synchronic capacities of imagination by turning the design process into a passive visual manipulation, a retinal journey.â&#x20AC;? (23)

-Juhani Pallasmaa

Can’t Google That

B. Virtual Experience Virtual Experience a Replacement for Physical Experience? Given the potential of virtual environments to convey information about places, there seemed to be a potential problem regarding the role of the designer. It is and has historically been the role of a designer to respond to place-specific conditions when proposing a design intervention. Responding to place-specific conditions requires developing an understanding of the characteristics which distinguish one place from another. These characteristics may include: social interactions, historical considerations, cultural observances, spatial relationships, and/or distinct smells, sounds, tastes, sights and textures.(24) Before the digital revolution, gathering such information about a place required being physically present in that place. Being physically present in a place provides an unfiltered perception of what it is really like to exist within that place. Simulation, on the other hand, provides a filtered and limited perception of a place, and is often unable to accurately represent the characteristics which distinguish one place from another. This becomes problematic when designers rely on simulation and virtual experience as the primary method of gaining an understanding of a place. A design solution which is relying on information gathered through virtual means is at risk of overlooking significant place-specific characteristics, and furthermore, such a design solution may ultimately be considered insensitive, or misinformed. Certain characteristics of places cannot be represented virtually, so it is problematic when designers become over-dependent on information gathered through such means.(25) The widespread adoption of digital tools and devices makes gathering information easier than ever, and as a result, designers are at risk of becoming over-dependent on this information and substituting physical methods of information-gathering with virtual ones. Furthermore, it is dangerous for designers to rely on virtual experience to inform design decisions.

(24) Cross, Jennifer E. “What is Sense of Place?” Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 2001. Web. (25) Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 18. (26) Ashley, Robert. “January 1st Episode.” Games for Windows Radio Podcast, 2008. Web.

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Fig. [18] “Virtual Tourism.”

“It’s like you’re really there- except you’re sitting at your computer in your underwear” (26)

-Robert Ashley

Host of “A Life Well Wasted” Podcast

Can’t Google That

Constantly Connected, Everyplace, Anyplace Young professionals in the design field today are completely immersed in digital technologies. It is possible to find out essentially anything about any subject simply by typing a few words on the keyboard. This has already affected the traditional modes of information-gathering. The concept of a library as a centralized information-distributor is already decades old. Why go to a library to check out a book when a person can; without the need to even move out of his or her chair, access the exact same information using the internet? This same train of logic can be applied to the larger idea of having physical experience at all. Food and groceries can be ordered online and delivered directly to your door, entertainment media can be streamed in high-definition on a whim, professional work can be completed entirely through digital means of communication. There are few physical experiences which do not yet have a virtual substitute.(27) Information has been decentralized. Anyone with an internet-ready device can access the entire history of human knowledge and experience.

(27) Agresta, Michael. “What Will Become of the Library.” Slate Design Blog, 2014. Web.

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Fig. [19] “Digital Entrepreneur in Surf.”

Can’t Google That

Generation Google People are being born into a society which revolves around technology. Generations after the year 2000 in particular are unfamiliar with the world without such technologies. It is not uncommon for these people to have their entire lives documented: the moment of their birth is caught on video, every child-hood landmark is posted to a parent’s Facebook page, and every teenage emotion is recorded on a blog site.(28) It is now completely commonplace to live a complete and alternate reality which exists solely in a virtual setting. Such virtual environments are, in many ways, becoming as viable and substantial as physical ones. Speaking from my experiences even in going about researching this thesis project, I rely almost entirely on Google as a starting point. Although I did spend many days pouring over books in the Owen Library on the WSU Pullman campus, I found my way to those books by using a combination of the WSU Library search function, and Google. Google can easily provide specific resources based simply off of a few keywords. In the past I would have had to rely entirely on the Library records (I remember using card catalogue systems in the early 90s) for resource gathering. Now, even before I arrive at the Library, I know exactly what I am looking for, and I know exactly where to find it. There is less opportunity for spontaneous discovery, Google tends to provide you with exactly what you’re looking for with minimal effort.

(28) Gasser, Palfrey. Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives. New York: Basic Books, 2008. Web. Pg. 18-27.

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Fig. [20] “Virtual Places: Logging in Rather than Going out.”

60 Can’t Google That

Connecting to People and Places through Social Media Social media has become the conduit through which many people maintain connections and relationships. Such convenient means of connection are replacing traditional relationships and modes of communication. The popularity of social media sites such as Facebook or Twitter has caused many people to focus more on maintaining virtual relationships, rather than focusing on physical, “real-world” relationships. A potential problem with this is that the importance of maintaining substantial, real-world relationships may continue to falter. It is not uncommon, especially among young people, to have literally thousands of friends and connections on social media sites.(29) Having a thousand friends indicates a few things: it means that the amount of time and effort spent maintaining any one of those relationships is going to be substantially less than that of maintaining a more limited number of real-world relationships. Social media relationships do not provide the same benefits (or; as it has been suggested, any benefits) as physical-world relationships. Social media “friends” and “followers” becomes a measure of quantity, rather than quality.(30) Given that so much time and so much emphasis is being placed in contemporary society on virtual relationships, it is plausible to predict that virtual experiences will continue to permeate into other areas of human life as well.

(29) Jung, Brian. “The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals.” Houston Chronicle, 2011. Web. (30) Kleinberg, Scott. “Quality Over Quantity in Social Media.” Chicago Tribune, 2013. Web.

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Fig. [21] “Facebook Data.”

Can’t Google That

Fidelity of Virtual Environments The virtual environments which people so commonly inhabit not only make the act of connection and communicating massively convenient, but can also provide an impressively accurate depiction of the many dimensions which define a place. Figure [22] is an image of downtown Chicago, taken directly from Google Earth. It is easy to see the way buildings, streets, and landmarks interact with one another. Individual trees are even included in this simulation. Google Earth also provides a street view in many places across the United States, which allows a user to place themselves directly into the environment and rotate around a 360 degree view. It is remarkable how much information can be ascertained about a place simply using this method. It is becoming more tempting to “travel” using this technique.(31) Whereas 2d maps provide a highly abstracted representation of a place; usually only indicating the street networks, such 3d simulations like Google Earth provide an experience which, while still an abstraction, is much more informative and layered than a traditional map. Simply type in a few words in Google Earth, and instantly be transported virtually to essentially any place in the world.(32) Google Earth has only existed since 2005, and the fidelity of the virtual environments provided in the simulation will only improve as the software continues to develop. Other technologies will continue to develop as a means to represent reality, and many of these developments seem more suited to the realm of science fiction.

(31) Revkin, Andrew C. “The Untapped Potential of Google Earth.” New York Times, 2009. Web. (32) Treves, Richard. “2d Maps vs. 3d Visualization.” Google Earth Design Blog, 2009. Web.

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Fig. (22) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Millennium Park via Google Earth.â&#x20AC;?

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Virtual Reality is Already a Reality Virtual reality and holograms seem almost quotidian in Star Wars or Star Trek, but the idea that these technologies presently exist in this galaxy is hard to grasp. Yet holograms already exist. CSIRO; the national science agency of Australia, have produced, as they describe “a network of projectors,” which can create a virtual threedimensional image. The opposite page shows an image of the Leaning Tower of Pisa projected three-dimensionally with this technology.(33) Imagine the potential of representing a city with this technology. The combination of technologies like this pseudo-hologram and Google Earth will be able, going into the future, to represent the physical world with increasingly accurate dimensions. It is plausible to predict a future where any place can be simulated in real-time. The necessity of actually venturing out into the physical world will continue to be questioned as technologies like this evolve and become commercially available. There are radical opinions about the potential of technology to transform the way humans fundamentally live their lives, and one prominent example of an outspoken individual with a very radical opinion is Ray Kurzweil.

(33) “3d Mapping is a ‘Pisa’ Cake for Aussie Scientists.” CSIRO, 2013. Web.

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Fig. [23] “Display of final Zebedee 3d map of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”

Can’t Google That

Technology & Exponential Growth Ray Kurzweil, who is now a Director of Engineering at Google, is well-known for his theory of the “Singularity”. This theory suggests that the rate at which technology expands is exponential, and there will soon come a point (2045 is the predicted date for the actual event of the Singularity) where the technologies humans create will eclipse the capacity of the human brain itself.(34) This is controversial because it is essentially a prediction that the very condition of human life will be fundamentally transformed, akin to a spiritual awakening, as a direct result of the exponential growth of technologies. The effects of the Singularity would be that technologies would be able to resolve the typical problems associated with the human condition. Obesity, cancer, HIV, heart disease, aging- these significant issues would be solved through technological intervention. Humans could; Kurzweil theorizes, essentially become immortal, or at least experience a much longer lifespan than ever thought possible. Human life will be linked with the technologies we’ve created, and in Kurzweil’s theory, technologies will permeate every aspect of human life: health, intelligence, religion, and experience.(35) To fully dissect this idea would require a tremendous amount of attention and analysis. For the purposes of this discussion of virtual experience being a substitute for physical experience, we can see the relevance. Technology will continue to expand and become more integrated into human life, and given the radical nature of Kurzweil’s predictions complemented by the advances in existing simulation tools even over the last ten years, it is reasonable to predict that at the very least, technology will; even in the next few decades, allow for virtual experiences which will be able to accurately simulate the physical world.

(34) Kurzweil, Raymond. “The Accelerating Power of Technology.” TED, 2005. Web. (35) Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 61-70. (36) Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 7.

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Fig. [24] “Raymond Kurzweil, The Singularity.”

“They key idea underlying the impending Singularity is that the pace of change of our human-created technology is accelerating and its powers are expanding at exponential pace.” (36)

-Raymond Kurzweil

Director of Engineering at Google, Inventor, Futurist

68 Can’t Google That

C. The Problem with Virtual The Effects on Design Education Technological growth has a unique effect on design education. The shift to CAD standards of design drawing, and the more recent shift towards BIM specifically in the building industry could be considered revolutionary by themselves. The majority of the work actually done in the design profession is done primarily in a virtual or digital setting.(37) Given this trend, the significance of actually spending time performing physical, out-ofchair activities is, in my argument, in question. Performing site-visits and spending time physically present in places is being increasingly replaced by simulating such experiences through virtual methods. Google Earth is; in many ways, replacing the physical Earth. Furthermore, the potential of future technologies to more accurately represent the physical environment, this problem will persist and potentially become so significant (as Kurzweil suggests), that humans will have to reconsider the very way life operates.(38) This problem is specifically relevant to the field of design and design education. It has historically been the role of the designer; such as Schinkel, or Louis Kahn, to respond to the specific conditions which make a place distinct. Gaining an understanding of a place prior to the digital revolution (tapping into the sense of the place) required being physically present in that place. This is no longer the case. It is currently possible and will continue to evolve so that is not only possible, but more economical to visit places and gain an understanding of a place through virtual experience.(39) This is a problem because places are defined by social, environmental, economic, cultural, and sensory characteristics that are impossible to reveal in even the most high-fidelity virtual simulation. In order for designers to make responsible and informed design decisions, it is necessary to be aware of such hidden characteristics of a place. Failing to address these will result in a design solution which is ultimately less informed, and potentially insensitive. (37) Emmons, Paul. “Drawing and Representation.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 299-305. Print. Pg. 299. (38) Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 14. (39) Webb, John. “Possible Uses of Virtual Reality Technology in the Travel Industry.” Amadeus Blog, 2014. Web. (40) Emmons, Paul. “Drawing and Representation.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 299-305. Print. Pg. 304.

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Fig. [25] “Pencil? They Still Make Those?”

“While previous instrumentalizations of architectural drawing principally involved prosthetic extensions of the hand’s manual capacities, the computer has transformed [architecture students] into system operators.” (40) -Paul Emmons

“Drawing and Representation”: Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America.

Can’t Google That

Why is Travel Study so Important for Design Students? Travel study provides design students a venue in which to exercise essential skills relating to responding to place-specific social, environmental, and economic conditions. It is a great opportunity; especially early in the education process, to learn how to develop a unique and substantial relationship with a place. This ability to understand a place-to identify characteristics which make it distinct from other places- is essential for designers. This is the very nature of design, across multiple disciplines. Responsible design is the result of having an informed relationship with the place being intervened upon. Being taken to an unfamiliar place and being put into unfamiliar conditions provides a unique and valuable opportunity for design students to practice this essential skill. While this educational opportunity cannot be understated, there is a more poetic benefit as well. Going to new places and being immersed in new, unfamiliar context is a great opportunity to try new things. Trying new things can be a healthy experience, and this is not something limited just to design students: all people can benefit from the exercise.(41) Ben Saunders, a Polar explorer eloquently voices his opinion (opposite page) on this topic in a TED Talk entitled: “Why Bother Leaving the House?” Travel is a way to see things from a different perspective, and think about the actual process of life in a different way. While this was particularly helpful as a designer, the idea of gaining new perspective is powerful by itself.

(41) Haq, Husna. “Can Travelling Make You Healthier?” BBC Travel Blog, 2013. Web. (42) Saunders, Ben. “Why Bother Leaving the House?” TED, 2012. Web.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our lives today are safer and more comfortable than they have ever been / If I wanted to find out how many stars are in the milky way / [I] could find that out right now without even standing up. / True, real, inspiration and growth only comes from adversity and challenge, stepping away from what is comfortable and what is familiar and stepping out into the unknown.â&#x20AC;? (42)

- Ben Saunders Polar Explorer

Can’t Google That

Travel Study Under Fire In addition to the fact that the virtual realm has altered the very definition of experience, the very act of traveling as an educational experience has come under fire in recent years. Privileged students have the opportunity to travel; and many do, during their high school or undergraduate career, but these tours have developed a reputation of being more of a party trip or a vacation rather than an educational experience. It is largely up to the student how effective the travel experience will be. The danger of this is that unmotivated or simply over-privileged students will likely learn just as much from a period of travel as they would without traveling. It’s easy to speak romantically about the merits and benefits of traveling, but it becomes difficult to actually measure such effects compared to the price of the experience. Award-winning author Stacie Nevadomski Berdan; who published “A Student Guide to Study Abroad” in 2013, further articulates this risk: “Students tend to initially focus on the ‘abroad’ part, a word that conjures up any number of romantic personal impressions based on movies, travel books and firsthand reports from friends and family members who have vacationed abroad. Eclipsed by the glamour and intrigue of it all is the ‘study’ part.” (43)

Additionally, Curtis Chin; former US Ambassador, is of the opinion that it is more important for students to focus on learning and mastering skills within the classroom, rather than shipping out to be immersed in a new culture. The cost of traveling sometimes outweighs the benefits experienced as a result of traveling, whether those benefits be educational or transformative, or both. This seemed like a significant problem which is only being exacerbated by the increasing potential for traveling through virtual means. This train of thought led to the conclusion of developing a kind of resource which would aid travellers in maximizing the experience of physically traveling.

(43) Nevadomski-Berdan, Stacie. “Why Study Abroad?” Huffington Post, 2013. Web. (44) Chin, Curtis S. “It Can Be An Expensive Waste of Time.” Should More Americans Study Abroad? 2013. Web.

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“Studying abroad can be a nice ‘add on’ in theory, but it also can be a waste of time, or simply a good time, for an unfocused – and privileged – high school or university student.” (44)

-Curtis S. Chin

Former United States ambassador

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Google That

C. Proposing a Solution Create a Resource which would Provide Advice on Place-finding Given the tech craze in architectural education, it is important for students to be able to take advantage of travel opportunities. Its easy to just go to a place and its in one ear out the other, but practicing certain rituals when traveling, physical travel can still be an enlightening and informative experience, especially for designers who are attempting to respond to place-specific conditions with a design intervention. Designers need to be able to connect with its target audience (this is literally a skill required on the Architectural Registration Exam.)(45) Given the significance of travel study indicated in the preliminary research, the next step was to create a resource which could assist in the development of highly effective study tours. This resource would be tailored specifically towards students of design and architecture, but the scope of the resource would be wide enough to include information which is relevant to any traveler, both seasoned and amateur. In addressing the issue of the role of digital tools and virtual environments in contemporary travel, there would need to be a significant discussion of how to utilize digital tools to enhance the travel experience, while also identifying the potential dangers of those same tools.

(45) NCARB. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ARE 4.0 Divisions.â&#x20AC;? National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web.

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Fig. [26] â&#x20AC;&#x153;Design Students at the Farnsworth House, Chicago.â&#x20AC;?

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D. Shape of the Resource Content of the Resource The Guidebook focuses on providing advice on methods of understanding a place. This includes discussions of virtual methods of place-finding as well as physical ones. For example, a part of the research leading up to the Guidebook has focused specifically on the potential uses of Google Earth for exploring virtual environments. This potential to become acquainted with a place-not immersed- using this technology can be tremendously beneficial before going to a new place for the first time. Using virtual environments is an excellent way to identify landmarks which can assist in navigating a new place. If such landmarks are identified before even arriving, it can make for a better and more comfortable experience of being in a new place. Now, the very idea of making the experience of traveling to a new place more â&#x20AC;&#x153;comfortable,â&#x20AC;? is somewhat antithetical the very idea of going to a new place and being exposed to the potential of spontaneous possibilities. But an underlying philosophy of the Guidebook is to recognize that virtual experience and digital technologies do exist, and are used for exactly this purpose. The goal with including this kind of content, again, is to strike a balance between over-relying on virtual experience; to the point that it is actually detracting from the physical experience of travel, and the potential benefits of physical experience.

Development

01 Traveling in the Digital Age 02 Preparing for New Places 03 Place-Finding Fig. [27] â&#x20AC;&#x153;Guidebook Table of Contents.â&#x20AC;?

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Physical Shape of the Resource The shape of the Guidebook is derived from the physical shape of a typical travellers journal or notebook. Handling and carrying the Guidebook is not encumbering, it is intentionally designed with a small footprint for storage in a jacket or pants pocket. While it is not necessarily the intention of the Guidebook to be carried along during the entire travel experience, it was important in philosophy that the Guidebook take the shape that it does.

Development

Fig. [28] “Traveler’s Notebook.”

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Traveling Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Galaxy A. B. C. D.

Purpose of the Guidebook Audience & Scope Traveling Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Galaxy Publication

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A. Purpose of the Guidebook Emphasizing the Importance of Travel as a Means of Place-Finding The Guidebook is intended to aid travellers in getting the most out of their travel experience. Acknowledging the efficiency and economy of traveling virtually, the Guidebook provides advice to maximize the potential benefits of physically traveling to a new place. There is an emphasis placed on methods of place-finding. While the research leading up to the development of this resource is emphasizing the dangers of virtual experience while championing the virtues of tangible experience, the Guidebook acknowledges the strengths of either approach when being applied to a travel experience. It was important when developing the resource to strike a balance between these two approaches, and to not present a biased or slanted view of one or the other.

(46) Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 71.

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“Study tours are intellectually challenging and stimulating, and for some, are life altering. Many students return with new ideas and transformed perspectives - about architecture and about themselves that they otherwise would never have acquired.” (46)

-Roger K. Lewis

Author of “Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession”

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Balancing Digital Methods & Tangible Experience Despite the emphasis placed on the idea of tangible experience, there needed to be an acknowledgement that digital methods and virtual simulation have tremendous potential to be informative and supplemental to the travel experience. The Guidebook would include methods and techniques incorporating both virtual and physical methods of placeinvestigation. It was important to approach the Guidebook from an unbiased point of view. My research has been focused on the dangers of virtual experiences compared to physical experience, so I had to make sure I was being cognizant of the tone of the writing and images included within the Guidebook. In order to maintain a kind of neutrality, a portion of the research and information conducted in the process of conceiving of the Guidebook, is not reflected within the Guidebook itself. Rather, the Guidebook should be considered as the result of the research. The conclusions arrived at as a result of the research are provided, in condensed form, within this resource which has a more specific purpose than to explore questions of the significance of physical experience in the wake of an increasingly virtual and digital world.

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Fig. [29] “Digitally Enhanced Cloud Gate.”

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B. Audience & Scope A Resource for Traveling Designers The initial intention for this Guidebook was to be a resource specifically aimed at amateur tour-leaders and faculty members of a design-oriented school or college. This has been widened so the Guidebook can serve as a useful resource for any design-oriented traveller, or even travellers who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t particularly interested in design. The emphasis on place-finding provides useful techniques for any person who intends to get in touch with a place, and may convey the value of such an exercise even to people who have no such intention. These exercises are of particular importance for designers, and are simultaneously useful for any traveller who is the product (or at least a denizen) of the digital revolution. Additionally, some of the dangers of relying on virtual experience are identified-not condemned or belittled, but identified as potential dangers.

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Fig. [30] “WSU Architecture Study Tour at the Trump Plaza, Chicago.”

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C. The Guidebook The “Traveling Designer’s Guide to the Galaxy” Included in this section are the compiled pages of the Guide itself. Each page features one complete spread from the Guidebook. To fit within the monograph, each complete spread has been scaled down to approximately 75% of its actual size. The Guidebook itself, to clarify, is a stand-alone entity which is the result of the research process detailed within this monograph.

Travelling Designer's Guide to the Galaxy

Traveling Designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the Galaxy Eric D. Reiter

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Traveling Designer’s Guide to the Galaxy

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

01 Traveling in the Digital Age 02 Preparing for New Places 03 Place-finding

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Traveling in the Digital Age

01 Traveling in the Digital Age A. Purpose of this Guidebook B. Digital & Virtual Experience C. Tangible Experience in the Digital Age

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CHAPTER TERMS

Traveling in the Digital Age

[Place]:

Places are defined by collections of phenomenological relationships and the social, cultural and sensory qualities which occur within an environment. Places have unique characteristics and identities.

[Physical Travel]:

Physical displacement. The act of going to a different place.

[Virtual Travel]:

Digital displacement. Accessing places by means of virtual simulation and representation. This is made possible by Internet connectivity and simulation software.

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Traveling in the Digital Age

Purpose of this Guidebook

A Resource for Designers & Travelers Alike The intention of this Guide is to serve as a resource for traveling design students. The content contained within this Guide provides advice and discussion on maximizing the experience of travel. While catered towards students of design, the scope of the information is wide-ranging to the degree that it would be useful for any traveler, both seasoned and amateur. A discussion which resonates throughout this Guide is the influence digital tools and virtual simulations have had on the physical act of travel. There is an emphasis placed on the idea that physical experience provides the potential to tap into characteristics of places which cannot be represented in a virtual setting. Simultaneously, this Guide acknowledges the feats made possible through virtual simulation. The tangible experiences which occur during the physical act of travel have the potential to be a significant and transformative experience. The Traveling Designer’s Guide to the Galaxy is a resource intended to assist travelers in reaching the full potential of a travel experience. Described in the chapters to follow are methods of utilizing digital-age tools as well as ritualistic practices of place finding.

“Study tours are intellectually challenging and stimulating, and for some, are life altering. Many students return with new ideas and transformed perspectives - about architecture and about themselves - that they otherwise would never have acquired.” (Lewis 71) -Roger K. Lewis Author of “Architect? A Candid Guide to the Profession.”

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Digital & Virtual Experience

Logging In or Going Out Digital experience has become a fundamental aspect of human life. People are increasingly connected to one another through virtual environments rather than physical ones. It is easier than ever to access people, places, or information without the need to emerge from behind the safety of a computer monitor. Virtual experience is replacing physical experience in many situations: Social media has replaced traditional modes of connection; Skype allows for face-to-face contact over the Internet; people can travel to anyplace on the Earth using Google Earth, or see videos of places on Youtube, and personal blogs can provide extensive writings about specific places.1 Traditional means of information gathering now occur by accessing the ever-expanding digital data-base on the Internet. With the capability to experience an increasingly high-fidelity virtual simulation of a faraway place using common digital tools, the benefits or necessity of physical travel have come into question.2

Fig. (1) “Virtual Places: Logging in Rather than Going out.”

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Traveling in the Digital Age

The Benefits of Virtual Experience The Internet is an ever-expanding information base, and it can be easily accessed using mobile devices which are; increasingly, a constant attachment for people. The benefits provided by these devices cannot be denied: the act of going to the library can be simulated by simply reaching into a pocket or backpack for a phone, or tablet.3 Information-gathering has become an almost instantaneous process. Rather than pouring through a book for a specific bit of information, Google can provide the same information in seconds, depending only on the user’s effectiveness at generating search terms. People can become experts on a topic within seconds, whereas in the past becoming even familiar with a topic required time and extensive research.4 Fig. (2) “IPads in the Library.”

When it is not only possible, but remarkably easy to access essentially any bit of information a human could ever need to or; as a passing interest, want to access (including places, people, and history), the specific benefits provided by physical interactions may seem less pronounced.

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Physical Experience in the Digital Age

The Beauty of Stepping Out Your Door Physical experience allows for exposure to the unique conditions which distinguish one place from another. This includes social, environmental, economic, and sensory conditions, which are typically not able to be represented in a virtual setting. Physical experience potentially allows for an intimate relationship with a place to be established, and in establishing this relationship, hidden and often exquisite characteristics of a place may be revealed. These characteristics may be specific interactions which occur between individuals, specific sensory qualities or environmental conditions which, once experienced, come to be closely associated with the identity of the place itself. 5 This practice is essential for designers. Understanding and responding to place-specific conditions provides a foundation on which to develop an informed and appropriate design response.6

“Our lives today are safer and more comfortable than they have ever been / If I wanted to find out how many stars are in the milky way / I could find that out right now without even standing up. / True, real, inspiration and growth only comes from adversity and challenge, stepping away from what is comfortable and what is familiar and stepping out into the unknown.” (Saunders) - Ben Saunders Polar Explorer

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Traveling in the Digital Age

Revealing Hidden Characteristics of a Place Places are defined by dimensions beyond what can be seen on the surface. Simulations can (with current technologies) only represent the visual and auditory dimensions of a place. But places are characterized by the combined effects of smells, sounds, textures, tastes, as well as sights. Physical, tangible experience in a place provides exposure to the complete palette of sensory inputs, whereas virtual experience only provides a limited palette.7 It can be irresponsible; and potentially dangerous, to draw a conclusion about a place based only on virtual experience. This pertains more specifically to designers and architects who; as part of their profession, are charged with making decisions and proposing interventions which will affect a place. Having an understanding of the identity of a place is essential in order to effectively and appropriately respond with an intervention.8 Hidden characteristics of a place are often significant and distinguishing, and can inspire powerful emotional connections which can provide additional inspiration when developing design responses.

Fig. (3) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Design Students at the Farnsworth House, Chicago.â&#x20AC;?

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Traveling in the Digital Age

02 Preparing for New Places A. B. C. D. E.

Pace & Tempo Itinerary Development Navigation Traveling in a Group Traveling Alone

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CHAPTER TERMS

Traveling in the Digital Age

[Itinerary]:

A plan or collection of particular sites, activities, and navigational cues to be experienced during a period of travel. The itinerary is commonly a printed document containing helpful information which is carried during travel.

[Site]:

A specific location of interest; including but not limited to: parks, museums, architectural works, and restaurants.

[Landmarks]:

Easily distinguishable architectural or geographic features which can be used as navigational waymarkers. Establishing recognizeable landmarks is an effective way to initiate a unique relationship with a new place.

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Pace & Tempo

Planning for Unplanned Time It is easy when making plans for a trip to want to meticulously plan out every hour of every day. This is often stressful and difficult to carry out once physically present in a new place. By overloading the itinerary with sites, and by constantly being on the move, a traveler is being partially deprived of the experience of genuinely ‘being’ in a place. It is important to allow for time to explore - to discover things about the places inbetween the destinations on a map.9 These unplanned stops and occurrences are often just as memorable (sometimes more-so) as the activities included on the itinerary. It is not necessary to see literally every attraction a place has to offer-it is more important to strike a balance when developing the itinerary. There are undoubtedly sites and activities you will want to see and experience when traveling to a new place, but it is important to also take the time to appreciate simply being in a new context. Observe and appreciate little things, and only visit the places which are genuinely of interest. Travel provides an excellent opportunity to observe the mechanisms of life as they operate in a new context, and it is too easy and too common to disregard such experience as being “time wasted.”

Fig. (4) “Trip Planning.”

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Itinerary Development

A Balanced Itinerary While it can be potentially detrimental to the travel experience to strictly adhere to an itinerary, it is still beneficial to have an overall game plan, or itinerary, for the period of travel. An itinerary may take many shapes, some detail specific activities down to the hour, while others may simply include a list of potential sites with no time restrictions whatsoever. When developing an itinerary, it’s important to consider the amount of time being allotted for any given activity. Planning to visit a museum may seem like a task easily completed within one hour, but there are several factors which must be considered. How long will it take travel to the museum? What is the mode of transportation? How much time should be spent at the museum? And the return journey? This process may end up taking much longer than just one hour, and this effect can accumulate with subsequent sites planned to be visited during the same day. Sometimes, an itinerary can be more effective if it’s simply an inventory of desirable sites. This is a flexible approach; there are no imposed time-limits on any experience. This approach, however, can be more difficult when traveling with a group.

Fig. (5) “Sample Trip Itinerary, Paris.”

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Selecting Sites to Visit When deciding which sites will be included on the itinerary, a few considerations should be kept in mind. Distance from accommodations is a significant factor. If a site is of little or even moderate interest, and it will require a herculean combination of public transportation and walking in order to reach, it should be up for debate whether that site is worth visiting or not. This is especially true when considering the combined interests of an entire group, where the decision to visit such long-distance sites should be carefully weighed. Monetary cost is another factor to consider. Certain sites, particularly ones that are more specifically tourist-oriented, can be remarkably expensive. Most travel experiences do occur on a budget of some sort, and it can be ultimately upsetting to the group when the cost of one experience far exceeds all the others. The London Eye; the iconic waterfront Ferris wheel, is an example of a particularly tourist-oriented attraction which is significantly more expensive than most museums or similar activities.

Fig. (6) “London Eye - TQ04 26.”

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Traveling in the Digital Age

Museums in Moderation It is a common tourist tendency to want to visit every museum or work of significant culture and antiquity. A potential danger of this approach is that it is all too easy to try to jam too many similar activities into one day. There may literally be a “museum day” planned on the itinerary. Seeing works of antiquity and historic artwork in such high concentration can be completely detrimental to the gravity of any individual piece of work. It requires energy and interest to actually extract any value from viewing artwork or experiencing cultural significance. If the entire group is exhausted and ornery from an already full day of activities, the next museum on the list can be drudgingly painful, or simply not interesting or engaging.10 Museums hold the world’s most significant pieces of artwork, and the process of seeing everything even in one museum demands a significant amount of time in order to be appreciated. Taking a quality over quantity approach when it comes to seeing museums or any historic or cultural work may be found to be more enjoyable and ultimately more influential.

Fig. (7) “Audrey Griswold Collapsed on the Steps of the Louvre. Scene from the Film: European Vacation.”

“A danger of travel is that we may see things at the wrong time, before we have had an opportunity to build up the necessary receptivity.” (De Botton 122) -Alain de Botton

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Navigation

Finding Your Way in an Unfamiliar Place It can be a shock to arrive in a new place and be completely unfamiliar with the surroundings. It is helpful to establish familiar and recognizeable landmarks which can serve as way-markers during the travel experience. Effective landmarks may include: easily distinguishable structures; significant roadways and thoroughfares; public transportation hubs; and works of public art. The list is certainly not limited to these; the process of establishing landmarks should be both specific and personal to ensure the landmarks will be easily recognizable. While the introduction of mobile devices and tablets to the travel experience has somewhat undermined the necessity of establishing physical landmarks, this is still a helpful process. It can be dangerous to rely too heavily on digital tools to provide a sense of direction; and the simple process of establishing landmarks is an effective and easy backup plan which requires no additional technology.11

Fig. (8) “Ipad Travel Subway Map.”

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Traveling in the Digital Age

Dérive: Wandering The idea of exploring without imposed restrictions has roots in a philosophy tracing back to the avant-garde Situationist International group from the mid 20th century. In 1958, the concept of dérive emerged. The idea was for a person to disregard the itinerary, and essentially wander through an unfamiliar place allowing his/her subconscious to serve as the guide. This process would result in experiencing spontaneous, highly place-sensitive events which would be enlightening and revealing. Connections are created at a subconscious level when exploring a new place, and exploring a place beyond what is allowed by an itinerary allows for such connections to be conjured. The connections formed during this period of wandering often become among the most significant memories associated with a place.12 This exercise is still applicable and can be an excellent way to gain an understanding of a new place - especially in an urban setting. It is not a terrible thing to be detached from a map or itinerary. Being flexible and allowing for spontaneous exploration is a remedy for “over-planning” a travel experience.

Fig. (9) “Pyschogeographic Map of Paris, by Situationist Guy Debord.”

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Traveling in a Group

Patience is a Virtue Traveling in a group provides a different experience than going it alone. Rather than being an individual, you become one part of a greater collective which typically (and hopefully) has common interests. It can be potentially frustrating traveling with a large group because it is necessary to adjust your own desired pace to the pace of the entire group. You may find yourself spending entire days participating in activities that; had you been alone, you would have skipped entirely. You also need to consider the needs of the group as well as your own. People all need to eat, they need to sit down, and they need to use the restroom. These activities rarely align throughout the entire group, so traveling in a group immediately means that some of your time is going to be spent waiting for the group. When traveling in a group it is essential to be able to compromise. It’s far too easy for tempers to flare over miniscule problems, and the entire group will feel uneasy and tense as a result.13 Be patient and understanding, and use the extra time you’ll be spending waiting to breathe, relax, or engage in placefinding exercises.

Fig. (10) “WSU Architecture Students near the Wrigley Building, Chicago.”

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Traveling in the Digital Age

Traveling Solo

You; Shepard Without a Flock Solo travel is entirely as viable an experience as going with a group. Traveling alone allows you to determine your own pace and tempo, and to address your own needs and desires when and where you see fit. What is sacrificed in a sense of having “strength in numbers” is gained back in complete autonomy. It is far easier to compromise with yourself than it is to appease an entire group of people. In the solo approach, selecting which sites are to be visited, and how much time is to be spent at each site is completely flexible. This can make for a much more leisurely and enjoyable travel experience; spend all day at a single site if so desired, there is no one you need to answer to other than yourself. The pace at which you decide to move about; again, is completely decided by you. Finding inspiration and gaining an understanding of a place occurs at no set interval. With no pre-imposed time limits or restrictions, inspiration is free to strike spontaneously, and you, as an individual, are free to engage in whatever place-finding exercises that are desired.14

Fig. (11) “Solo Backpacker.”

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Place-Finding

03 Place-finding A. B. C. D.

Finding Place in the Digital Age Efficient & Effective; Off-Site Analysis Revealing & Poetic; On-Site Analysis Dimension of Memory

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CHAPTER TERMS

Place-Finding

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[Sense of Place]:

The unique and distinguishing identity of a place. This may be defined by, but is not limited to, specific cultural observances, household and neighborhood relationships. The very specific energies which define a place.

[Place-finding]:

The endeavor to understand the sense of a place. This process is not limited to either on-site or off-site analysis, but encompasses both.

[On-Site]:

Being simultaneously physically and mentally present within a place.

[Off-Site]:

Being physically removed from a location. Accessing a representation or simulation of a place rather than the place itself.

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Place-Finding

A. Finding Place in the Digital Age The Concept of Place is Changing The idea of place which; historically, has been associated with a closeness or relationship with a specific location, is being redefined. It is now possible to access any and every place, regardless of physical location. The Internet; and the digital tools by which people access it, provides a portal to essentially any place in the world. Finding place no longer requires a close relationship with a physical location, it is possible to glimpse into the sense of a place while being completely physically removed.15 A glimpse is sometimes not sufficient to accurately represent a place, however. Certain hidden characteristics of a place will always require a physical contact in order to be revealed, and some characteristics are not easily revealed through on-site or off-site analysis. Fig. (12) “Virtual Life.”

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Traveling Designer’s Guide to the Galaxy

Place-Finding

Genius Loci; Sense of Place Each place possesses a defining set of characteristics, a sense, or essence. This concept has a historical precedent, dating back to before the Roman Empire. The phrase “genius loci” (literally, sense of place) referred to a more personified entity than in the contemporary vernacular. There was an idea that places were literally imbued with a life-force, and the sense of that place was closely tied to this distinct identity.16 The Greek Caryatids seen at the “Porch of Maidens” are an example of such a concept predating even the Roman idea. Depictions of women serving as structural supports had protective and stewarding spirits associated with them. This idea has been re-defined but is still applicable, at least in a metaphoric sense. A place is imbued with a kind of energy which defines that place, sets it apart from others and stamps it with identity and unique energies.

Fig. (13) “Porch of Maidens.”

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Place-Finding

Practicing Place-finding The exercise of place-finding is an excellent way to develop a significant and highly specific relationship with a place. Developing such a connection with a place can often reveal subtle yet exquisite characteristics which come to be strongly associated with the identity of that place. Practicing this skill can potentially be the catalyst for having more substantial and memorable experiences, both during travel and while in a familiar context. Finding a favorite mode of place-finding can be an enlightening process, and may subconsciously become part of the thinking when simply ‘being’ in a place. The ability to tap into the sense of a place is an expected skill of a designer. This applies specifically to architects, as the process of professional licensure involves being able to respond to place-sensitive considerations.

Fig. (14) “WSU Design Students in Urban Chicago.”

“What matters most is the experience of being in that place and, more particularly, becoming part of the place.” (Casey 33) -Edward S. Casey

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Place-Finding

Diagramming the Sense of Place The actual process of ‘place-finding’ can take many shapes. These include more traditional methods of engagement such as sketching and photography, or poetry and interviews. But the range of exercises included within this Guide extends far beyond this, and includes several radical and avant-garde exercises as well. Documentation and diagraming of specific site conditions can be conducted from both an on-site and off-site position. The validity of certain off-site analyses may come into question, but there is undoubtedly much to be learned about a place without the need to be physically present. No matter the method, what is important to consider when attempting to understand the sense of a place, is that the goal of such explorations is to be more empathic and considerate of a place’s identity and sensitivities.

Fig. (15) “Site Selection and Analysis: Taishan.”

“There must be the / generating force of love behind every effort destined to be successful.” (qtd. in Cornell 20)

-Henry David Thoreau

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Place-Finding

B. Efficient & Effective; Off-Site Analysis Conveniently Effective, Comfortable Digital tools and virtual methods provide an excellent opportunity to gather information about a place in a rapid and economical way. Digital tools such as mobile devices and tablets further accentuate the accessibility of such information. A person can find out just about anything; places, people, without the need to even stand up.17 The quality of information found through such means may sometimes be called into question, but it is undeniable that a plethora of place-specific information is available without the need for on-site experience. Furthermore, conducting research about a place using digital means prior to physically visiting a place is an effective way to gain a baseline understanding or familiarity of the place being visited. Possessing this knowledge in advance can actually enrich the physical experience of a place.

Fig. (16) “Jean Des Esseintes.”

“What was the good of moving when a person could travel so wonderfully sitting in a chair?” (De Botton 11)

-Huysmans’ Jean Des Esseintes

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115

Benefits & Possibilities of Off-Site Analysis Off-site analysis can be beneficial, especially as a precursor to on-site experience. One common issue with students on study tours (or tourists in general), is that they don’t understand, or are not made to understand, the significance of what they are seeing and experiencing. No matter how significant a structure or place may be, if there is no pre-existing frame of reference as to why a student or traveler should care: it is more than likely that he or she simply won’t care.18 Certain sites can actually be negatively affected by “real” conditions; such as crowds of people, unsavory sensory qualities, or even the attitude an individual carries during the experience. Off-site analysis allows for a controlled and selectively filtered representation of a place or specific site. This does have its benefits, but there are also potential risks of forming opinions about places based solely on such off-site analyses.

Fig. (17) “Crowds at the Forbidden City.”

“We may best be able to inhabit a place when we are not faced with the additional challenge of having to be there.” (De Botton 123) -Huysmans’ Jean Des Esseintes

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Place-Finding

Limited Spectrum of Sensory Experience Methods of off-site engagement provide only a limited range of sensory feedback. Whereas being physically present in a place provides exposure to the full range of sensory possibilities, at best, off-site investigation can engage the sense of sight, and the sense of sound. There is currently no technology which can replicate the complete sensory palette which accurately and completely represents a place. Considerations of touch, taste, or smell, are not being addressed. This is a significant concern because it is likely that the true identity of a place may be strongly defined by a specific set of sensory inputs, and relying on off-site methods of analysis will not reveal such characteristics.19 The emphasis of this section is acknowledging what information can be gained through off-site analysis, as even a limited spectrum of sensory experiences can provide insight into the character of a place.

Sight Sound Smell Taste

Touch

Fig. (18) “Limited Sensory Input.”

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Place-Finding

Google Earth & Google Maps Google Earth and Google Maps are revolutionary tools that allow users to navigate across a shockingly realistic and high-fidelity simulation of the planet Earth. The fidelity of this simulation is continuing to improve, and recently, the incorporation of 3d buildings loaded directly into the simulation has created an even more realistic and immersive simulation. Entering into “Street View” allows for users to put themselves; at ground level, into a place and look around in a 360 degree field. Hundreds of thousands of photographs laced together create this effect of being fully immersed (at least visually) within a place. This provides a snap-shot of a place as it existed when the photographs were taken - including the life and activities occurring at the street level.20 This is an invaluable exploration tool, as unknown places can be charted and explored prior to traveling. This initial investigation of a place can reveal significant historical or cultural information which would otherwise go unknown, even while physically visiting the site.

Fig. (19) “3d Representation of Rome, via Google Earth.”

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Place-Finding

3d Modeling & Dissection Google Earth has been connected to a database of 3d models which are publicly available for downloading in a resource called the “3d Warehouse.” This virtual warehouse holds a collection of models numbering in the millions, and it is only growing as the contributing user base continues to increase. Most structures of historical or cultural significance are available for download through the 3d warehouse. Using Sketchup, a free 3d modeling application, it is possible to download a virtual model of a building, and literally slice it in half and dissect the structure or ordering system. This process allows users to gain an understanding of structural systems which is difficult to gain; or sometimes even to perceive, through on-site experience.

Fig. (20) “Wireframe Pantheon.”

Fig. (21) “Section Cut of the Pantheon in Sketchup.”

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ArcGIS & Quantitative Site Data Going beyond what is available in the simulation provided by Google Earth, ArcGIS is an advanced software application which features a highly detailed database of geographic, climate, and population data. This database can provide a wealth of information, all of which would be significant in developing an understanding of the ecosystems which exist in a place. This tool provides an abstraction of site information translated into a mathematical form. While the precision of this data is invaluable in understanding the ecological forces which define places, it is easy to lose sight of the human considerations which also contribute to the identity of a place. Data acquired from such tools should be used responsibly, and as supplemental to additional considerations for other existing cultural and social conditions.22

Fig. (22) “Mapping Hydrology in ArcGIS.”

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Social Media & Blogs The mass adoption of social media as a means of connectivity allows for the rapid dispersal of highly specific information.23 Rather than going to the library or checking databases in order to answer a question about a place, it is possible to find someone (likely someone who is already within your network of friends), who is a resident of the place in question. From there the possibilities of direct interaction and interviews can provide highly significant insight into the character of a place.24 Apart from Facebook, personal blogs can often reveal hidden characteristics or stories of the built environment which are difficult to unearth while onsite. Many places even have community websites or blogs which can provide an entirely local perspective on real issues which are affecting a place. Fig. (23) “Social Networking ‘Like’ Thumbs-Up.”

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Youtube Youtube allows for a unique glimpse into the lives of people who occupy a place. Through their perspective, it is possible to make certain assumptions about the cultural and social fabric which composes a place. Finding multiple perspectives can aid in developing a more informed understanding of the identity of a place. Exploration is no longer limited to looking at photographs or reading books. It is just as easy to find Youtube videos which are literally walking through specific buildings or places, providing not a representation of a place nor a still image of a place frozen in time, but an actual record of activity.25 This is hugely significant, as one person’s investigation shared on Youtube is available to the entire world (wide web). As videos continue to surface from every corner of the world, it will become increasingly common that the world will be available and accessible through video archives. Videos are now incredibly simple to produce, and share, only using the devices people already carry.

Fig. (24) “Youtube Usage Diagram.”

“72 hours of content uploaded per minute.”

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Wikipedia & Public Encyclopedias While often disregarded for being “non-scholarly,” Wikipedia is an excellent starting point for many research endeavors. The information provided on the Wikipedia page itself can often be non-specific, or unsubstantiated. But what is consistently helpful are the included links and resources at the bottom of each page.

Fig. (25) “Wikipedia Logo.”

When an author contributes to Wikipedia, any sources being referenced are included as a works cited at the end of the page. Looking at these references can often be highly revealing of original, sometimes first-hand accounts which can speak directly to the character of a place. Wikipedia, and other similar online encyclopedias, is entirely useful as a first point of contact, and as a point of departure into other, more specific and strictly scholarly accounts and information. Fig. (26) “Grand Tours via Wikipedia.”

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Newspaper Archives A great way to tap into the memory of a place is to look up newspaper archives, which are almost always available in a digital format. Newspaper articles can provide significant historical context which would otherwise be unknown to a traveler when visiting a place. Opinion pages and letters to the editor can shed light on memories of specific points in time, and oftentimes these memories are related directly to the development of the built environment. Depending on the timeframe included within the archive, it is sometimes possible to dive deep into the history of a place and learn how it (both the people inhabiting it, as well as the built environment) has changed over decades, if not centuries. Newspapers can convey the dimension of memory, which is discussed further later in this chapter.

Fig. (27) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Digital Newspapers.â&#x20AC;?

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C. On-Site Analysis Revealing the Poetics in Places Being physically present in a place allows for the development of highly specific and substantial relationships. These relationships are often difficult to replicate without physically occupying a place. Such relationships and connections can be highly influential in understanding the identity of a place. The kind of information gained through on-site investigation is, inevitably, more cognizant and considerate of the actual life and energy which inhabits and defines a place. Rather than relying on virtual representation and abstract data sets, on-site investigation allows for emotional responses to specific stimuli. This process of understanding a place can become poetic by itself.26

Fig. (28) “The Poetics of Space, Gaston Bachelard.”

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Benefits & Possibilities of On-Site Analysis Whereas off-site analysis and investigation can, at best, engage the senses of sight and sound, on-site experience provides a full range of sensory feedback. There is no filter, no level of abstract understanding. Being in a place as the place breathes and actually exists provides a much different perception than the experience provided through off-site analysis.27 The possibility for generating an emotional response is much more pronounced in an on-site setting. Oftentimes, these emotional responses can serve as an influence in the development of a design response. By practicing on-site analysis, students are allowing themselves to have an emotional response to a place, as opposed to the typically sterile and safe environment which characterizes the process of off-site analysis. Fig. (29) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Street Musician in Downtown Seattle.â&#x20AC;?

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Sight Hearing Smell Taste

Full Spectrum of Sensory Experience Whereas off-site analysis provides a limited range of sensory feedback, on-site experience engages the full, unfiltered range of sensory inputs. A place is not defined solely by its visuals, nor by its sounds. Sometimes taste, texture, and smell can be the strongest and most identifiable characteristics of a place.

Touch

Being exposed to such characteristics, especially when they are potentially so significant, will result in a heightened understanding of the identity of a place. Fig. (30) “Full Sensory Input.”

“We behold, touch, listen and measure the world with our entire bodily existence, and the experiential world becomes organizes and articulated around the centre of the body.” (Bachelard 71)

-Juhani Pallasmaa

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The Ritual of Sketching Sketching & drawing is a very traditional method of engaging a site. Methods & styles within this domain vary widely, and several examples of different styles and mediums have been included within this section. There is no one correct way to sketch, and just because a sketch is technically precise does not mean it is a more effective representation of a place than a drawing that is more abstract. There is tremendous value in both approaches.28 Sketching is a ritualistic interaction between a person and a place. The goal of a sketch is to capture the sense of the place, and whatever shape the product ends up taking in the end is not so important as actually undergoing the process of having this interaction. Fig. (31) “WSU Architecture Students Sketching at the Farnsworth House.”

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Process Over Product The goal of sketching is not necessarily to produce a photo-realistic, technically precise, representation of a place. Rather, it is meant to serve as a means of interpreting a place. Sketching allows the author to present a place as he or she sees it, and this practice can be much more honest than a completely technically precise approach. Drawings don’t have to be technically precise in order to effectively convey the idea or identity of a place. In fact, oftentimes it is the drawings completed in seconds; with fast and loose lines, that best represents the energy of a place. Look at Louis Kahn’s travel sketch of the acropolis in Rome (opposite page): this is not precise, but it effectively conveys the sketcher’s perception of the place. Such gestural works can be beautiful in their own right, and completely evocative of the identity of a place.29

Fig. (32) “Louis I. Kahn, Travel Sketch of the Acropolis.”

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Urban Sketching A specific subset of the sketching culture is “urban sketching,” which is the practice of venturing out into the built environment, finding a subject of interest, and sketching that subject. The group which champions this process has a manifesto which serves as a very judicious set of guidelines for the ritual (see opposite page). Groups which practice the art of urban sketching have chapters all around the world- it is likely there is a chapter in a city near you. Joining an urban sketching group is an excellent way to surround yourself with likeminded people who are interested in sketching. These groups are not limited to masters of sketching; there are tremendous variations in the skill and experience of the participants. It is a great learning experience too, as the groups will provide constructive criticism and feedback as part of the sketch outing. “Pin-ups” are a regular part of the exercise, where all the participants simultaneously display their sketches, and the entire group speaks about the body of work.30

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“Urban Sketchers Manifesto” 1. We draw on location, indoors or out, capturing what we see from direct observation. 2. Our drawings tell the story of our surroundings, the places we live and where we travel. 3. Our drawings are a record of time and place. 4. We are truthful to the scenes we witness. 5. We use any kind of media and cherish our individual styles. 6. We support each other and draw together. 7. We share our drawings online. 8. We show the world, one drawing at a time. Fig. (33) “Urban Sketchers Manifesto.”

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Fig. (34) “Summer in the Alley. Pullman, Washington.”

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Fig. (35) “Steve Reddy, Urban Sketching in Seattle.”

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Annotation & Note-Taking Oftentimes, it is difficult to capture every detail of a place only through drawing. It can be quicker and more effective to represent specific details with text as an integrated element of a sketch. Annotating involves writing about what cannot be drawn, or even of what would rather not be drawn. The combination of words with sketches can be a very visually appealing compositional device. The combined effect of the two can be highly effective in providing a more complete or accurate representation of a place. Consider text as another graphic element which can aid in the composition of pages. There are bound to be aspects of places which are not easily represented with lines or paint, and annotation can serve to complement other ‘drawn’ elements. The activities surrounding the subject of the sketch which are contributing to the atmosphere are strong candidates for annotation: specific interactions or conversations between people, sounds of birds or trains, the weather, the aroma on the air; there are many defining qualities of places which cannot be easily represented through drawing, but are easily represented through writing. Fig. (36) “Sheffield Town Hall, by Lynne Chapman.”

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Gestures & Timed Sketching Given that the process of traveling tends to involve a lot of moving around, there are going to be places and sites which end up being traversed fairly quickly. While this can sometimes be frustrating, sometimes it is necessary to be able to produce a sketch in just a few minutes. This is a great opportunity to practice gestural drawings. Working with an imminent stopping point requires a process of reducing a subject to its most fundamental gestures and geometries. Single lines can represent entire cities. Gestural drawings are a great way to capture certain memories or moments. Capture shapes and motion in single broad strokes, don’t fuss at all about detail and; rather, focus on the bigger picture. Gestural drawings can sometimes be messy, but they have a tremendous energy about them.31 Working with a time limit; even as an exercise rather than a necessity, is a helpful way to break away from the tendency to immediately want to focus all the efforts of the drawing on a very specific detail without considering the big picture.

Fig. (37) “Gestural Drawing: Contours.”

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Composition & Thumbnails It is a common habit to immediately focus too much attention on single elements or specific details, and the result is that drawings can end up running off the page, or being disproportionate to other details. When the goal of a sketch is to capture an entire scene rather than single details, it can be frustrating when the page is only able to contain a fraction of the scene. A great way to avoid this before it potentially becomes a problem is to consider the overall composition of how the sketch will be positioned on the page. Creating a quick thumbnail; or a miniature drawing, of the entire page with its rough shape and proportions is a great way to position the subject of the sketch on the page before committing to the full-size drawing. This is also helpful in understanding the proportions of details within the drawing before the drawing has even begun! The thumbnail can become an attractive element in the overall composition itself. Sometimes the gesture of the thumbnail can outshine the full-size sketch. This is not a bad thing.

Fig. (38) “Bridge in Downtown Pullman with Thumbnail.”

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Local Flavors Taste and flavor cannot be replicated or reproduced in a virtual setting. Tasting local restaurants and markets is a great way to get a sense of the neighborhood cuisine. While most urban centers will have a dizzying array of food options, the kinds of interactions bound to occur while visiting a restaurant or cafe, are highly unique and can speak volumes of the character of a place. Memories of flavors, tastes, and smells can be among the most significant characteristics which come to define a place. Community gardens are beaming with place-specific energy. Aromas, tastes, and the interactions with other people occurring simultaneously can provide an exquisite and memorable experience.32 Fig. (39) “The Green Hut Community Garden.”

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Mapping Gaining an understanding of the sense of a place depends on developing an understanding of site-specific relationships. Abstractly representing intangible relationships in a visual medium can produce ‘maps’. Maps are typically largely symbolic, and can be difficult to comprehend to anyone besides the author, but they are highly personal and can hold specific memories or feelings associated with a place or series of places. The works of James Corner are excellent examples of these kinds of maps. These graphics convey a set of information; as arcane as that information might be, relating to a specific set of relationships present in a place. Drawing upon symbolism rather than just drawing can convey abstract ideas or connections, and are not bound in any way by the idea of “accurately” representing a place, as is the case with sketching.

Fig. (40) “Taking Measures Across the American Landscape.”

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Fig. (41) “Rail Networks.”

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Fig. (42) “Mapping Graffiti Art in Barcelona.”

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Photography Photography is an excellent method for capturing a slice of a place at a specific point of time. Photography itself is a romantic subject; freezing any subject in time is a significant interaction. The frozen moment can provide a glimpse into the feelings and expressions felt at the moment the photo was taken, thus, photography becomes a powerful emotional device. Photographs tell stories of places, and taking a photograph has the potential to contribute to a significant relationship between place and photographer. A photograph is a controversial thing in many religions and schools of thought. A photo remembers one moment in the life of a subject, and that moment may be laden with emotion or expression. There is a thought that expressions should be allowed to dissolve as they occur, not be frozen in time for later nostalgic or even artistic purposes. Consider discretion when taking photographs, as a photographer can easily be unaware of the kinds of moments being captured.

Fig. (43) “Slipstream.”

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Fig. (44) “WSU Architecture Students in Unity Temple, Oak Park.”

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Fig. (45) “To the Beach.”

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Dangers of Photography Whereas the historic process of photography was a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring copious amounts of time and effort put in to produce even one print, today, students have digital cameras with storage capacity in the gigabytes. Cameras can hold upwards of thirtythousand photos on a single memory card. With the capability to take thirty-thousand photos, it is easy to treat any one photo as disposable.33 In the historic model, each photograph required enormous attention and care. Today, students snap photographs of anything and everything, without consequence or any necessary regard. The issue with this is that with no consideration for what is being photographed, any existing relationships or conversations which actually are being captured on film, aren’t going to be emphasized. They are casualties almost, in the students’ war to capture literally every moment of experience. Treat a photo like a drawing: consider the subject and composition before pressing that button down all the way.

Fig. (46) “Canon EOS Rebel.”

Digital cameras can take thousands of photos to be stored on a single memory card.

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Writing & Poetry Writing can be a highly effective method of capturing very specific emotional responses to a place. Such responses are often difficult to illustrate with drawing or photography, but language and vocabulary typically provides a broad enough range by which to describe any potential set of emotions.34 Poetry is an effective way of capturing such emotions with a carefully selected arsenal of words. Conveying an emotional response to a place can be achieved using a limited word count, or through adhering to a preexisting format such haiku or limerick. Some poems can be done while present in a place, others may tend to linger and bounce around in the head for a few hours or even days before it can be translated into a decipherable language.

Fig. (47) “Street Poet.”

“Poetry gives (...) a nostalgia for the expressions of youth. It offers us images as we should have imagined them during the ‘original impulse’ of youth.” (Bachelard 33) -Gaston Bachelard

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Totem Collection Small objects can be collected on-site and stored in a sketchbook as well. Such objects; or totems, can be powerful reminders of memories associated with a site. Examples of totems might include: leaves, small bits of metal or wood, newspaper ads, ticket stubs, and transit passes. Such objects can capture specific emotions associated with a place, or can capture specific material characteristics. Driftwood is a common example of something that is found on-site and kept for later reflection or nostalgia. The process of selecting a totem is a poetic one, and it involves the indefinable “I know it when I see it” method. Some objects in the environment have a certain appeal, and that may simply be a result of an exquisite texture, or it could be an object which speaks to our memories. The specific conditions of texture, shape, and weight of the pieces speaks differently to everyone. The types of material which are taken as totems vary vastly from person to person, and may inspire specific emotions or relate to memories held deep in the subconscious.

Fig. (48) “Travel Souvenir Collections You Need to Start: Flat Things.”

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Body Immersion Meditation is a practice which calms the mind and allows for the perception of previously hidden relationships and characteristics. Such a ritual is an excellent way of tapping into the sense of a place. Meditation demands time to be spent, not necessarily in silence or in solitude, but simply in reverence of the place being occupied. Spending enough time observing and allowing oneself to become a part of the place provides a unique window through which to gain an somewhat transcendent understanding of a place. Henry David Thoreau often wrote of the beauty of a place, and furthermore contended that having a still, serene mind was necessary in order to comprehend such beauty. This does not limit itself to nature, as even urban environments, though chaotic and noisy, may provide a sense of serenity. Listening to the gears of the city turning can be just as poetic or powerful as listening to the ocean waves crashing upon the shores.

Fig. (49) “Urban Meditation.”

“You cannot perceive beauty but with a serene mind.” (qtd. in Cornell 9) -Henry David Thoreau

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Earth Art Among the more radical methods of on-site engagement is the idea of Earth art. Developing a relationship through experimenting with the physical properties of a place allows for an intimate understanding of the properties which define a place. Tree hugging is a classic example of this, and while this may seem silly or insignificant as a means of gaining an understanding of a place, this is actually a very informative method which provides a specific understanding of the kinds of textures which compose a landscape. Stacking stones is another common example of this ritual. The work of Andy Goldsworthy falls under this umbrella, as his works all depend on developing a close relationship with site specific materials and features. This process of creation is meditative in of itself, and Goldsworthy often speaks of the poetic characteristics which he is addressing by creating such temporal, ultra specific works of art.35

Fig. (50) “Ice Sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.”

“A stone is ingrained with geological and historical memories.” (Goldsworthy) -Andy Goldsworthy

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Fig. (51) “Stacking Stones by Andy Goldsworthy.”

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D. Dimension of Memory Beyond virtual or physical There are certain hidden characteristics of places which are not readily revealed through either on-site or off-site methods of engagement. Some places carry significant histories, and the memories latent in such a place can often be highly significant and influential among community members. It is impossible to understand all the memories which are latent in a place, but it is possible to at least recognize that such memories are present. Places should be treated kindly in regards to the possible experiences shared and memories forged within.

“It is not until late in life that we really revere an image, when we discover that its roots plunge well beyond the history that is fixed in our memories. In this realm of absolute imagination, we remain young late in life.” (Bachelard 33)

-Gaston Bachelard

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Memories Define Places Gaston Bachelard writes in “The Poetics of Space,” that significant memories of the places we occupy are formed over a lifetime. Such places become connections to younger selves, allowing the remember-er to experience the expressions and feelings of youth, even into old age. 36 It is important to consider what memories may be associated with a place, especially when proposing a design response which will significantly affect the place. It is difficult to uncover such connections from an offsite perspective, but at the same time, it is often difficult to understand such connections on-site as well. Memories are often hidden within people, and people do not always express their inner thoughts and desires, especially when it comes to intimate places. There is no place in the world which are not affected by memory, and this must be considered.

Fig. (52) “Summer Fun.”

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There is No Such Thing as an ‘Empty’ Site Even a site with nothing built on it may be latent with memory that is contributing to the holistic sense of the place. It is important to consider what may have existed on a site, sometimes just as much so as what currently exists. Such latent memories need to be considered when proposing design solutions which will affect a place. Treatment of the land and existing conditions must be sensitive and respectful. Consider what memories may be held for the place in question; the loves formed, the secrets shared, the occasions celebrated. It is difficult not to be romantic about the memory of a place, and as intangible as it may sometimes be, places of memory will always be held dear to the rememberers. Inconsiderate development can destroy cherished memories.

Fig. (53) “Old Door Knob.”

“The door handle is the handshake of the building. The tactile sense connects us with time and tradition: through impressions of touch we shake the hands of countless generations.” (Pallasmaa 62) -Juhani Pallasmaa

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Sheppard, Alyson. “How Google Maps and Gmail Will Distort Human History.” Popular Mechanics, 2013. Web.

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. New York: Rizzoli, 1991. Print. Pg. 7.

Gasser, Palfrey. Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives. New York: Basic Books, 2008. Web. Pg. 21.

Saunders, Ben. “Why Bother Leaving the House?” TED, 2012. Web.

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Chin, Curtis S. “It Can Be An Expensive Waste of Time.” Should More Americans Study Abroad? 2013. Web.

Agresta, Michael. “What Will Become of the Library.” Slate Design Blog, 2014. Web.

Gasser, Palfrey. Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives. New York: Basic Books, 2008. Web. Pg. 127.

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. New York: Rizzoli, 1991. Print. Pg. 7-14.

Chivers, Tom. “Google Maps has forever changed the way we travel, but has it ruined it?” Skift, 2013. Web.

Smith, Peter F. Architecture and the Human Dimension. New Jersey: Eastview Editions, Inc., 1979. Print. Pg. 21.

Ockman, J., Williamson, R., eds. Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. Pg. 201.

Pelletier, Louise, and Alberto Perez-Gomez. Architecture, Ethics, and Technology. Boston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 55.

NCARB, . “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web.

Mutunayagam, N. Brito, and Ali Bahrami. Cartography and Site Analysis with Microcomputers. New York City: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987. Print. Pg. 14.

Mitrasinovic, Traganou. Travel, Space, Architecture. Ashgate Publishing Group, 2009. Web.

Jung, Brian. “The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals.” Houston Chronicle, 2011. Web.

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Kleinberg, Scott. “Quality Over Quantity in Social Media.” Chicago Tribune, 2013. Web.

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Huffington Post. “Smartphone Addiction Has Turned Mobile Devices Into ‘Our Other Limb.’” Huffington Post Live, 2014. Web.

Debord, Guy. “Theory of the Derive.” Internationale Situationniste. #2. np., 1958. Ken Knabb transl. Web.

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Plotnick, Brande. “9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone.” Lifehack, 2011. Web.

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Campanario, Gabriel. Seattle Sketcher. np., 2014. Web.

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Goldsworthy, Andy. Andy Goldsworthy: A Collaboration with Nature. New York: Harry N Adams Publishing, 1990. Print. Day 9.

Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 33.

Cornell, Joseph. Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature. Nevada City: Dawn Publications, 1987. Print. De Botton, Alain. The Art of Travel. New York: Pantheon Books, 2002. Print. Goldsworthy, Andy. Andy Goldsworthy: A Collaboration with Nature. Harry N Adams Publishing, 1990. Print. Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Saunders, Ben. “Why Bother Leaving the House?” TED, 2012. Web.

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List of Figures Fig. (1) “Virtual Places: Logging in Rather than Going out.” Photograph. Getty Images, 2012. Web. Fig. (2) “IPads in the Library.” Photograph. University of Ottawa, 2012. Web. Fig. (3) Rice, Jaime. “Design Students at the Farnsworth House, Chicago.” 2013. Photograph. Fig. (4) “Trip Planning.” Photograph. PhotoFly Travel Club, 2012. Web. Fig. (5) “Sample Trip Itinerary, Paris.” Graphic. Paris Travel Planning Blog, 2012. Web.

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Fig. (17) “Crowds at the Forbidden City.” Photograph. China Daily Blog, 2012. Web. Fig. (18) Reiter, Eric. “Limited Sensory Input.” Graphic. 2014. Fig. (19) “3d Representation of Rome, via Google Earth.” 3d Representation. Google Earth, 2014. Fig. (20) “Wireframe Pantheon.” Graphic. Turbosquid, 2012. Web. Fig. (21) “Section Cut of the Pantheon in Sketchup.” Graphic. Turbosquid, 2012. Web. Fig. (22) “Mapping Hydrology in ArcGIS.” Graphic. Helimap, 2010. Web.

Fig. (6) “London Eye - TQ04 26.” Licensed under Creative Commons AttributionShare Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Fig. (23) “Social Networking ‘Like’ Thumbs-Up.” Graphic. Dreamar’s Blog, 2014. Web.

Fig. (7) “Audrey Griswold Collapsed on the Steps of the Louvre. Scene from the Film: European Vacation.” European Vacation. Dir. Amy Heckerling. Warner Bros, 1985. Film.

Fig. (24) “Youtube Usage Diagram.” Graphic. Forbes, 2010. Web.

Fig. (8) “IPad Travel Subway Map.” Photograph. We Hostels Travel Blog, 2013. Web.

Fig. (26) “Grand Tours via Wikipedia.” Encyclopedia Entry. Wikipedia, 2009. Web.

Fig. (9) “Pyschogeographic Map of Paris, Guy Debord.” Photograph. Plurale Tantum, 2011. Web. Fig. (10) Dunn, Allison. “WSU Architecture Students near the Wrigley Building, Chicago.” 2011. Photograph. Fig. (11) “Solo Backpacker.” Photograph. Orient Xplorer Blog, 2012. Web. Fig. (12) “Virtual Life.” Graphic. Adrian Nelson Blog, 2014. Web. Fig. (13) “Porch of Maidens.” “Porch of Maidens”. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.

Fig. (25) “Wikipedia Logo.” Graphic. Wikipedia, 2006. Web.

Fig. (27) “Digital Newspapers.” Photograph. Press4Kids Blog, 2006. Web. Fig. (28) “The Poetics of Space, Gaston Bachelard.” Book Cover. Guiseppe Photo Blog, 2012. Web. Fig. (29) “Street Musician in Downtown Seattle.” Photograph. Getty Images, 2010. Web. Fig. (30) Reiter, Eric. “Full Sensory Input.” Graphic. 2014. Fig. (31) Rice, Jaime. “WSU Architecture Students Sketching at the Farnsworth House.” 2014. Photograph.

Fig. (15) Ho, Vivian. “Site Selection and Analysis: Taishan.” Graphic. Hong Kong University, 2013. Web.

Fig. (32) “Louis I. Kahn, Travel Sketch of the Acropolis.” Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. Pg. 405.

Fig. (16) “Jean Des Esseintes.” Painting. Alex Larman Blog, 2011. Web.

Fig. (33) “Urban Sketchers Manifesto.” Urban Sketchers, 2011. Web.

Fig. (14) Rice, Jaime. “WSU Design Students in Urban Chicago.” 2014. Photograph.

Fig. (34) Reiter, Eric. “Summer in the Alley. Pullman, Washington.” Drawing. 2014.

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Fig. (35) “Steve Reddy, Urban Sketching in Seattle.” Photograph. Urban Sketchers Seattle, 2013. Web. Fig. (36) Chapman, Lynne. “Sheffield Town Hall.” 2009. Staeddtler Pigment Liner and Watercolor. The Art of Urban Sketching. By Gabriel Campanario. Beverly: Quarry Books, 2012. Print. Pg. 159. Fig. (37) Reiter, Eric. “Gestural Drawing: Contours.” Drawing. 2014. Fig. (38) Reiter, Eric. “Bridge in Downtown Pullman with Thumbnail.” Drawing. 2014. Fig. (39) “French Toast via Portage Bay.” Photograph. Foodspotting, 2011. Web. Fig. (40) Corner, James. “Taking Measures Across the American Landscape.” Map. Socks Studio Blog, 2012. Web. Fig. (41) Corner, James. “Rail Networks.” Map. Jgklc Weblog, 2008. Web. Fig. (42) “Mapping Graffiti Art in Barcelona.” Graphic. GMIK Blog, 2007. Web. Fig. (43) Harrison, Ryan. “Slipstream.” 2010. Photograph. Web. Fig. (44) Dunn, Allison. “WSU Architecture Students in Unity Temple, Oak Park.” 2011. Photograph. Web. Fig. (45) Harrison, Ryan. “To The Beach.” 2010. Photograph. Web. Fig. (46) “Canon EOS Rebel.” Photograph. CNET, 2011. Web. Fig. (47) Dube, Brian. “Street Poet.” Photograph. NY Daily Photo, 2009. Web, Fig. (48) Miller, Lisa. “Travel Souvenir Collections You Need to Start: Flat Things.” Photograph. Huffington Post, 2013. Web. Fig. (49) “Urban Meditation.” Photograph. City Weekend, 2008. Web. Fig. (50) “Ice Sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.” Photograph. Feng Shui Dana, 2014. Web. Fig. (51) “Stacking Stones by Andy Goldsworthy.” Photograph. Katie Moyer Design Blog, 2014. Web. Fig. (52) Harrison, Ryan. “Summer Fun.” 2010. Photograph. Web. Fig. (53) Anderson, Kate. “Old Door Knob.” 2012. Photograph. Web.

Works Cited

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Travelling Designer's Guide to the Galaxy

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Conclusions

Conclusions A. B.

Making Better Study Tours Continuing Necessity of Travel Study

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A. Making Better Study Tours Getting the Absolute Most out of a Travel Experience Ultimately, the goal of the Guidebook is to help students have a fulfilling and memorable, but simultaneously informative, travel experience. In the midst of the digital revolution, when gathering information and making assumptions about places without ever physically traveling to them is a common practice, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to recognize the unique benefits allowed by physical travel. This is of particular importance for young design students. As discussed in previous chapters, younger generations are being raised in an environment of technology. It surrounds people from an early age, and undoubtedly influences the way they perceive the world around them. The concept of place is changing, and more and more, people are relying on virtual simulations of the world rather than the physical world itself. Design students need to recognize that places are defined by more than what is surface deep. The stories of the people who occupy that place, the smells, sounds, tastes, textures, and memories which are latent within- these are the characteristics of a place which can often be the most inspirational and influential. Ignoring these characteristics while proposing a design solution is dangerous and irresponsible. It is important for design students to recognize these dangers.

Conclusions

Fig. [31] “Integrated Study Tour at the Trump Plaza, Chicago.”

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B. The Ongoing Necessity of Travel Study Traveling Allows Students to Exercise Essential Skills There are specific skills expected and required for designers to enter into professional practice. Specifically speaking to architectural education, the ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) features two divisions which are directly related to site planning, programming, and environmental, social, and economic issues. Despite the variation in language, this is essentially the practice of place-finding.(47) Environmental, social, and economic issues are difficult to consider in a virtual setting. Certainly databases and abstract figures can provide a baseline understanding, but to see how such issues can actually affect the sense of a place requires being physically present within that place.(48) It is potentially dangerous to make decisions about such conditions without observing firsthand how such conditions affect a place. The physical act of traveling provides exposure to the unique conditions which define a place. It is important; especially for young designers, to recognize that certain characteristics of places cannot be communicated through virtual means. There are appropriate settings for the application of information gathered virtually, as well as gathered through first-hand, physical experience. The ability to recognize the appropriate settings for either approach, or recognizing where it is potentially dangerous to rely on one type of information, makes for more informed and responsible designers entering into professional practice. In the midst of the digital age, this responsible use of information has become increasingly important.

(47) NCARB. “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web. (48) Hancock, Lillian H. “Visualizing Identity: Perspectives on the Influences of Digital Representation in Architectural Practice and Education.” University of Washington Department of Architecture, 2013. Web.

Conclusions

ARE 4.0 Divisions Programming, Planning & Practice The application of project development knowledge and skills relating to architectural programming; environmental, social, and economic issues. Site Planning & Design The application of knowledge and skills of site planning and design including environmental, social, and economic issues, project and practice management. Fig. [32] â&#x20AC;&#x153;ARE 4.0 Divisions.â&#x20AC;?

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The Process of Travel Has Changed There is no doubt that the act of travel has been fundamentally affected by the introduction of virtual simulation and digital tools. Google Earth alone has allowed for the entire world to be explored from anywhere and everywhere, essentially making the process of physically traveling for the purposes of information-gathering arguably redundant.(49) The apparent benefits of travel are being redefined, as is the actual ritual of travel itself. Digital tools have allowed for unflinchingly precise navigation through completely unknown places, removing much of the spontaneous exploration which has been romanticized for centuries.(50) Yet despite the possibilities and benefits of virtual simulation and digital tools, the physical act of travel is still the only method by which to gain a complete, unfiltered perspective of a place. Places are not only defined by their physical or sensory dimensions; it is the intangible elements of life colliding and interacting within and across spaces and communities which distinguish one place from another.(51) It is impossible to quantify the specific intangibles which contribute to the sense of a place, and this is why physical, nonvirtual travel and experience will continue to be significant throughout this digital age and into the next epoch of the human condition.

(49) Chivers, Tom. “Google Maps has forever changed the way we travel, but has it ruined it?” Skift, 2013. Web. (50) Huffington Post. “The Way We Used To Travel: 12 Ways Travel Has Changed In The Digital Age.” Huffington Post Travel Blog, 2014. Web. (51) Mugerauer, Robert. Interpretations on Behalf of Place. New York City: State University of New York Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 29.

Conclusions

Fig. [33] “Magnets Made out of Google Maps Pins.”

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Works Cited

References

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Works Cited 1 Thoreau, Henry David. Cited in: Cornell, Joseph. Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature. Nevada City: Dawn Publications, 1987. Print. Pg. 1. 2 Schinkel, Karl Friedrich. The English Journey: Journal of a Visit to France and Britain in 1826. New Haven & London: Yale University Press. 1993. Print. Pg. 121. 3 Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 402-09. Print. 4 Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. Pg. 402. 5 Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 64. 6 Pelletier, Louise, and Alberto Perez-Gomez. Architecture, Ethics, and Technology. Boston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 55. 7

De Botton, Alain. The Art of Travel. New York: Pantheon Books, 2002. Print. Pg. 11.

Jean Des Esseintes.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Web.

9 Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 3-26. 10 Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Architecture: Meaning and Place, selected essays. New York: Rizzoli, 1988. Print. Pg. 31. 11

“Required Human Subjects Training.” WSU Institutional Review Board, 2014. Web.

12 Casey, Edward S. The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Print. Pg. 88-90.

Works Cited

169

“Chicago 2012 Exit Survey Free-Response Sample Answer.”

14 Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. 15

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. The Concept of Dwelling. New York: Rizzoli, 1984. Print.

16 Casey, Edward S. The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Print. 17 Ockman, J., Williamson, R., eds. Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. 18 Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. 19

Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Print.

20 “Academic Showcase 2014.” WSU Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA). 2014. Web. 21

Holkins, Jerry; Krehulik, Mike. “Video Games.” Penny Arcade TV, 2009. Web.

Kurzweil, Ray. “The Accelerating Power of Technology.” TED, 2005. Web.

23 Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 12. 24 Cross, Jennifer E. “What is Sense of Place?” Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 2001. Web. 25 Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. Pg. 18. 26 Ashley, Robert. “January 1st Episode.” Games for Windows Radio Podcast, 2008. Web. 27

Agresta, Michael. “What Will Become of the Library.” Slate Design Blog, 2014. Web.

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28 Gasser, Palfrey. Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives. New York: Basic Books, 2008. Web. Pg. 18-27. 29 Jung, Brian. “The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals.” Houston Chronicle, 2011. Web. 30 Kleinberg, Scott. “Quality Over Quantity in Social Media.” Chicago Tribune, 2013. Web. 31 Revkin, Andrew C. “The Untapped Potential of Google Earth.” New York Times, 2009. Web. 32 Treves, Richard. “2d Maps vs. 3d Visualization.” Google Earth Design Blog, 2009. Web. 33

“3d Mapping is a ‘Pisa’ Cake for Aussie Scientists.” CSIRO, 2013. Web.

Kurzweil, Raymond. “The Accelerating Power of Technology.” TED, 2005. Web.

35 Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 61-70. 36 Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 7. 37 Emmons, Paul. “Drawing and Representation.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 299-305. Print. Pg. 299. 38 Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. Pg. 14. 39 Webb, John. “Possible Uses of Virtual Reality Technology in the Travel Industry.” Amadeus Blog, 2014. Web. 40 Emmons, Paul. “Drawing and Representation.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Educating Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. Pg. 304.

Works Cited

Haq, Husna. “Can Travelling Make You Healthier?” BBC Travel Blog, 2013. Web.

Saunders, Ben. “Why Bother Leaving the House?” TED, 2012. Web.

Nevadomski-Berdan, Stacie. “Why Study Abroad?” Huffington Post, 2013. Web.

171

44 Chin, Curtis S. “It Can Be An Expensive Waste of Time.” Should More Americans Study Abroad? 2013. Web. 45 NCARB. “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web. 46 Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 71. 47 NCARB. “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web. 48 Hancock, Lillian H. “Visualizing Identity: Perspectives on the Influences of Digital Representation in Architectural Practice and Education.” University of Washington Department of Architecture, 2013. Web. 49 Chivers, Tom. “Google Maps has forever changed the way we travel, but has it ruined it?” Skift, 2013. Web. 50 Huffington Post. “The Way We Used To Travel: 12 Ways Travel Has Changed In The Digital Age.” Huffington Post Travel Blog, 2014. Web. 51 Mugerauer, Robert. Interpretations on Behalf of Place. New York City: State University of New York Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 29.

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List of Figures Fig. [1] Dunn, Allison. “ WSU Architecture Students near the Wrigley Building, Chicago.” 2011. Photograph. Fig. [2]

“Portrait of Karl Schinkel.” Drawing. Wikipedia, 2013. Web

Fig. [3] “Pages from Schinkel’s Travel Diary.” Schinkel, Karl Friedrich. The English Journey: Journal of a Visit to France and Britain in 1826. New Haven & London: Yale University Press. 1993. Print. Pg. 121. Fig. [4]

“Definition Set 1.”

Fig. [5] Dunn, Allison. “WSU Architecture Students at the Cloud Gate, Chicago.” 2011. Photograph. Web. Fig. [6] “A Portion of the Study Tour Exit Surveys Included in the Initial Investigation.” Fig. [7]

“CITI Program Completion Report.”

Fig. [8]

“Sample Pages from the 2011 Chicago Study Tour Exit Survey.”

Fig. [9]

“Study Tour Exit Survey Multiple-Choice Questions.”

Fig. [10]

“Study Tour Exit Survey Multiple-Choice Response Database.”

Fig. [11]

“Graphical Representation of Exit Survey Data.”

Fig. [12]

Rice, Jaime. “WSU Architecture Students in Chicago.” 2012. Photograph.

Fig. [13]

“Five Benefits of Study Travel.”

Fig. [14] “Can’t Google That” The Necessity of Travel Study for Design Education in the Digital Age: Abstract Statement.” Fig. [15]

“‘Can’t Google That’ at the 2014 Academic Showcase.” Photograph. 2014.

Fig. [16]

“‘Can’t Google That.’ Poster 1 of 2.”

Fig. [17]

“Can’t Google That.’ Poster 2 of 2.”

Works Cited

Fig. [18]

“Virtual Tourism.” Drawing. Only-Apartments Blog, 2011. Web.

Fig. [19]

“Digital Entrepreneur in Surf.” Powered by Coaching Blog, 2013. Web.

173

Fig. [20] “Virtual Places: Logging in Rather than Going Out.” Photograph. Getty Images, 2012. Web. Fig. [21]

“Facebook Data.” Photograph. Digital Trends, 2013. Web.

Fig. [22]

“Millennium Park via Google Earth.” Simulated Photograph. Google Earth.

Fig. [23] “Display of final Zebedee 3d map of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.” Photograph. CSIRO. 2013. Web. Fig. [24]

“Raymond Kurzweil, The Singularity.” Photograph. IMDB, 2010. Web.

Fig. [25] “Pencil? They Still Make Those?” Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. Pg. 64. Fig. [26] Rice, Jaime. “Design Students at the Farnsworth House, Chicago.” 2013. Photograph. Fig. [27]

“Guidebook Table of Contents.”

Fig. [28]

Bertrand, Mark. “Traveler’s Notebook.” 2011. Photograph. Web.

Fig. [29] alierturk. “Digitally Enhanced Cloud Gate.” Photograph. Deviant Art, 2013. Web. Fig. [30] Dunn, Allison. “WSU Architecture Study Tour at the Trump Plaza, Chicago.” 2011. Photograph. Fig. [31] Rice, Jaime. “Integrated Study Tour at the Trump Plaza, Chicago.” 2013. Photograph. Fig. [32] “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web. Fig. [33]

LAI Ryanne. “Magnets Made out of Google Maps Pins.” Flickr, 2013. Web.

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Annotated Bibliography / Works Referenced Agresta, Michael. “What Will Become of the Library.” Slate Design Blog, 2014. Web. -This web article investigates how the role of the library has changed and will continue to change as a result of the shift towards digital information-gathering. This supports the idea that physical experiences are being replaced by virtual substitutes. Ames, David, and Richard Wagner. Design & Historic Preservation: The Challenge of Compatibility. Newark: University of Delaware Press, 2009. Print.

-This book features a discussion of sensitivities of sites, and how irresponsible or misinformed design interventions can negatively impact the identity of a place. This supports the argument that it can be dangerous, especially for designers, to rely too heavily on information gained virtually without adequately considering the context, or the identity of a place.

Ashley, Robert. “January 1st, 2008.” Games for Windows Radio Podcast, 2008. Web -Games for Windows Radio was a video-game-centric podcast which discussed; among many topics, the interactions which occur in virtual environments, and the cultures which form around these interactions. While I only included one episode of the podcast in this bibliography, the entire series revolves around discussing experiences which entirely virtual. This was an invaluable resource in understanding the distinctions between what is ‘real’ (read: physical) and what is virtual. Bachelard, Gaston. The Poetics of Space. Boston: Beacon Press, 1994. Print. -Gaston Bachelard eloquently articulates phenomenological aspects of being in place, and how

places can have a substantial effect on inhabitants. This is helpful in supporting the idea that there are intangible elements and phenomena associated with physically being a place which cannot be replicated in a virtual setting.

Barbara, Anna, and Anthony Perliss. Invisible Architecture: Experiencing Places through the Sense of Smell. Milan: Skira Editor, 2004. Print.

-This book features a discussion of how the sense of smell can be a strong indicator and identifier of places. This supports the point that places are defined by dimensions beyond the visual.

Burns, Carol J., and Andrea Kahn. Site Matters: Design Concepts, Histories, and Strategies. Abingdon: Routledge, 2005. Print.

-This book discusses traditional and historical methods of addressing site-specific conditions. This further supports the idea that certain conditions of a place cannot be revealed through virtual experience.

Works Cited

175

Caicco, Gregory, ed. Architecture, Ethics, and the Personhood of Place. Hanover: University Press of New England, 2007. Print. -This book discusses how places are personified by the cultures which define them. This supports the point that places are distinct and unique, and furthermore, that it is dangerous to treat virtual experiences of places as accurate depictions, because culture is a difficult thing to absorb through virtual means.

Campanario, Gabriel. The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing on location around the World. Beverly: Quarry Books, 2012. Print. -Gabriel’s book features an incredible body of work collected from urban sketchers all around the world. Apart from being a great resource for images, this book also provides detailed discussions of specific methods of sketching. The ‘Sketching’ section of the Guidebook draws largely on information provided by this book.

Campanario, Gabriel. “Seattle Sketcher”. np., 2014. Web.

- Similar to his book, Gabriel’s blog features the work of many talented urban sketchers, and further discusses the ritual of sketching.

Casey, Edward S. The Fate of Place: A Philosophical History. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1998. Print. -Edward Casey is an expert on the concept of place. Influenced by Heidegger and NorbergSchulz, this book provides a relatively digestible discussion on the very idea of “place.” This support the foundational idea that places are all unique and much more complex than a Google Earth Street View would suggest.

Casey, Edward S. Getting Back into Place: Toward a Renewed Understanding of the Placeworld. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1999. Print.

-In ‘Getting Back into Place,’ Casey discusses a kind of renaissance of understanding place, including discussion of how technology and the digital revolution has transformed the way people interact with and consider places.

Casey, Edward S. Representing Place: Landscape Painting & Maps. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2002. Print. -Here, Casey provides a detailed account of how places have been represented throughout history. This book was uniquely helpful in that it features discussions of methods of representing place, which were helpful in developing the place-finding section of the Guidebook, but also the philosophy and concept of ‘capturing’ a place, which was helpful in understanding how people associate and interact with their physical environments.

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Chin, Curtis S. “It Can Be An Expensive Waste of Time.” Should More Americans Study Abroad? 2013. Web. -Former U.S. Ambassador Curtis Chin articulates why the idea of travel study has recently become synonymous with a kind of vacation, or party-tour. This supports the argument that travel study is not necessarily a universally beneficial experience: much depends on the motivation of the student in attendance.

Ching, Frank. Seeing. Thinking. Drawing Blog. np., 2014. Web. -Frank Ching’s web blog features a collection of his beautiful sketches. This was helpful as a resource in developing the sketching section of the Guidebook.

Chivers, Tom. “Google Maps has forever changed the way we travel, but has it ruined it?” Skift, 2013. Web.

-This web article directly discusses how Google Earth/Maps has altered the physical act of travel.

Costanzo, Denise. “Travel, Trips, Study Abroad: Instructive Displacements.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 402-09. Print. -This essay within an anthology provides a great overview of how the act of travel as an educational rite-of-passage has evolved over the last three centuries. This was helpful in establishing a baseline of the significance of travel before the digital revolution.

Cornell, Joseph. Listening to Nature: How to Deepen Your Awareness of Nature. Nevada City: Dawn Publications, 1987. Print. -This book poetically discusses methods of understanding a place. This supports the place-finding section of the Guidebook, as well as the idea that certain conditions of a place cannot be revealed without close physical contact.

Cross, Jennifer E. “What is Sense of Place?” Department of Sociology, Colorado State University, 2001. Web. -This essay prepared for a conference discussion articulates many of Charles Norberg-Schulz ideas about defining the ‘sense of place.’ This supports how I am defining ‘sense of place.’

Debord, Guy. “Theory of the Derive.” Internationale Situationniste. #2. np., 1958. Ken Knabb transl. Web.

-This translation of the Guy Debords treatise directly discusses the ritual of the Derive.

Works Cited

177

De Botton, Alain. The Art of Travel. New York: Pantheon Books, 2002. Print. -The Art of Travel provides a unique perspective on why people travel in the first place. The philosophies discussed within were helpful in developing the very foundation of my thesis work. In this book I was introduced to Karl Huysmann’s character of Jean Des Esseintes, whom is quoted several times as an antagonist to the act of travel throughout both the monograph and the Guidebook.

Edwards, Betty. The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. 3rd ed. New York City: Penguin Putnam, 1999. Print. -This book served as additional support for the drawing section of the Guidebook, and features discussion of how sketching is an effective way not only to engage with a place, but to engage the brain as well.

Emmons, Paul. “Drawing and Representation.” Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America. Ed. Joan Ockman and Rebecca Williamson. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. 299-305. Print. -Paul Emmons’ essay in the Architecture School anthology traces the development of representation in the field in architecture. This supports the argument that architects and designers in contemporary practice rely heavily on digital tools instead of traditional hand-methods of representation.

Gasser, Palfrey. Born Digital: Understanding the First Generation of Digital Natives. New York: Basic Books, 2008. Web. -This book discusses how the foundation of human life has shifted to rely on digital tools. This further supports the argument that virtual experience is replacing physical experience in many aspects of life, which furthermore, is demanding a re-consideration of the human condition.

Goldsworthy, Andy. Andy Goldsworthy: A Collaboration with Nature. New York: Harry N Adams Publishing, 1990. Print. -Andy Goldsworthy is an accomplished artist who works with natural elements to create stunning temporary ‘earth-art.’ In his book he speaks poetically about a connection to the land, which served as support for the place-finding section of the Guidebook.

Haq, Husna. “Can Travelling Make You Healthier?” BBC Travel Blog, 2013. Web. -This web article suggests that the process of physical travel can be a healthy and rejuvenating exercise. This supports the idea that simply being in a different place has the potential to be beneficial.

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Hancock, Lillian H. “Visualizing Identity: Perspectives on the Influences of Digital Representation in Architectural Practice and Education.” University of Washington Department of Architecture, 2013. Web. -This Master of Science in Architecture thesis is closely related to the content of my own thesis work. It features direct discussions of how emerging methods of digital representation have affected designers’ abilities to understand characteristics and identities of places.

Heidegger, Martin. Basic Writings. Ed. David Farrell Krell. New York: HarperCollins Publishing, 2008. Print. -Referenced heavily by Edward Casey as well as Christian Norberg-Schulz, Martin Heidegger’s Basic Writings is an incredibly dense, consistently arcane treatise on the concepts of ‘being,’ ‘dwelling,’ ‘building,’ and ‘place.’ After reading Casey and Norberg-Schulz, many of the concepts described by Heidegger became more clear. The concept of ‘dwelling’ in particular supports the idea that physically being a place allows for the creation of substantial emotional connections, which; in my own conclusion, are not able to be replicated in a virtual setting.

Historic Photographers. “Historic Photographers of America’s History.” Legends of America, 2004. Web. -This web article documents the development of photography over the past several centuries. This supports my argument that contemporary photography can be dangerous in that photographers aren’t required to invest any substantial amount of time in order to produce a photo.

Holkins, Jerry; Krehulik, Mike. “Video Games.” Penny Arcade TV, 2009. Web. -Penny Arcade TV is a web series features Jerry Holkins and Mike Krehulik, creators of the incredibly popular Penny Arcade web comic series. In the episode entitled ‘Video Games,’ Jerry and Mike discuss how digital interface devices have continually increased in fidelity, and will continue to do so- to the point where it is difficult to distinguish between what is ‘real’ and what is virtual.

Holl, Steven. Foreword. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses, by Juhanni Pallasmaa. New York: Wiley, 1996. Web. -Steven Holl’s foreword to The Eyes of the Skin provides an introduction to a kind of phenomenological thinking which is directly related to the idea that physical experience has qualities which cannot be replicated outside of direct, physical contact.

Works Cited

179

Holl, Pallasmaa, Perez-Gomez. Questions of Perception: Phenomenology of Architecture. Berkeley: William K. Stout Publishing, 2007. Print. -This book provides in-depth discussions on the topic of phenomenology from three unique perspectives. This directly supports the idea that places are defined by much more than what can be seen by the eye; physical experiences are all-encompassing, total experiences. This supports the idea that virtual experiences do not provide a complete representation of a place.

Hornstein, Shelley. Losing Site: Architecture, Memory, and Place. Burlington, Ashgate Publishing Company, 2011. Washington State University Libraries. Web. -This book discusses how memories can come to define places, and how architecture can potentially reflect or squelch memories. This was helpful in developing the ‘Dimension of Memory’ section of the Guidebook.

Huffington Post. “The Way We Used To Travel: 12 Ways Travel Has Changed In The Digital Age.” Huffington Post Travel Blog, 2014. Web. -This article directly discusses how digital tools have altered the process of travel. Many traditional methods and tools have been made obsolete, or redundant. This supports the argument that digital tools are an integral part of contemporary travel (both for better, and for worse.)

Huffington Post. “Smartphone Addiction Has Turned Mobile Devices Into ‘Our Other Limb.’” Huffington Post Live, 2014. Web. -This article highlights how the integration of digital tools into every aspect of human life has consequences as well as benefits. This supports the argument that over-relying on digital tools and virtual experience can be potentially dangerous.

Jung, Brian. “The Negative Effect of Social Media on Society and Individuals.” Houston Chronicle, 2011. Web. -This article illustrates how the growing obsession with social media can negatively affect individuals and groups of individuals. This further illustrates the potential dangers of relying on digital tools and virtual experience as a replacement for physical experience.

Kleinberg, Scott. “Quality Over Quantity in Social Media.” Chicago Tribune, 2013. Web. -Similar to Brian Jung’s article, this piece discusses how a lot of virtual experience is serving as the substitute for a little physical experience. There is an emphasis placed on social media relationships and friendships, which are insubstantial compared to physical relationships.

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Kurzweil, Raymond. The Singularity is Near: When Humans Transcend Biology. Viking, 2005. Web. -Kurzweil discusses in his book how technology expands and evolves at an exponential rate, which is leading to a single point in time where the capacity of human-created technologies will exceed the capacity of the human brain itself. This moment in time is referred to as the “Singularity.” This supports the idea that the fidelity of virtual environments are continuing to improve, which could eventually result in a virtual experience which is entirely indistinguishable from the physical equivalent.

Kurzweil, Raymond. “The Accelerating Power of Technology.” TED, 2005. Web. -In this TED Talk, Raymond Kurzweil discusses the trend of exponential growth in technological advancement as support for this prediction that the Singularity will occur in 2045. This further supports the idea that technology will continue to allow increasingly realistic representations of the physical world.

Levy, Steven. “Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook’s Future, From Virtual Reality to Anonymity.” Wired, 2014. Web. -In this interview with Wired magazine, Mark Zuckerberg (the creator of Facebook) discusses how social media will soon incorporate virtual reality technology to allow individuals to connect with one another in a virtual setting which is remarkably more ‘real.’ This supports the argument that virtual experience will soon be a completely viable substitute for physical experience, calling into question the very purpose or necessity of participating in physical acts.

Lewis, Roger K. Architect? A Candid Guide To The Profession. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2013. Print. -Roger Lewis’ book provides a sweeping overview of many topics related to the field of design, and specifically to architecture. This includes discussions of the role of travel, digital modes of representation, and the responsibilities of a designer. This provides a valuable foundation on which to stage the argument that designers have a responsibility to address the conditions of a place when proposing a design response.

Markus, Thomas A., and Deborah Cameron, eds. The Words Between the Spaces: Buildings and Language. London: Routledge, 2002. Print. -This book poetically describes how places are defined by more than any one specific quality, but rather are defined by a combination of sensory inputs, cultural interactions, and memories. This was specifically supportive of the argument that places are defined by more than what can be revealed through virtual experience.

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Menin, Sarah, ed. Constructing Place: Mind and Matter. London: Routledge, 2003. Print. -This book further articulates how places are defined, and how people are able to distinguish between one place and another. A substantial aspect of this has to deal with memory as it relates to place, which was helpful in developing the ‘Dimension of Memory’ chapter of the Guidebook.

Mitrasinovic, Traganou. Travel, Space, Architecture. Ashgate Publishing Group, 2009. Web. -This book discusses how experiencing architecture and the built environment is a substantial aspect of travel. This supports the idea that travel has the potential to be a significant learning experience, as traversing an unknown environment can provide a completely new perspective on design, as well as life.

Mugerauer, Robert. Interpretations on Behalf of Place. New York City: State University of New York Press, 1994. Print. -This book provides a discussion of how the identity or sense of a place can be understood. This was a helpful resource in developing the non-virtual methods of place-finding section of the Guidebook.

Mutunayagam, N. Brito, and Ali Bahrami. Cartography and Site Analysis with Microcomputers. New York City: Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, 1987. Print. -This book was written at a very early stage in the digital revolution, and it describes in great depth how computers can assist in mapping the dimensions of a place. This supports the idea that since computers have been available, they have been increasingly utilized for the purposes of understanding places.

NCARB. “ARE 4.0 Divisions.” National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 1999. Web. -The divisions of the Architectural Registration Exam (ARE) indicate that architects are required to be able to address social, economic, and environmental issues when proposing a design response. This supports the argument that place-finding is an essential skill for designers.

Nevadomski-Berdan, Stacie. “Why Study Abroad?” Huffington Post, 2013. Web. -This article describes the potential benefits of going abroad for a period during the educational process. This supports the fundamental idea that travel continues to be a significant element of education, although in this case this is not limited specifically to designers.

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Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Architecture: Meaning and Place, selected essays. New York: Rizzoli, 1988. Print. -Christian Norberg-Schulz was one of the most useful sources found during this research process. His writings are directly concerned with place, and the meaning/significance of places. In Architecture Meaning and Place, he describes how places are by their very nature somewhat intangible and difficult to define. This supports the argument that it is impossible to gain a complete understanding of a place through virtual experience, which reduces a place down to its visual and auditory dimensions.

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. The Concept of Dwelling. New York: Rizzoli, 1984. Print. -The Concept of Dwelling articulates in understandable language the concept of ‘dwelling’ as illustrated by Heidegger. There is a discussion on how people come to associate their identity with the identity of a place. This philosophy was helpful in developing an understanding of why physical experience continues to be substantial, because there are intangible relationships potentially being created which cannot be created in a virtual setting.

Norberg-Schulz, Christian. Genius Loci: Towards a Phenomenology of Architecture. New York: Rizzoli, 1991. Print. -This book directly discusses the idea that places are imbued with a kind of defining energy or identity. Schulz refers to this as the “sense of place,” which is a phrase I have adopted into my research and the Guidebook.

Ockman, J., Williamson, R., eds. Architecture School: Three Centuries of Education Architects in North America. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 2012. Print. -This anthology features essays concerning essentially every aspect of architectural education, including: travel, representation, and the use of digital tools.

Pallasmaa, Juhani. The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses. John Wiley & Sons, 2013. Web. -This book features exquisitely articulated discussions regarding phenomenology; specifically as it relates to architecture and the way architecture can engage the five senses. This was an invaluable resource in supporting the argument that physical experience provides exposure to the full-range of sensory input and the resulting benefits, as opposed to virtual experience which provides only a limited range of sensory input.

Works Cited

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Pelletier, Louise, and Alberto Perez-Gomez. Architecture, Ethics, and Technology. Boston: McGill-Queen’s University Press, 1994. Print. Pg. 55. -This book discusses how the incorporation of digital tools into the professional practice of architecture has brought forward a new set of ethical considerations. There is a discussion of how technology allows for the rapid sharing of intellectual properties, which makes plagiarism a significant concern in contemporary design practice and education. This supports the idea that design students rely on technology as a means by which to access information, but the expedience and ease of this access has made for potentially thoughtless copying and sharing of work.

Plotnick, Brande. “9 Reasons Why You Should Travel Alone.” Lifehack, 2011. Web. -This article illustrates benefits of traveling alone as opposed to traveling in a group. This was helpful in developing the ‘Traveling Solo’ section of the Guidebook.

Revkin, Andrew C. “The Untapped Potential of Google Earth.” New York Times, 2009. Web. -This article discusses how Google Earth has provided an unprecedented amount of specific information about places which were previously completely mysterious or unknown. This supports the argument that virtual representations of places can relay a plethora of information, even if it is not engaging the complete range of sensory inputs.

Saunders, Ben. “Why Bother Leaving the House?” TED, 2012. Web. -In this TED Talk, Polar explorer Ben Saunders articulates why he feels compelled to partake in dangerous, long-term excursions to the most inhospitable places on Earth. He articulates that inspiration and progress comes as a result of challenge and adversity, which is an excellent quotation to support the base idea that physically traveling to new places is a beneficial exercise.

Schinkel, Karl Friedrich. The English Journey: Journal of a Visit to France and Britain in 1826. New Haven & London: Yale University Press, 1993. Print. -This translated book documents the travels of 19th century Prussian architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. It also includes images of Schinkel’s travel notebooks. This was an excellent source in providing a historical context for travel as an educational experience.

Sheppard, Alyson. “How Google Maps and Gmail Will Distort Human History.” Popular Mechanics, 2013. Web. -This article further describes how the Google software is redefining the way humans live their lives, including the way people connect with one another, and the way people travel. This further supports the point that technology has, in fact, altered the human condition.

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Treves, Richard. “2d Maps vs. 3d Visualization.” Google Earth Design Blog, 2009. Web. -This blog post describes how the perception of space differs between 2d and 3d representations. This goes on to suggest the potential power of Google Earth as it becomes increasingly high-fidelity.

Urban Sketchers. “Urban Sketchers: See the World One Drawing at a Time.” Urban Sketchers, 2014. Web. -The Urban Sketchers website features an impressive collection of artwork and sketching methods. This was helpful in developing the sketching section of the Guidebook.

Waugh, Janice. “The Best of Solo Travel.” Solo Traveler, 2013. Web. -This article further explains why traveling alone is preferable to traveling with a group. This was helpful in developing the ‘Traveling Solo’ section of the Guidebook.

Webb, John. “Possible Uses of Virtual Reality Technology in the Travel Industry.” Amadeus Blog, 2014. Web. -This article predicts how virtual reality technology such as the Oculus Rift will be developed in a direction that has applications in the travel industry. The author predicts it will be possible to experience a Google Earth-like simulation through virtual reality, which would allow people to immerse themselves in a place without the need to physical travel to that place. This further supports the idea that technology will continue to develop, and as a result, the virtual simulations which will be made available through this development will continue to approach a completely accurate and immersive depiction of reality.

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