Walk Two

July 26, 2011

I began this walk at the intersection Portage Ave. and Main St. on the plaza outside the Richardson Building.  Prior to arriving, I had outlined my chosen walking route and highlighted the location of large parking lots and plazas that I knew were in the area which helped me focus on smaller more abandoned spaces rather than spaces that exhibit obvious design intentions.  Despite my planning, I found myself deviating from my predetermined path several times when I came across an abandoned alley or parking lot, or avoiding areas that I could see were uninteresting and without any abandoned spaces.  An example of that could be the new Waterfront Drive developments.  The two accompanying maps, depicts the pre-determined path and the actual path walked.  The original path included the area up to George Avenue but I found the walk quite long so I decided to shorten my walk and break it up into two walks. 

     

I found the overall area very interesting, due to the significant number old buildings and abandoned alleys, contrasted by the new Waterfront Drive developments and the Waterfront park.  This area is experiencing a definite transition, with old buildings being redeveloped alongside the new developments on waterfront drive, whether or not this will benefit the community surrounding remains to be seen. 

 

Original Pre-determined Path

Actual Walking Path

Image 1

This alley reminds me of a very steep Canyon.  It also feels cave-like.

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This alley is between two older buildings, both of which I find very beautiful.  Also, it seems as though it should be qualified as a road, as there were many motorist that used it as such when I was there. 

Image 7

This image, which was taken from within the same alley, reminds me of a dry riverbed.  It isn’t hard to imagine that it might have been a very productive area at one time and is now completely void, boarded off from the rest of the alley. 

Image 8

I found the unintentional threshold to this alley interesting. It is a result of lack of maintenance around the building and the parking lot that allowed the trees to meet and create this threshold.

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Desire lines created by pedestrians depict what this road desperately needs. 

Image 12

This alley is more intricate, colourful and interesting than most of the main roads in this area. 

Image 13

Johnny G’s Patio faces this same alley. This along with the building on the left makes this alley seems more like a major road than a back alley.

Image 14

Light at the end of the tunnel.

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Is there any propose to these? This would be a great place for people to hide and ambush pedestrians going toward Main St.  It’s not a very welcoming pedestrian environment for the building that includes the Passport office. 

Image 16

This is directly off the sidewalk on Main St. Is this entrance even used? Or Necessary?

Image 17

This is a parking lot off of Main St. and if you can believe it, that tin shed can is considered ‘Indoor parking’ that can be rented. 

Image 18

I find this archway very beautiful and a great threshold to the alley behind.

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The other side of the tunnel.

Image 22

A universal access alley, or at least it was at one time. I don’t know how easily a wheel chair would be able to get over those buckling tiles.  It seems this alley was used more often, or at least someone believed it would be.

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In comparison to Image 22, and 23, this pathway has much less concrete and more vegetation, making it very welcoming.  However, the fenced in patio on the right does not share the same welcoming feeling. 

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This is a road?

Image 27

I think this desert needs some water. 

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‘Danger’ Alley.