CONTROL

Page 1



School of Visual Arts Fall 2009

Grant Gold CONTROL


Copyright Š2009 Grant Gold Published by GR_GO Press Printed and bound in the United States Edited & Designed by Grant Gold Grant Gold is a New York based designer and publisher. He is also a founder of control.grantagold.com, a website documenting his research on the concept of control and its effect on the decision-making-process. CONTROL is a documentation book of Grant Gold’s research, thought and design process at School of Visual Arts, September 2nd to October 20th, 2009. This book is also available for viewing online at control.grantagold.com


CONTROL

Contents

5 Introduction defining control experiencing control project explanation how to use the book 15 Photo Documentation 47 Environmental Information environmental denotation 139 Physical Control Ratings 199 Social Control Ratings 259 Control Graphs 273 Conclusion 277 Index



7

CONTROL Introduction


CONTROL

8

Defining Control 001

Control is an inestimable factor in influencing (either physically or mentally) a person’s behavior or movement in their environment. It is a blanket term used to describe the innumerable elements of the world which play a crucial role, though maybe unnoticed, in affecting one’s actions. Any object or social restraint preventing you from doing any one thing is controlling you; though in varying degrees. The rain is preventing you from walking comfortably down the street, your clothes are controlling your ability to move freely, in-turn your clothes are preventing the weather from having a high level of control over you. Social understandings of sanitation prevent you from picking your nose in public, from talking loudly in a quiet room, or from passing the sink on your way out of the bathroom. No single entity can be in complete control, therefore control varies in degrees. For instance, a basketball player has control over a bouncing basketball, he angles his hands and changes the force he exerts on the ball to change direction, speed, and movement. However, he does not have total control of the ball, there are many more factors involved such as gravity, temperature, wind, ground traction, the ball’s density, humidity, etc. Each of these factors also control each other in some way. The definition for control is ever-expanding and it is an important part of every person’s life to understand how it affects them.


9

Experiencing Control 002

We constantly experience control, it is a part of our every environment and situation, yet we do not consciously pay attention to it. Without having to take note of it, our subconscious has, throughout our lives, catalogued our experiences in different environments, and through repetition has made records of how we feel in each one. In a new environment our subconscious determines, based on these records, how we should feel and what we can and cannot do while limited by physical and social constraints. This survival mechanism helps our mind understand the factors that control us in any given environment and simplifies our process of analyzing these factors. Everyone experiences control in varying degrees and it is the difference between these varying degrees which help us to differentiate environments and govern our behavior in them.


10

CONTROL


11

Project Explanation 003

My research and documentation was begun to identify the basic factors of control and to evaluate their level of control over me; determining in my consciousness what my subconscious normally does on it’s own. To realize for myself why and what I feel controlled by, whether it is a barrier such as tight walking space and close walls, or self-awareness when a person stares at me. The documentation follows a form designed for the purpose of rating my environment’s control over me and the many factors that played a part in it’s control. Each environment was carefully analyzed and documented to gather ratings and information on how each factor controlled me, whether it was difficult to notice that control, and why it was controlling.


CONTROL

12

How to Use the Book 004

This book works as a reference guide for the documentation of my environment’s control over my behavior and movement in 57 different situations. All numbers inside the reference guide (such as: 004, 005, etc.) correspond with each other and match a single environment. All of the information documented has been divided up into sections that explain a different part of the documentation. PHO­  Photos A photo was taken of each environment and used to give readers a visual snap-shot understanding of the location and surroundings. ENV ­Environmental Information PART 1: Where each location is documented in strictly factual terms of time, place, weather conditions, and placement in environment. PART 2: A section of denotation where each location is described with events, opinions and thoughts. PHY ­Physical Ratings Each location’s environment was evaluated on a physical rating chart based on 13 factors that could possibly control me. SOC ­Social Ratings Each location’s environment was also evaluated on a social rating chart based on another 13 factors that could possibly control me. GRA ­Control Graphs A 1-minute control rating in which the environment was evaluated for a single minute and rated based on real-time consideration. Marks above the bar signify my feeling in control, while marks below the bar show my feeling of the environment’s control over my behavior and movement. The control ratings (in the physical and social sections) are based on a 0-10 scale, 0 meaning the factor had no foreseeable control and 10 meaning the factor had significant control over me. Pressure was a rating based on how heavily I felt individual factors influenced the overall control of the environment. The influential elements such as position and time are rated on a similar scale showing how much of an influence either one had over any specific factor.


13


14

CONTROL

Rating System

Moving vehicles were clearly the most dominating control over this environment. The vehicles limited my walking space and controlled my movement in other directions. But this factor was heavily influenced by time because depending on the time of day there may be less or more traffic. No alcohol influence. Sound may have had a more controlling advantage if it had not been for the distracting control of the vehicles. Weather’s control is higher than its pressure because it definitely affected my comfort, but it was less noticed because of other factors such as light and barriers.


15



17

CONTROL Photo Documentation


18

CONTROL

001

002


SOC

PHY

004

GRA

ENV

PHO

19

003


20

CONTROL

005

006


SOC

PHY

008

GRA

ENV

PHO

21

007


22

CONTROL

009

010


SOC

PHY

012

GRA

ENV

PHO

23

011


24

CONTROL

013

014


SOC

PHY

016

GRA

ENV

PHO

25

015


26

CONTROL

017

018


SOC

PHY

020

GRA

ENV

PHO

27

019


28

CONTROL

021

022


SOC

PHY

024

GRA

ENV

PHO

29

023


30

CONTROL

025

026


SOC

PHY

028

GRA

ENV

PHO

31

027


32

CONTROL

029

030


SOC

PHY

032

GRA

ENV

PHO

33

031


34

CONTROL

033

034


SOC

PHY

036

GRA

ENV

PHO

35

035


36

CONTROL

037

038


SOC

PHY

040

GRA

ENV

PHO

37

039


38

CONTROL

041

042


SOC

PHY

044

GRA

ENV

PHO

39

043


40

CONTROL

045

046


SOC

PHY

048

GRA

ENV

PHO

41

047


42

CONTROL

049

050


SOC

PHY

052

GRA

ENV

PHO

43

051


44

CONTROL

053

054


SOC

PHY

056

GRA

ENV

PHO

45

055


46

CONTROL

057


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

47



49

CONTROL Environment


50

CONTROL

001

001

0918 09

1046

X

X X X Brooklyn

002

Havemeyer st. btw. S 2nd & S 3rd - Williamsburg

002

G

O

0918 09

112 5

X

X X X Brooklyn

Havemeyer & Grand St. - Atlas Cafe G

I


51

003

X Brooklyn

004

Roebling St. & N 10th - Williamsburg

004

G

O

0918 09

014 5 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

McCarren Park (East/Track) - Greenpoint F

O

PHO

X

ENV

X

PHY

X

1210 X

SOC

0918 09

GRA

003


52

CONTROL

005

005

091909 X

1112

X

X X X

Brooklyn

006

McCarren Park (West/fields) - Greenpoint

006

G

O

091909

1238 X

X X X Brooklyn

Metropolitan Ave. Near BQE G

O


53

007

Brooklyn

008

Bedford Ave. Station L Train

008

B

I

091909

0147 X

X

X X X

Manhattan

Blue 9 Burger - 3rd Ave. & 12th st. F

I

X

ENV

X

PHY

X

PHO

0120 X

SOC

091909

GRA

007


54

CONTROL

009

009

092009

113 0

X

X X X Manhattan

Madison Square Park 23rd St. 5th Ave. F

010

010

O

092009

1222 X

X X X Manhattan

LES - Empty dock F

I/O


55

011

X

X X

G

012

012

O

092009 X

0 417 X

X X X

Brooklyn

My Apartment Southside Williamsburg F

I

ENV

East River Docks

PHY

Queens

X

PHO

0204X

SOC

092009

GRA

0 11


56

CONTROL

013

013

09 2109

114 5

X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

S 5th Under Williamsburg Bridge G

014

014

O

09 2109

1220 X

X X X Brooklyn

Broadway & Bedford Ave. Middle of Street G

O


57

015

X

X X

F

016

016

ENV

Driggs Ave. Dog Park O

09 2109

PHY

Brooklyn

X

0136 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

West & Noble St. Greenpoint - Vacant Building B

PHO

1253 X

I/O

SOC

09 2109

GRA

015


58

CONTROL

017

017

092209

1117

X

X X X Brooklyn

Construction new building on S 3rd st. G

018

018

O

092209

115 3

X

X X X Brooklyn

S 3rd st between Havemeyer & BQE G

O


59

019

1219 X PHO

X X

020

020

G

O

092209

0105 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

ENV

Above BQE South

PHY

Brooklyn

X

Playground on Marcy Ave. F

O

SOC

092209

GRA

019


60

CONTROL

021

021

092309

1229 X

X X X Brooklyn

022

Kent Ave. Domino Sugar Refinery

022

F

O

092309

0 113 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

Grand St. Park - Kent Ave. G

O


61

023

092309

0527 X

024

209 E 23rd St Room 210 - Gramercy

024

G

I

092309

0752 X

X X X Manhattan

209 E 23rd St Room 210 - Gramercy G

I

ENV

Manhattan

PHY

X

SOC

X

PHO

X

GRA

023


62

CONTROL

025

025

092409

1248

X

X X X Manhattan

026

Heather’s Bar E 13th Btw. Ave A & B

026

F

I

092409

112 0

X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

Bushwick Ave. & Seigel St. - Bike Ride G

O


63

027

X Brooklyn

028

Bogart & Seigel St - Friends’ Apartment

028

G

I

0924 09

0147 X

X

X X

X Brooklyn

General Barber Shop - Bedford Ave. & N 9th D

I

X

ENV

X

PHO

X

PHY

114 3

SOC

0924 09

GRA

027


64

CONTROL

029

029

092509

113 6

X

X X X Brooklyn

030

S 4th St Williamsburg P.O.

030

F

I

092509

0623X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

Broadway & Marcy Ave. Chinese take out F

I


65

031

PHO

X X X

032

032

G

O

092509

1117 X

X X

ENV

Havemeyer St. - Nha T么i Restaurant

PHY

Brooklyn

X

X Brooklyn

Roebling & Grand St - Old apartment B

O

X

1002 X

SOC

092509

GRA

031


66

CONTROL

033

033

092609

115 0 X

X X X Manhattan

034

3rd Ave L Train - In Tracks

034

F

I

092609

0124 X

X X X Manhattan

J Train between Essex & Bowery G

I


67

035

X X X

036

036

G

O

092609

0537X

X X

X X

Manhattan

Union Square G

ENV

Landmark Sunshine Theatre - Houston St

PHY

Manhattan

O

X

PHO

0405X

SOC

092609

GRA

035


68

CONTROL

037

037

092709

0950

X

X X X Brooklyn

038

My Apartment

038

F

I

092709

0913 X

X

X X

X Brooklyn

Bathroom at Bushwick Country Club G

I


69

039

X X

X

040

040

F

I

092709

110 5 X

X X

X

X Brooklyn

Fette Sau - Metropolitan Ave F

ENV

Sweet Virginia - Havemeyer St

PHY

Brooklyn

X

I

PHO

0948X

SOC

092709

GRA

039


70

CONTROL

041

0 41

092809

1215 X

X X X Brooklyn

042

Broadway - Bushwick

042

F

O

092809

114 3 X

X X X Manhattan

Gusto Ristorante - Greenwich Ave G

I


71

043

X

X

X X

044

044

G

O

092909

1226 X

X X X Manhattan

Open Delivery Dock West 15th & 5th Ave G

I

ENV

14th & 9th Ave

PHY

Manhattan

X

PHO

110 9

SOC

092909

GRA

043


72

CONTROL

045

045

092909

0 117 X

X

X X X

Manhattan

046

Union Square Farmer’s Market

046

G

O

093009

0219 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

Park Slope - 7th Ave G

O


73

047

093009

0240X

X X

048

O

093009

0405X

X X

ENV

G

PHY

048

Grace Methodist Church - Park Slope

X

X Brooklyn

Chase Bank Flatbush Ave - Park Slope F

I

SOC

Brooklyn

PHO

X

GRA

047


74

CONTROL

049

049

100109

1250 X

X X

X

X Queens

050

P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center

050

G

I

100109

0242 X

X X

X

X Brooklyn

Alley behind my apartment building F

O


75

051

X

X X

Manhattan

052

F

I

100209

0918 X

X

X X X

Brooklyn

ENV

Taxi 1st Ave & 14th st

PHY

052

X

Walking off Metropolitan Ave B

PHO

0334X

O

SOC

100109

GRA

051


76

CONTROL

053

053

100209

110 9 X

X X X Brooklyn

054

Walking on Leonard St

054

G

O

100209

115 0 X

X X X Brooklyn

Bushwick Country Club F

I


77

055

1245

X

PHO

X X

056

056

G

I

100309

0254

X X X Brooklyn

Bushwick Country Club F

I

ENV

Bushwick Country Club

X

PHY

Brooklyn

X

SOC

100309

GRA

055


78

CONTROL

057

057

100309

1218 X

X

X X

X Manhattan

Computer Room 23rd st G

I


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

79



Denotation GRANT GOLD



Denotation

Environment 1 Havemeyer St, Brooklyn

Lower than average human traffic, loud construction, low vehicle traffic. Workers cleaning sidewalks, construction barriers and scaffolding. This environment is difficult to analyze because of how many things are happening at once and in different positions. Because this is my first evaluation I think my understanding of each factor is taking more time to analyze. A few details are changing my feeling of control, for instance, this is right outside my building, a place I feel fairly comfortable, but because there are so many things happening that are not normal it affects the control my environment has over me.

83


Denotation

Environment 2 Atlas Cafe, Brooklyn

Sitting in a corner of a local cafe, I’m a regular here so my sense of control is probably affected by that. 50’s-80’s playlist with quiet discussion, laptop-use, and lots of seating. The temperature appears to be slowly rising, possibly altering my ratings as I make my way through the form. Coffee is definitely influencing the change in temperature, it may also be shaping my ability to quickly contradict my immediate rating of any particular factor. This is a very complex environment, partially due to the understood “cafe etiquette,” which is a massive control factor in the social category.

84


Denotation

Environment 3 Roebling St, Brooklyn

Fairly barren territory. New buildings and renovations, empty warehouses, and raw materials. Light human and vehicle traffic. Almost no feeling of social control over me. The lack of human traffic considerably affects this environment and it’s control over me, since this is my first evaluation with such an absence of people, it seems to be more noticeable. I cannot sit down because there is a large amount of waste surrounding the area and it seems very unsanitary, more so than most sidewalks, odd for me because I’m usually not particular to that kind of thing when it comes to sanitation.

85


Denotation

Environment 4 McCarren Park, Brooklyn

Friday during the day, not much activity at the park. Probably no more than 20 people here. Large open spaces, not much social control, but it is very time dependent. The temperature seems to be more controlling, possibly because of my anticipation of a cooler day. I actually changed position to the shade because of the control the heat had over me. Courtesy was an expected control, but because of the lack of people, courtesy and time restraints seem almost non existent as factors of control. When in outdoor environments light sometimes is not an obvious control factor, but time plays a large influence on physical control.

86


Denotation

Environment 5 McCarren Park, Brooklyn

Lots of shade in this park. Older people with family sit at the bench near me, adding a bit of unexpected social control. I can see for a fairly long distance, this removes a lot of fear controls and puts me at ease. Most parks’ similarity to my home put me at ease and seem to lower my control ratings. A kid is riding his bike around the track and he stares at me every time he passes, maybe he is looking at my weird camera. The open fields appear more open by the fact that I am not used to such space. Also, the weather is very pleasant, if it were a weekend, time constraints would be a much larger control.

87


Denotation

Environment 6 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

Construction all around is directly hindering/controlling my ableness in the environment. Social aspects come from courtesy and my knowledge of the situation being under par. The sidewalk is completely blocked by construction, the street is also blocked by cars and trucks moving supplies, etc. Barriers are very controlling and my perception of the location’s control is sporadic and hard to gauge (hence the wavy graph). Nice weather and very loud, abrasive sounds. Courtesy is a part of the controlled environment because of my ability but social restraint of walking through the construction area. My knowledge is also controlling because I’m not exactly sure what is happening, where people are moving around, or how long it will last. This sidewalk is generally an un-controlling environment.

88


Denotation

Environment 7 Bedford L Train, Brooklyn

Crowded platform, police and MTA employees heavily exercise control over my environment. Regardless of people, physical control is heavily dominant. Loud kids screaming, don’t seem to be as controlled by the environment as I feel. A few people gaze at my awkward camera. The station is very controlling in its darkness and lack of visibility. Human force is a major control in this situation, it adds to factors of fear, safety, barriers, belongings, walking space, and temperature. I am uneasy in the dinginess of the station. The smells and the air heavily influence my level of comfort and overall disorder.

89


Denotation

Environment 8 Blue 9 Burger, Manhattan

Restaurant, not very busy at the moment. Open doors allow outdoor sounds and smells in. TV is distracting, it is somewhat of an unsanitary place, with trash on all the tables. I have been here before when there were more people, I felt less vulnerable. Time restraints in social controls are heavily influenced by time. The lack of people present adjusts the physical controls significantly, it changes my relationship to walking space, barriers, sound, belongings, and temperature. I may not return to this establishment after such an uneasy feeling of total discomfort while eating here. Also, the food was not as good as I remember.

90


Denotation

Environment 9 Madison Square park, Manhattan

Its somewhat of a quiet day at the park, I don’t frequent it, so I’m not sure if this is normal. Pigeons, squirrels, and walkways controlled heavily my ability to move freely. Seems typical of most parks in Manhattan, which are mostly inhabited by tourists, lunch-breaker’s and crazies. Does my aversion to Manhattan parks influence my control ratings? A man sits next to me. He sneezes. I say, “bless you,” he gets up to leave, another man sits down and stares awkwardly at the folders and forms I am filling out. In front of me a lady feeds birds popcorn. A pigeon walks by me with a stubby foot, I feel bad for the pigeon and instantly feel socially controlled because of it. I realize there is a social control for empathy which I have left out of my forms.

91


Denotation

Environment 10 L.E.S., Manhattan

The dock (delivery dock, not boat dock) was empty and completely open, so I jumped in to document the space. I felt in less control the longer I stayed assuming that any minute I would be asked to leave. There were a couple framed pieces of artwork, which confused me as I would not normally expect to see these in a delivery dock. The walls were also painted fairly well for a place that is just used to store things for a short period. Certainly, I thought someone would be coming any moment, but no one ever came, I was able to sit and fill out my entire form. I wonder if knowing I would have that time would have made the environment less controlling. Sometimes our assumptions are more controlling than the actual environment.

92


Denotation

Environment 11 East River Docks, Queens

Got through a fence hole on a dock in Queens. It was vacant except there was a man standing around asking me weird questions like, “is there a gym nearby?” and, “do you know a place I can get x-rated movies?” The strange man made this environment considerably more controlling while he was present. After the man left I looked around the fenced-in-area and around the dock. Great view of the city from here, and the weather is nice. The dismalness of the dock and the concrete surrounded by chain link fences was an overt factor of control and heavily influenced my ratings.

93


Denotation

Environment 12 My Apartment, Brooklyn

My apartment is apparently but also very obviously one of the least controlling environments I will probably evaluate. I feel at complete ease in my home. I can freely do anything within the limits of physical possibility and without any social control. The barriers in my apartment are slightly controlling because of the tightness of the room and all of my possessions. But! they appear less controlling with the laxness of the other control factors. Because of the multiple controlling environments I am accustomed to (living in the city), this environment has its own sense of comfort that is interestingly tucked into a very small space of an over-bearing city filled with controlling details.

94


Denotation

Environment 13 Williamsburg Bridge, Brooklyn

In a somewhat restricted area, though no one seemed to care, I walked around a bit but felt out of place because of the restricted access signs, etc. This construction area under the Williamsburg bridge is completely surrounded with high fences and is used to store materials for bridge and road repair. Multiple signs tell me I should not be here, but there is not a person in sight so I continue to make my rounds of evaluation. Sound is a controlling factor, being under the bridge, where the cars and trucks and trains roll over and echo into a loud, constant rumble. Because of the open space, the physical controls are less and the social controls are a bit higher for my lack of permission being here.

95


Denotation

Environment 14 Middle of Broadway, Brooklyn

Standing in the middle of the street while filling out this evaluation form. This location is a scene in the movie “American Gangster,� and it is supposed to be Jersey. Lots of drivers are upset by my decision to stand in the street. The possibility of being hit by a speeding mini-van is one of the largest controlling factors I have experienced yet. Drivers completely disregard most of the rules leading the physical controls of this environment to a higher rating. It is almost difficult to fully analyze most of the other factors because of the control the vehicles have over me. Temperature, weather, and most social controls cease to be a heavy effect on my control ratings.

96


Denotation

Environment 15 Dog Park, Brooklyn

Sat in the dog park for a little while, got drooled on a number of times. Some owners looked at me with worried looks because of my lack of dog ownership and my documentation forms (I assume). Sanitation seemed a bit more controlling but my knowledge of dogs’ mouths being more sanitary than humans influenced my ratings. Fear was only an issue for a few seconds when a very large dog speed toward me and began jumping. Dogs are somewhat controlling when moving fast.

97


Denotation

Environment 16 Vacant Building, Brooklyn

I climbed some scaffolding into a completely vacant building, and proceeded to go to the second floor. Once there, I attempted a photo and was called down by someone managing the building and was asked to leave. Luckily no legal trouble came of this, the guard informed me that I was lucky that he caught me and not the police. I explained that I was doing my thesis on vacant buildings in Brooklyn, he seemed not to care. For the few minutes I was in the building I felt relatively at ease, though the physical controls were definitely more engrossing, the social controls were low other than the possibility of being caught. Once I was, the social controls seemed even less of an issue because I was let go.

98


Denotation

Environment 17 New Building, Brooklyn

New building construction. The door to the temporary wall was open, so I stepped inside. I didn’t see anyone, but heard workers somewhere in the building. Trash bags and building materials fill the area behind the temporary walls preventing my ability to continue further into the site. Loud work going on, no one seems to see me and I am able to freely document the environment without being bothered. I am familiar with the neighborhood which gives me a bit more gusto in my control ratings. Without seeing anyone, the social ratings seem lower than they would normally in a situation of being where I’m not supposed to be. It is dark behind the walls.

99


Denotation

Environment 18 South 3rd St, Brooklyn

100


Denotation

Environment 19 Above BQE, Brooklyn

Standing on Borinquen st. bridge over the BQE. It is very loud and the vehicles below are moving rapidly. Barriers are heavily controlling. Speeding cars are at a distance and are not as much a factor in my present location. Sound is a large controlling factor with all the noise from the highway. There are so few noticeable controls in this environment, and the ones that are present are too obvious. Likely I will get much better at finding the more inconspicuous controlling aspects as this documentation continues. Fences, glass on the sidewalk, sun directly in my face, not much else is happening.

101


Denotation

Environment 20 Marcy Playground, Brooklyn

Sitting in an empty, quiet playground, it is very shaded by trees and no one is present. I wonder if this is where the band got their name (Marcy Playground). That is not the name of this park, but I could not find the name and it is a playground on Marcy Ave. I’m sure this is a much more controlling atmosphere when kids are here or at night, therefore the controls are very dependent on time. I feel oddly controlled by people staring at me, though no one is present. Maybe this is because I assume all people in empty parks like this are doing something creepy. I went down the slide.

102


Denotation

Environment 21 Domino Sugar Refinery, Brooklyn

Speeding cars on Kent Ave. The factory is closed by completely sealed off. Occasional bike riders are the only people aside from the security guard. My knowledge about this factory is limiting in my understanding of its control. The area is also fairly desolate, with a very bleak feeling and tone. Cars pass by every once in a while, wind is a bit controlling on such a wide open street.

103


Denotation

Environment 22 Grand Park, Brooklyn

I’m sitting on a bench in the park located on the east river. A lady is sitting next to me smoking, but she wasn’t while I was filling out this form, I wonder what kind of effect that would have had over my ratings. Parks are relatively relaxing and in-turn feel much less controlling than most of the other environments I have been evaluating. People do very interesting things at the park which slightly controls my attention and adds to social controls. A child throws bread in the river, no one monitors him. I feel controlled by the social necessity of making sure he doesn’t fall onto the rocks accidentally.

104


Denotation

Environment 23 Classroom, Manhattan

Empty class room 30 minutes prior to start of class. Absence of people severely alters the controlling factors. Many factors are completely absent, mostly social, and are heavily time dependent. Physical controls are high in such a tight room that seems to get colder and colder. I am curious how the presence of people will affect my control ratings. This evaluation is part of a two part evaluation to find the answers to this question which is a main focus of this entire documentation.

105


Denotation

Environment 24 Classroom, Manhattan

Class in progress, teacher assistants present, peers. Self-interest play a bigger factor in an environment centered on my progress in school. This is the second part of a two part evaluation of this environment. The first was documented 30 minutes prior to this. The difference in social controls is striking, obviously. Does my previous evaluation of this environment affect my new ratings? The fact that it was recently documented leads me to assume that certain controls remained the same without too much consideration.

106


Denotation

Environment 25 Heather’s Bar, Manhattan

Dark, hidden bar in Alphabet City, with some friends, ran into other people we knew and listened to the DJ while I asked him about his “Egypt� shirt. Lots of chairs and physical obstructions; small space. The lighting in this bar is heavily controlling and plays a role in my rating of other factors. This is the first time in my evaluations where alcohol has had an influence on my ratings. I am unsure whether alcohol makes me feel less or more controlled, it is most likely dependent on the environment. Social control ratings are lower than I think they would be normally, possibly an effect of the alcohol.

107


Denotation

Environment 26 Bike Ride, Brooklyn

Riding my bike down Seigel st. not much traffic, but the open streets can seem limiting and ominous. This area of Bushwick is filled with warehouses with large gaping delivery docks and fairly barren sidewalks. My balance while riding the bike probably has a mild effect on my judgements. Clearly I filled out this form after being on the bike, but was careful to make note of things I noticed while riding. Numerous physical factors control me, a good deal are elements that I have left out of my evaluations because of the extreme difficulty in documenting them. Some of these factors include all encompassing controls of gravity, tire density, ground traction, muscle response, nerve reaction, etc. The list goes on and on, and could even go as far as proteins or vitamins in my system, atoms, electrons which make up my body that control very minute movements.

108


Denotation

Environment 27 Bogart St, Brooklyn

Josh & Jarrod’s apartment, Eli the pug is present. It is warm, different music is playing. Talking to them is somewhat distracting to my documentation. There are a lot of random objects present. The sunlight in the room is drastically increasing the temperature, slowly adjusting the building’s control over me. Large windows and viewing distance influence my feeling of control. Eli the pug is commanding of attention and it is hard to focus on some factors while documenting. Being in an enclosed space is almost automatically a higher level of control than being outdoors. The clutter of objects is much more often found indoors. Social control is also a factor that depends more heavily on being in an uncomfortable place with unfamiliar people.

109


Denotation

Environment 28 Barber Shop, Brooklyn

Waited in line and got a haircut. The barber was very friendly which played a part in controlling my reactions to him, it also controlled my behavior and self-interest as far as being a returning customer. Being under a vibrating blade is a more obvious control but the social controls came across as being stronger, possibly because the physical factors were expected upon entering the environment. The barber had a personal vendetta with text messaging.

110


Denotation

Environment 29 Post Office, Brooklyn

Standing in line at the local post office (rated as one of the worst in the country) to find out why my mail is not being forwarded. It is crowded, lots of screaming babies and cell phone users threatening the people they are talking to. The anger and frustration that is on people’s faces lays a heavy weight of social control and potential physical control. I have been in this post office before and dread coming because of how terrible the service is, this could be a source of control; my pre-made assessment of the environment.

111


Denotation

Environment 30 Chinese Take Out, Brooklyn

Went to a Chinese take out spot under the JMZ tracks on Broadway. Kind of dark and secluded with terrible smells everywhere. Upon walking into this ‘restaurant’ I was greeted with a hasty, “what do you want to order!?” This confused me because I had just walked in and had no idea what was on the menu. I ended up purchasing no food from this establishment and continued my documentation outside. The muggy restaurant with it’s smells and dankness, and greasy feeling was extremely physically controlling in making me very uncomfortable. The man was socially controlling for reasons I hadn’t prepared for which was trying to avoid someone with rude and obnoxious behavior.

112


Denotation

Environment 31 Nha Tôi Restaurant, Brooklyn

On the way to meet my girlfriend at a bar. These trash bags were sitting outside our neighbor’s sandwich shop. One of the bags moved more than once. It was scary. It is fairly dark and the street lamps are distantly spaced creating an aura of spookiness once the bag moved. Appearances can heavily influence the feeling of control in specific environments such as this, where an occurrence has changed the environment. Something interesting to think about: does an environment need to be focused on a very specific area of the all encompassing environment? Or can it be all that is visible in a general area? This difference can greatly alter the control factor for a majority of the environments.

113


Denotation

Environment 32 Old Apartment, Brooklyn

After leaving the bar, I passed my old apartment and decided to document. Picture quality is bad, it is very dark and quiet. I feel much less controlled than I would in front of any other apartment, simply because of my familiarity with this location. Not having a key to the building is a bit controlling but it is to be expected, so the pressure is not so high.

114


Denotation

Environment 33 Train Tracks, Manhattan

I jumped down into the tracks on the Brooklyn bound L train at 3rd Ave. For reasons of preventing accidental death, very little of this form could be filled out in the immediate environment. Not as gross as people think it is in the tracks. This environment was conclusively influenced by my expectations and was not as controlling as I had anticipated. Sounds are very controlling in the sense that my thoughts are heavily focused on environmental sounds which play a part in my safety. Barriers are a high factor, as well as light and dangerous objects. Social factors actually seemed more controlling, worrying about what people are thinking, whether I will get in trouble, etc.

115


Denotation

Environment 34 J Train, Manhattan

Standing on the J train in Manhattan between Essex & Bowery, on the way to see a movie, my friend is standing next to me. Normally I would consider a train more controlling. When with familiar people control ratings definitely show signs of slouching. I wonder if standing is less or more controlling than sitting. Standing definitely adds controls to the list of factors, such as stability and weight with force. People control my positioning and ability to move freely, the MTA controls my destination and is in a position of serious control over all aspects of my life at this point. Sometimes it amazes me how much trust we put into companies like this.

116


Denotation

Environment 35 Landmark Theatre, Manhattan

Just saw a really great movie and I think it must have put me in a more comfortable mood. I was talking with my friend while walking down the street after the movie. Slight rain and cold weather affect this environment. Cars drive hastily on Houston street and even being on the sidewalk I feel slightly controlled by them. My hunger is a bit controlling, at this point in the day I have only had a snack and some gaterade. Still thinking about the movie and how I relate to the story. Thoughts must be a control factor, but I don’t think they count as part of the environment. Signs for restaurants everywhere are beginning to control my attention.

117


Denotation

Environment 36 Union Square, Manhattan

Usually a lot more people here. The rain is obviously a factor in not only controlling my behavior but others’ as well. There are still a great number of people, my photo missed some of this. Few people are sitting on the ground because of the rain, I wonder if people realize how much power the rain has over them. I expected to be controlled by massive amounts of vendors and crowds of people, but instead I am controlled by a yearning to play foosball and to find nourishment.

118


Denotation

Environment 37 My Apartment, Brooklyn

Sitting down for breakfast at my apartment before leaving for the day, I woke up a bit early and got some things done, so I’m feeling very comfortable. Once again there is not much control in my apartment, I thought it would be interesting to try evaluating it again at a different time to see how much my ratings would change. There is not much of a difference, though I thought there would be. Neil Young is very calming, I wonder if the ability to calm or relax is a control; I guess it is.

119


Denotation

Environment 38 Bar Bathroom, Brooklyn

In the bathroom at Bushwick country club, clearly ironic, I feel relatively at social ease and there is not much space to move around. Minus the bathroom and the noise outside, the social controls are similar to being at home alone. Alcohol isn’t playing too much of an influence yet. Not as bad a smell as expected, this is a pretty trashy dive bar and I assumed it would be worse than this. Getting ready to go home to meet some friends who are staying over because they were kicked out of their building because the owner was negligent to fire codes...

120


Denotation

Environment 39 Sweet Virginia, Brooklyn

Have a couple friends staying over, this is in my girlfriend’s clothing store/studio which is in front of our apartment. We’re celebrating Dave’s new position as a production assistant at a place he had been interning at. He brought over a nice bottle of champagne and we are listening to what he will be doing at this place now. Hunger is starting to take control of all of our thoughts, we decide to go to a BBQ place down the street for a late night snack. Not as many social controls, I feel very comfortable at my apartment while entertaining friends.

121


Denotation

Environment 40 Fette Sau, Brooklyn

Took my friends to a BBQ place near my apartment. It has gotten more popular over the past year and it is normally packed, but this time not so much. Loud music and the need to hurry because closing time is approaching, is a large controlling aspect of this location. The restaurant controls and tempts me with their amazing assortment of foods and beers which I long to acquire. We order quickly and pay with a smile, the hard-ass bartender is kind of a jerk, he is part of the reason I don’t get a drink at the bar. The dim lighting is dominating my attention.

122


Denotation

Environment 41 Broadway, Brooklyn

Under the JMZ train on Broadway and Marcy Ave. It is grungy as usual, lots of people just standing around. I typically notice the controlling aspects of this area. They are very obvious, the kind of controls that most people are aware of. These controls include: strangers talking to you, people on the street that you try to avoid (crazies, drunks, etc.) and loud people that make you more quiet. A man yelled that he doesn’t care.

123


Denotation

Environment 42 Gusto Ristorante, Manhattan

This is my place of work after finishing my shift and having a couple drinks at he bar. The restaurant is closed and I feel comfortable in a place where I know everybody. Somewhat tight walking space, but it doesn’t seem to affect me as much because I know this restaurant inside and out. My manager has much less control over me when my shift is finished, though he still plays a crucial role in the influences of this environment. Time restraints have some effect on my staying much longer. It is difficult to describe this environment, it is possible that it seems so normal to me, the same with my apartment.

124


Denotation

Environment 43 14th St, Manhattan

Walking around 9th & 8th Ave. I see a lot of expensive looking clothing shops and realize some of the control they have over me; purely social control. The streets are not very populated yet, I am unsure of the control factors because different parts of the area are so different. This general area is touristy but also an expensive, fashionable district filled with boutiques and over priced furniture. Conspicuous consumption is one of the largest controlling factors I notice in my day to day life, not particularly on myself but in observance of others. The need to fit in and the uneasiness of inferiority play a large role in controlling people and their activities.

125


Denotation

Environment 44 Delivery Dock, Manhattan

Found an open delivery dock no one was present so I walked through the door and continued in until I couldn’t go any further because of locked doors. I got pretty far. Cement walls are apparently much more controlling than sheetrock. There is some aura about them that makes you notice their power and dominance in the room. Cables and metal piping run along the walls and add a sense of danger that is not immediately noticeable; but after further thought it is concluded that they play a large role in the environment’s general presence.

126


Denotation

Environment 45 Farmer’s Market, Manhattan

Walking around the 14th st. farmer’s market. Dense with people, lots of activity and vendors. In some parts of the park I was completely controlled by a crowd walking through. There were very tasty grape samples. Even in sections of the market that were not as crowded, my movement was hindered and I was somewhat forced down certain paths. It feels like its going to rain and I am running errands which may have added to the urgency of leaving the park.

127


Denotation

Environment 46 7th Ave, Brooklyn

Walking down 7th Ave. in Park Slope Very nice day, few people on the streets, and not much activity. This is a very nice neighborhood with a lot of expensive looking houses. I am pressed for time and on the way to a meeting, time restraints along with my stamina are weighing a heavy amount of control over me. Large amount of foliage, controls the lighting in a much more intense way than in most neighborhoods, but it also puts me at a relative ease being in an area that feels like part of a park.

128


Denotation

Environment 47 Methodist Church, Brooklyn

Just outside of a Methodist Church in Park Slope. Stood at the back near the door, but did most of my documentation outside because of the social control factor of being rude. I am not a religious person and don’t really have any issues with people who are religious, the bible to me is a book of great stories of moral fortitude and that is about it. This aspect of being in a church is not necessarily controlling, what is controlling is my respect for others’ ideas and beliefs.

129


Denotation

Environment 48 Chase Bank, Brooklyn

Stopping in the bank to get some cash. Not too many people here. It is probably weird for me to stand here and fill this out while people are at the ATM’s, they are probably controlled by my presence. There is an interesting sense of control in places like banks, and places where you are being monitored. Even when you know nothing you are doing is wrong or even suspicious, you feel that someone thinks it is.

130


Denotation

Environment 49 PS1 Art Center, Queens

Though the photo was taken outside, the documentation is based on being inside. Went with a friend to see the NY book arts fair. Needless to say, I was excited to be there. My financial circumstances were a very large control over me because of the fact that I could not afford to purchase some of the things I would liked to have. I’m curious if it is my own personal money handling that limited that ability. I definitely could have bought the books, but I would have put myself in an altogether separate position of control.

131


Denotation

Environment 50 Apartment Alley, Brooklyn

The back alley of my apartment building. Two giant rottweilers stand guard behind a low fence. Their bark is almost deafening and they totally dominate your attention. The echoes of the alley aide their intense bark and control. This is by far the most controlling environment that was evaluated. My every move and thought was impacted by these dogs and their ability to dominate my attention.

132


Denotation

Environment 51 Taxi, Manhattan

Cabs have a very interesting environment; you are in this very small, intimate space, yet everyone does their best to ignore each other. There seems to be moderate social control, but it is mostly physical control because of space. The cabbie is completely ignoring what I am doing, and is fully engaged in the conversation he is having on his high-tech ear-phone device. We are sharing some sort of odd relationship where we both need something from each other, though we don’t really acknowledge it, and we will never see each other again, for some reason that is very interesting to me.

133


Denotation

Environment 52 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn

Going back to my apartment before meeting up with some friends. It is extremely poorly lit on this street, most of the light comes from the eminence of the city. Darkness is definitely a factor of control, and the lack of people on the streets is less socially controlling and leaning towards simply being creepy. The wind is blowing around a lot of trash which is commanding my attention being that this is Bushwick and there is a lot of litter everywhere. Otherwise not a very controlling environment.

134


Denotation

Environment 53 Leonard St, Brooklyn

With some friends and a new acquaintance (pictured in flannel) on our way to Bushwick country club to visit a friend I haven’t seen in a while. I am definitely being controlled in this position of the sidewalk, I am in the center of a group walking forward and there is not much space between myself and the next person. Fractured ground structures such as the broken cement and over coated asphalt make walking a bit more of a difficult task. The darkness does not help.

135


Denotation

Environment 54 Bushwick Country Club, Brooklyn

Part one of a three part documentation of one environment. Depicted: Jarrod doing one of many PBR + whisky + pickle shots that the group would partake in the rest of the night. A dive bar is good place for this documentation because it seems fairly uncontrolling on the social side. People do not pay attention nor do they even care about your actions unless they inhibit their own. Social controls are limited, physical controls seem much more noticeable. Alcohol is a factor but is not yet influencing my behavior or even my perception as far as I can tell.

136


Denotation

Environment 55 Bushwick Country Club, Brooklyn

Just before going outside and playing mini-mini-golf, we are having a couple more drinks. These bar documentations are transcribed from notes taken and noticed but filled out after the fact. Alcohol is playing a more significant. role in determining my feelings of control. Everybody wants to play mini-golf outside and now I do to. We get ready to go outside and figure out how we will attempt to play the game. I consider how long it will take for mini-golf to be boring because of alcohol consumption.

137


Denotation

Environment 56 Bushwick Country Club, Brooklyn

We have now been drinking fairly heavily for about 4 hours and a man on the golf course offered us a joint. This is everyone getting ready to go; smiles are contagious (actual notes from notebook). The man on the golf course was very strange and seemed to be making up a lot of lies to make us interested in him. Otherwise he was a nice guy. I bought him a drink to reciprocate his generosity.

138


Denotation

Environment 57 Computer Lab, Manhattan

In the computer room and no one is here because it is Saturday. Not a very controlling environment, but the lack of activity or sound confuses my sense of control, and what control is. Does control play more of a role when people are not present to judge? Or does it play more of a role when you are concerned about possibly being seen when you don’t expect it. This is one answer I have not gained from all of these studies.

139



141

CONTROL Physical Ratings


142

CONTROL

001


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

143

002


144

CONTROL

003


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

145

004


146

CONTROL

005


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

147

006


148

CONTROL

007


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

149

008


150

CONTROL

009


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

151

010


152

CONTROL

011


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

153

012


154

CONTROL

013


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

155

014


156

CONTROL

015


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

157

016


158

CONTROL

017


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

159

018


160

CONTROL

019


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

161

020


162

CONTROL

021


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

163

022


164

CONTROL

023


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

165

024


166

CONTROL

025


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

167

026


168

CONTROL

027


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

169

028


170

CONTROL

029


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

171

030


172

CONTROL

031


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

173

032


174

CONTROL

033


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

175

034


176

CONTROL

035


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

177

036


178

CONTROL

037


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

179

038


180

CONTROL

039


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

181

040


182

CONTROL

041


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

183

042


184

CONTROL

043


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

185

044


186

CONTROL

045


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

187

046


188

CONTROL

047


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

189

048


190

CONTROL

049


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

191

050


192

CONTROL

051


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

193

052


194

CONTROL

053


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

195

054


196

CONTROL

055


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

197

056


198

CONTROL

057


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

199



201

CONTROL Social


202

CONTROL

001


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

203

002


204

CONTROL

003


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

205

004


206

CONTROL

005


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

207

006


208

CONTROL

007


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

209

008


210

CONTROL

009


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

211

010


212

CONTROL

011


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

213

012


214

CONTROL

013


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

215

014


216

CONTROL

015


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

217

016


218

CONTROL

017


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

219

018


220

CONTROL

019


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

221

020


222

CONTROL

021


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

223

022


224

CONTROL

023


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

225

024


226

CONTROL

025


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

227

026


228

CONTROL

027


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

229

028


230

CONTROL

029


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

231

030


232

CONTROL

031


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

233

032


234

CONTROL

033


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

235

034


236

CONTROL

035


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

237

036


238

CONTROL

037


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

239

038


240

CONTROL

039


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

241

040


242

CONTROL

041


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

243

042


244

CONTROL

043


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

245

044


246

CONTROL

045


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

247

046


248

CONTROL

047


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

249

048


250

CONTROL

049


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

251

050


252

CONTROL

051


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

253

052


254

CONTROL

053


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

255

054


256

CONTROL

055


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

257

056


258

CONTROL

057


GRA

SOC

PHY

ENV

PHO

259



261

CONTROL Control Graphs


CONTROL

262

001

002

003

004

005


009

010

PHY

008

SOC

ENV

007

GRA

PHO

263

006


CONTROL

264

011

012

013

014

015


019

020

PHY

018

SOC

ENV

017

GRA

PHO

265

016


CONTROL

266

021

022

023

024

025


029

030

PHY

028

SOC

ENV

027

GRA

PHO

267

026


CONTROL

268

031

032

033

034

035


039

040

PHY

038

SOC

ENV

037

GRA

PHO

269

036


CONTROL

270

041

042

043

044

045


049

050

PHY

048

SOC

ENV

047

GRA

PHO

271

046


CONTROL

272

051

052

053

054

055


SOC

PHY

ENV

057

GRA

PHO

273

056



275

CONTROL Conclusion


276

CONTROL

Conclusion Perspective played the largest role in the evaluations, and evolving definitions of each factor altered many of the ratings from environment to environment. This was the hardest thing to overcome while conducting these evaluations; seeing the controls from a different perspective so as to gain a better and more conclusive idea of it’s influence. While some factors such as physical possibility stay consistent through environments, we ourselves are the most inconsistent part of our environment. It has become more amazing to me how our minds can analyze so many factors of our environment without the slightest bit of thought, and subconsciously document it for future reference. After weeks of documenting my environments I have determined that they are severely controlling, more so than I had originally thought. I think the further one analyzes the factors in his environment that control him, the more controlling he finds it; and the more factors he finds. This ritual of evaluating my environments has formed a habit in taking more notice of which elements of my surroundings are influencing my decisions or actions. All of our surroundings affect us in some way, whether we are cognizant of it or not.


277



279

CONTROL Index


CONTROL

280

INDEX

001

16,48,81, 140,200,260

009

20,52,89, 148,208,261

002

16,48,82, 141,201,260

010

20,52,90, 149,209,261

003

17,49,83, 142,202,260

011

21,53,91, 150,210,262

004

17,49,84, 143,203,260

012

21,53,92, 151,211,262

005

18,50,85, 144,204,260

013

22,53,93, 152,212,262

006

18,50,86, 145,205,261

014

12,13,22,53, 94,153,213,262

007

19,51,87, 146,206,261

015

23,54,95, 154,214,262

008

19,51,88, 147,207,261

016

23,54,96, 155,215,263


281

017

24,56,97, 156,216,263

025

28,60,105, 164,224,264

018

24,56,98, 157,217,263

026

28,60,106, 165,225,265

019

25,57,99, 158,218,263

027

29,61,107, 166,226,265

020

25,57,100, 159,219,263

028

29,61,108, 167,227,265

021

26,58,101, 160,220,264

029

30,62,109, 168,228,265

022

26,58,102, 161,221,264

030

30,62,110, 169,229,265

023

27,59,103, 162,222,264

031

31,63,111, 170,230,266

024

27,59,104, 163,223,264

032

31,63,112, 171,231,266


CONTROL

282

033

8,32,64, 113,172,232,266

041

36,68,121, 180,240,268

034

32,64,114, 173,233,266

042

36,68,122, 181,241,268

035

33,65,115, 174,234,266

043

37,69,123, 182,242,268

036

33,65,116, 175,235,267

044

37,69,124, 183,243,268

037

34,66,117, 176,236,267

045

38,70,125, 184,244,268

038

34,66,118, 177,237,267

046

38,70,126, 185,245,269

039

35,67,119, 178,238,267

047

39,71,127, 186,246,269

040

35,67,120, 179,239,267

048

39,71,128, 187,247,269


283

049

40,72,129, 188,248,269

050

40,72,130, 189,249,269

051

41,73,131, 190,250,270

052

41,73,132, 191,251,270

053

42,74,133, 192,252,270

054

42,74,134, 193,253,270

055

43,75,135, 194,254,270

056

46,75,136, 195,255,271

057

44,76,137, 196,256,271




This documentation is part of an ongoing project studying control. More information can be found at: control.grantagold.com




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