2. de•sign
the unleashing of a creativity
to find purpose and function
ad•ven•ture
sydney•shell
to go where you have never gone before
and letting where you have been guide you
712.269.2361
GOWANUS CANAL places | things01
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Contents featured adventures 00
Xx
5. Ur
GOWANUSCANAL competition entry
01
Gowanus by Design is a competition focused on the
post-industrial development of a contaminated site
in the canal water shed that offers the challenge of
rethinking how a new community resource can
become an agent for remediation within a diverse
urban context.
The design brings the Gowanus Canal’s rich history
and diverse community together by creating a place
that fosters interaction between people, native and
urban ecologies, and the canal. Once overflowing
with wetlands and wildlife, the Gowanus Canal
flood plain has been industrialized and highly
urbanized. The tides have turned and the canal is
ready to rise to the occasion, offering a new way of
living. By combining forces of the past and present,
the Canal and Thomas Greene Park provide spaces
for gathering, playing, and observing living
systems. This park accommodates large
celebrations, family traditions, numerous
recreational activities, bird watching, outdoor
markets, art festivals, and much more.
6. Connect | Final arching connections among context painting. The
canal reads disconnected from the existing park. Arcs lines have an
opportunity to bring everything together as a whole. –
GOWANUS CANAL process | analysis 01
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Context analysis | An overlay of historical Gowanus canal, landuse,
drainage, and contaminates. Past and present merge revealing
relationships and connections that create a foundation for new
beginnings represented painting overlay.
Figure ground | Painting study as it relates to project boundries. The
individual pieces start to read as one creating potential forms,
boundries, and/or spaces.
Connect | Final arching connections among context painting. The
canal reads disconnected from the existing park. Arcs lines have an
opportunity to bring everything together as a whole.
Community
Ecology
Water
Historical Gowanus Canal
Channelized Gowanus Canal
Painting Analysis| To capture the site rich historical context and merge
it with the exising condition, Acrylic on plexiglass was choosen to
explore these relationships. The historical Gowanus canal and the native
ecology is represented by blue and green , while orange speaks to
proposed community programing.
7. GOWANUS CANAL site axon01
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Competition Requirements| Site axon breakdowns the components of
the design competition. Recreational courts, Community center, and
pool are all programs that need to be developed. During rain events the
CSO system overflows. The site will have a CSO retention facility to
take on 20% of the “first flush” to relieve the treatment plant till they can
process the water. In addition facility, retention tanks need to be
provided that can hold 4 million gallons of water.
Design Additions| To help with stormwater management, in addition to
competition requirements, vegetation, topography, and infiltrations
basins are incorporated to alleviate CSO systems and give water the
opportunity to return to the ground.
Playgrounds
Preformance Area
& Seating
Community
Building
Community
Pool
Basketball
Courts
Handball
Courts
Skate
Park
Douglass St.
Degraw St.
NATIVE VEGETATION
WATER RETENTION
RECREATION
WATER INFILTRATION
& GRADING PLAN
9. High Marsh Vegetation Textures
Low Marsh Vegetation Textures
High Tide
Low Tide
Saltmarsh Bulrush | Scirpus robustus
GOWANUS CANAL tidal brackish salt marsh01
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Black Grass | Juncus gerardii
Salt Grass | Distichlis spicata
Salt Meadow Cordgrass | Spartina patens
Sea Lavander | Limonium carolinianum
Glassworts | Salicornia species
Rockweed | Fucus versiculosus
Smooth Cordgrass | Spartina altinaflora
10. GOWANUS CANAL stormwater sections01
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Infiltration Basin | During rain events the open green space collects runoff
and allows for water to be infiltrated back in to the ground
Catch Basins|Below the recreational courts, water is captured and infiltrated
back into the ground.
RetentionTanks & Catch Basin| Retention tank is used as a stormwater
management strategy, as well as a handball wall, an activity
locals favor. By revealing the tanks we can start to inform the
community of stormwater practices in a creative and clever way.
Handball Courts
Retention Tanks
3rd Ave.
Catch Basin
Native Trees & Wildflowers
1” = 20’
1” = 20’
1” = 20’
Elevated Walkway
Native Trees & Wildflowers
Native Trees & Wildflowers
Basketball Couts Catch Basin
Infiltration Basin
Open Green Space
Walkway to Green Space
Community Resource Building
Observation Deck
Nevins St.
13. Ur
Confluence internship
02
Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, and
Planning firm located in Des Moines, Iowa with
offices in four other locations throughout the
Midwest, was my home for a spring and summer
internship. I was given many opportunities to
express my creative skills through, but not limited
to conceptual design, digital modeling, and
graphics.
This experience increased my pace and quality of
work to the level that is expected in the real world.
I worked on construction document sets of various
sizes, set up presentations for meetings, selected
samples from distributors for projects, and much
more you do not experience in academia. While
feasibility and practically may run the show, that
will not stop me from creating fearlessly.
Followed is a small collection of projects I designed
and/or modeled while interning at Confluence.
14. Interpretative Art Piece| Panels line the main axis
displaying soldier’s uniforms as the have changed
throughout history.
Confluence usstratcom | command and control facility 02
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Reflection Pools| A calming statement. With running water, the pools become therapeutic area in
comparison to daily demands of the users.
15. Three Pillars of Defence Interpretive Area| Mimicking form of the missiles, navy ships, and submarines
this area has symbolic meaning.
Schematic Site Plan| Overall plan
highlights the formal tree grid
along with strong geometric
programed areas.
16. Confluence villas at foxpoint | knoxville, ia 02
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ALTOONA, IOWA
Illustrative Planting Plan| Oak Hickory Forest inspired plantings.
17. Technical Planting Plan| Overall tree placement.
Detail Sheets| Plant schedule and planting details.
18. Confluence prairie crossing | altoona, ia 02
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Conceptual sketch| Layers of decks serving a variety
of purposes (plants, floating deck, outdoor bar &
grill) will be the focus of a vibrant public space.
Beach Perspective | Sand beach within close distance to business
is hard to come by in Iowa. Users can grab lunch and head to the
beach or launch to kayak.
Bar & Grill Perspective|After a day at the beach or shopping
relax and watch the sun set as it passes through tinted glass
behind the bar.
Conceptual sketch| Layers of decks serving a variety of purposes (plants, floating
deck, outdoor business) will be the focus of a vibrant public space.
PRAIRIE CROSS
SITE PLAN
19. Annotated Plan|Materiality, program, and feel of
space was taken into consideration to move forward
with creativity.
Dock Perspective | The dock system works with the
water levels of the detention pond. Planter docks
float at water level. Pedestrian docks ramp down to
water level for access. The main spine is remains at
ground level , serving as an outlook bar and grill.
SING - OPTION C
Sculpture
Entry plaza
Retaining wall
Sand beach
Seat wall
Planter and
seat wall
ADA ramp to
lower plaza
Floating wood pier
Floating planter area
with LED Lights
Floating planter area
with LED Lights
Floating planter area
with LED Lights
Floating wood pier
Floating wood pier
Center spine TBD: Bar,
Restaurant, Boardwalk
with Cafe, shops, and
vendors, art attraction with
glass wall, planted
peninsula w/ walking trail
and benches, solar
charging station w/solar
panels, salt water viewing
tank under walkway, Infiniti
pools with overhead sun
shade.
Concrete paving
Floating planter area
with LED Lights
Floating planter area
with LED Lights
Paddle boat/canoe
garage
20. Purposed Grading Plan|Final grading for the business park. All stormwater is
collected on site with a detention pond.
Cut Fill Analysis|Engineers provided analysis. The initial
report led to regrading the so building at grade would be 8’
higher. This would save exporting excess soils costs.
MADISON LEE PROPERTIES
CONCEPTUAL DATA CENTER GRADING CONCEPT
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA MARCH 2014
0' 50' 100' 200' 400'
SCALE = 1:200MADISON LEE PROPERTIES
CONCEPTUAL DATA CENTER GRADING CONCEPT
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA MARCH 2014
0' 50' 100' 200' 400'
SCALE = 1:200
pg 10
pg 9
Cut Fill Analysis 8’ Rise| Adjusting the topography provided
the same amount surface space for buildings but
minimizing the amount of soil needed to import.
21. Confluence midwesttechnologiesbusinesspark|westdesmoines,ia02
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JULY 2014
MIDWEST TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS PARK
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA
0' 100’ 200’50'
FIBER LINE
GAS LINE
PROPERTY LINE
S.88TH
ST.
NACIREMADIM
ENERGY
NOITATSBUS
BOONEVILLE RD
OFFICE
PROPERTY LINE
OVERHEAD ELECTRIC
TRANSMISSION LINE
WATER MAIN
LEGEND
35.000 SF
56.000 SF
108.000 SF
88,750 SF
108.000 SF
108.000 SF
108.000 SF
100’ROW
50’1/2ROW
NIAMRETAW”61
100’UTILITIESEASEMENT
Utilities Plan| With an utilites easement cutting through the owners parcel it was
important to show how the site grading and composition utilized the space to its
greatest potential with out interference.
22. Confluence trail hub | windsor heights, ia 02
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Day Perspective |Colby Park hosts many events with an ever growing farmers market, and many bike events. The arc overhead
structure serves as the main market walk and entrance to Des Moines trail system. It includes an area to sit and savor fresh food
for the market and food trucks. Also a bike repair station. The structure is equipped with solar panels to provide energy for events.
Night Perspective |Movie at the park is big event at Colby park. You also get a
lot of cyclist on the trail for riding events. The structure provides lighting and
place to rest at night. Parents can relax as their children watch the movie feature.
25. Pa
WATERWORKS outdoor recreation
03
Inspired by microbiology and the idea of capillary
action. Capillary action allows water to move
through spaces, like water that plants absorb, works
its way through the roots to the end of the leafy
greens. The journey of water at Water Works Park
has as its unique process as well. Des Moines feeds
off water that flows down that Raccoon River. The
river water is pumped in to retention ponds then
goes through intense filtration with in the plant. It
is distributed to approximately 500,000 people
everyday. Imagining a person being a object
filtered through the site, the processes previously
described hold true at a bigger scale. While
transitioning through the site something new is
revealed or achieved. Once revealed or achieved, a
person can see their own, and city wide connection
to Water Works Park.
26. 500’ 2000’
WATERWORKS site & context analysis | section 03
Pa
Urban Landscape| A section through the park shows the various
funcitons the site has from transportation to heavily wooded forest.
Water is playing a mulitple roles from a public lake to filtration ponds
that supply water drinking water.
Residential
water filtration ponds
railroad
racoon river Gray’s Lake
Fluer Drive
Wooded Landscape
Open Space
27. Permeable Filtration
Connection
Organic
Structured
WATERWORKS concept | generation 03
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Concept Model | Model represents the process water goes through on site as
well as the experience one has in a urban park. The transition from structured
enviornment to a restorative natural one.
Concept Basics | Diagram for water and
user expeirience at Waterwork Park.
Perspective Exploration | Exploring views on site, bringing the concept to life.
Parti | Early sketch of space organization and flow.
29. A hierarchy of walkways, which include the existing paths, starts to develop an understanding of the different scales of
connection to the site. Arced bridges set up the base connection of the site. With the Northeast-Southwest showing
relationship of the city to the river, and the East-West bridge filtering a person through the site.
30. WATERWORKS perspectives | details 03
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Water Usage | The design details in the bridge start to address the larger
scale of Water Works Park. They become and interactive water feature
at a citywide scale. The amount of water used everyday varies. In
addition, the water feature’s water pressure will correlate directly to the
amount of water being used by the city. This gives people an
ever-changing feature that will entice them to return.
Planter | Planter and water feature
drived from intial concept model.
31. Water Walkways | These floatinig paths add an appealing opportunity
to get closer to the retention ponds and connect with the site more
closely.
34. LINCOLNWAY urban retrofit
04
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The City of Ames is disconnected between
Campustown and Downtown Historic District.
Imagining Lincolnway, an arterial connector, as a
corridor can bridge the two through urban design
with a focus on streetscapes. Converting the old
highway to three lanes would dramatically improve
conditions along this roadway such as circulation,
usability, and stormwater management.
Lincoln Way passes through many different zones
commercial, residential, school, ect. Each area has
their own unique context. By starting with an
overall strategy, we can dive in to each zone and
design for each areas needs. Campustown has high
traffic among cars and pedestrians. It also has
shops and resteraunts which are directly across
from the university and dorms.
35.
36. Bus Stops
Intersections Stoplight Intersections
and FullI Intersections
4 Wide Lane 3 Lane
w/ Turning lanes
Existing Proposed
Lincoln Way context | analysis 04
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The Works
Studies have shown positive result in 4 lane to 3 lane conversions. Roadwasy that have a Daily Average
Traffic between 13,000 and 23,000 are perfect candidates. An incresease in traffic volume and decrease
in delay time, make the conversion more efficient. Also, a decrease speeding, accidents, noise makes a
safer environment for bicyclist and pedestrians. Separate lanes for turning allow less stress on vehicles
and easier flow.
Bus Hubs
37. Stormwater Management
Porus pavements comes with the immediate concern of maintence, especially in the Midwest region.
Some strategies that have been successful include lining city utilities underneath sideswalks. The heat
generated from the utilities keep ice from forming, and eliminates the use of sand and salt which
damages and clogs permeable pavement. Attacking areas with higher volume of water funneling into
the drains,by implementing bioswales (green strips) and using porus paving were applicable will
grealty reduce impacts to our streams and floodplain.
Drain Inlet
Squaw Creek
Floodplain
College Creek
40. Lincoln Way perspective | sections 04
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Generous sidewalks and clearly define
crosswalks provide a safe zone for pedestrians.
A detached bicycle lane aligned north of
Lincoln Way makes for a safe and effecient
transit route. Street Trees, Planting Strips, and
Bioswales have ecological, fuctional, and
visual benefits. They provide habitat for many
bird and inscect species. They contribute to
stormwater management and can create a
distiction between corridor usage such as
roadways and sidewalks.
41. 12’
10’
turning lane
& emergency lane
8’
25’
6’10’
5’
bike lanes
10’6’
16’ 6’ 8’
3 lanes
parkingmedian
2 lanes 15’
4’
6’
1o’ 3o’o’
Existing
Proposed
We devote a lot space to vehicles, why give them more than they need? Lane diets get rid of the excess
and give you an opportunity to make a space use for many uses. The benefits greatly out weigh the cons.
Green space over a concrete slab, not to mention green spaces give a spot to push our snow so we can use
our precious roads.
Critical Dimensions
45. ADAHAYDENPARK winter research
05
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Ada Hayden Heritage Park is located in north
Ames off of Grand Avenue (US Highway 69). The
park, itself is 437 acres including and old rock
quarry and constructed wetlands that now serve as
Ames water supply. It has approximately 5 miles of
trail 3 of which are ADA accessible, and amenities
that support activities such as fishing and
picnicking. Wetlands and prairies have been
established to support natural water filtration,
wildlife habitat, and nature observation. The park
has no problem filling its parking lot. Despite the
temperatures, Ada Hayden is always full of activity
late afternoons and on the weekend.
Parks are typically perceived as space users would
utilize heavily in warmer temperatures; they are
hubs for recreation, social interaction, and
wildlife/nature observation, which have health,
economic, social, and environmental benefits.
How is Ada Hayden used in cold temperatures?
Does it still provided the same benefits it does in
warmer temperature? What makes Ada Hayden
successful “cold weather” park?
46. ADA HAYDEN PARK research | mapping 05
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x5 x2 x1 x9 x8 x3 x3 x10 x12 x14
x7 x3
x6
x5
x5
x5
x7
PhotographCredit:Wolf.Oesterreich
WINTER MAPPING | ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK
How is the park used in the winter? • Does it provide the same benefits as it does in warmer temperatures? • What makes it successful?
Mapping is used to collect data for demographics,
activities, behaviors, path, and perception of
environment. Two methods of behavioral mapping will
be used to collect data, place oriented and subject
oriented. This will provided a mix of quantitative and
qualitative data. Cognitive mapping will be used to
collect users awareness of surroundings. Subjects will
be asked to draw Ada Hayden as they see it (by route,
activities,landmarks,etc.). The strategies used here are
similar to a research study in Cary, North Carolina.
They collected their data at Walnut Street Park to
answer the following research question. What is the
relationship users’ characteristics and diverse
settings in the park? What is the pattern of social
interaction in the park settings? Their goal was to
reveal how subject see public parks and to understand
the relationship between behavior and their
environment. Behavior mapping included user profile,
behavior, level of physical activity, group size, group
characteristics,and shade. Cognitive mapping was pair
with interview questions to collect user preferences
and actual use. According to Zamani,Lee
and Pipp’s, Diverse Park Settings and Users' Behaviors
and Preferences, “the results of the behavior mapping
combined with other methods of data collection
revealed difference between the pattern of use and
preference for setting while in some aspects they
confirmed each other.
Many studies have researched desires lines in
landscapes such as campuses, parks, and urban areas.
Desire lines are a form of trace measures used for
better trail, sidewalk, and/or pathway design. A study
conducted in Edmonton, Canada, Drawings We Have
Lived Mapping Desire Lines in Edmonton, maps these
desire lines in recreational park, neighborhoods, and
urban areas. Trace measures that left evidence of
activities user part take included dog wastes that
owners did not dispose of, while others owners used
dog bags that were place in trash receptacles. Off path
trails and desire line were the most abundant for of
trace measures. Ice fishing show prominence with
traces of paths across the iced over lake, bait left over
dumped near shore, and holes left in the ice. Other
activities identified by trace measure included biking,
sledding,and hiking.
Mapping data and trace measure confirm Ada
Hayden is highly used cold weather park. While cold
temperatures might reduce the amount of time spent a
park, the same brings users, such as ice fishers and
sledders, to the park. Ada Hayden continuously
provides health, economic, social, and environmental
benefits year round. Users participate in activities at
different levels of intensity ranging from sedentary to
vigorous, which concludes that people are using the
park for more than physical health benefits but mental
health benefits as well. Maintenance of paved trail and
amenities are consistent and well kempt, which
contributes to subjects using the space rather than
local sidewalks and streets.
Behavioral Mapping data collection consisted of 21 subjects. From that pool of users behavior types were established. Each behavior type has certain characteristics the subjects fall
under and subjects can obtain more than one behavior type. Below are the Behavior types and descriptions.
Cognitive maps are collected onsite and offsite. Subjects are approached along the paved trail on site while subjects off site are
chosen based on gaps in variety of users and familiarity of site. Seven total cognitive maps were collect 5 on site and 2 off site.
WALKER SPORT LONE WOLF SOCIAL BUTTERFLY REGULAR PEACE SEEKER NATURALIST DOG WALKER ADVENTURER OBSERVER
8
Desire Lines
RESEARCH|RESULTSSUMMARYRESEARCH|RESULTSSUMMARY
SYDNEY SHELL
Winter Users| Through behavior and cognitive mapping, an
understanding of how people perceive and use the park in the winter
reveal social, economic, environment, and health benefits.
47. ADA HAYDEN PARK research | observation 05
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Runner with headphones in no emotion focused on task at hand. • Subject and handicapable dog with wheels walked slowly. Dog had lots of energy,owner appeared delighted and caring. • Photographer slightly of the path timid and
unsure. • Runner no emotion. Acknowledge others with the smile and nod. • Roller bladder with dog. Smiling with high energy. • Brisk walker focused but friendly with passer byers. • Two observers alert/amazed on the docks. Relaxed
pacing the dock. • Group of three walking blank faced,focusing on their walk. • Two roller bladders content. Smiling chatting amongst themselves. • Couple happily holding hands walking. • Photographer walking off path through
wooded area. • Man with two dogs off leash on the outskirts of the park away from the path. • Walker happy and focused assuming activity is for fitness. • Couple with binoculars and open body language and high energy. • Older subject
on brisk walk with a constant smile on face. • Friends chatting with high energy on a walk. • Volunteer on bike alert. • 2 men walking facing inward holding conversation using hand gestures • “ I started my walk heading west. The
paved path had been plowed and maintained. The temperature was approximately 20 degrees. Elderly couple are walking; both are alert they smile and greet passer-byers. There is a genuine sense of happiness and/or relaxation/release
in posture and facial expressions. Two dogs meet and become tangle as owners struggle to untangle them. Owners are amused and exchange words with another till they are on their way again. Geese fly overhead noisily,some look up
to observe while others keep trekking on. A runner wizzes by with headphone on focused. A lone walker alert and taking in his surrounding not much emotion in his face; he is quiet and reserved but nods and smiles as I pass. There are
joggers across the lake in the distance along with a cyclist. Some ice fishers coming to view along the outskirts of the lake. The environment along the path becomes restorative and peaceful; there is high vegetation along stretch of path.
Coming around a corner two ladies are chatting as the walk briskly. They have lots of facial expressions they smile and acknowledge me as I pass. Another elderly couple are walking leisurely watching all the activity taking place. They
have outward posture getting that sense of happiness and relaxation again. Passing by another dog that comes up to check me out. I smile and scratch his ear and talk with the owner who seem very generous and happy to be here. A
group of three gathered on the bridge look at the geese that rest in the middle of the lake. They are pointing and chatting in and cheerful mood as they observe. As I reach the far East section of Route1 there are people scatter up and
down the trial some are starting there run headed south with a burst of energy. There are two people lollygagging towards the parking lot as their walk comes to the end a deep sigh and smile follows as they reach there car. A young lady
runs by with earphones as enter the parking lot. A large group of guys head toward the ice and start an impromptu game of hockey; there voices carry as they blustering carry on with the game. Cars pulling in to catch the last bit of
daylight as I exit the park.”
Parks are typically perceived, as space users would
utilize heavily in warmer temperatures. They are hubs
for recreation, social interaction, and wildlife/nature
observation, which have health, economic, social, and
environmental benefits. By observing activities,
moods, and behaviors of people in the cold months we
can find gaps in the “typical” park norms. This could
lead to better design choices and additional amenities
to encourage more involvement during winter months.
If a park is being utilized what are some factors in its
success,so it can set as precedent for future parks.
Two methods of observations were used at Ada
Hayden Heritage Park in Ames, Iowa. First , a casual
observation was carried out by walking along a paved
route. This approach will allow for close proximity to
subjects, which will aid in distinguishing facial
expressions and body language to gather first
impressions. Systematic observation was used through
a series of site observations along routes and outlook
points. A checklist was used togather users
demographics and activites.
The major activity subjects participate in is
walking. Outlying activities include photography, tree
climbing, and rollerblading. Majority of activities take
place on the paved trail. Age groups 20 to 40 and 40 plus
are largest user group.). Car was the dominant form of
access while subjects that lived near by came by foot or
bike. Facial expressions and body language display
positive reactions to social interactions and the
surrounding environment. Recurring moments of
genuine relief and relaxation.
The majority of winter usage in Ada Hayden is
confined to the trail system that facilitate multiple
activities and the lake for fishing. Outlying activities
such as sledding and photography lead the ambitious
of trail and in to the snow. Ada Hayden still provides
health, economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Subjects are using the site for recreation and physical
health. The lake and wetlands still serves as water
source providing and economic benefit. Participants
use the space to socially interact with friends,pets,and
wildlife. The biggest factor what trail availability and
access to the park. The trails were kept cleared and
maintained so people were able to use the trail. The
parking lot provided ample spaces for vehicles.
WINTER OBSERVATION | ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK
How is the park used in the winter? • Does it provide the same benefits as it does in warmer temperatures? • What makes it successful?
12% 11%43% 9%
0˚-43˚TEMERATURE RANGE
TIME
NOON -1PM
3PM-5PM
SKY COVERS
WALKING ICE FISHING DOG WALKING JOGGING
DRIVE BIKE WALK
UNDER 20 YRS+ 40 YRS20-40 YRS
OTHER
biking, sledding, photography
25%
*
PhotographCredit:Wolf.Oesterreich
SUMMARYSUMMARY
SYDNEY SHELL
Reimagining the Park | Through casual and systematic observation, I
was able to collect data showing how a park is used in cold temperatures.
The results can be used to inform design choices and consideration that
encourage more outdoor involvement in colder areas and time periods.
48. ADA HAYDEN PARK research | interview 05
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PhotographCredit:KevinKane
WINTER INTERVIEWS | ADA HAYDEN HERITAGE PARK
How is the park used in the winter? • Does it provide the same benefits as it does in warmer temperatures? • What makes it successful?
The frequencies of theme descriptors,per subject shows convenience and recreation
are the most prevalent. While recreation is the obvious theme, convenience is an
underlying theme. Subjects knew what they came for i.e. running, fishing, dog walking.
Convenience themes developed as a realization when questions such as,why they choose
Ada Hayden over other parks and trails in Ames where asked. Subject denied cues that
would lead to Escapism, but through Place Attachment signifiers the subject reveals that
Escapism is an aspect that is special or important to them.
Interviewees were emailed and asked if they would be will to answer questions about
Ada Hayden Heritage Park in a recorded interview format. A time and place would be
chosen at the interviewee’s convenience. Questions were formatted with a semi-structure.
The structure started with simple straightforward questions to collect basic information.
The majority of questions required more thought and search for answers with substances.
This section of question was more reactive to the subject’s answers. The final part of the
interview taps into an area the users know best in hopes to reveal detail or hidden qualities.
Ada Hayden has a variety of users. Through a series of interviews,a few users can reveal
major themes that depict how parks are used in winter months. These themes can also
explain what makes Ada Hayden a successful cold weather park. The park’s maintenance,
programed and unprogramed areas encourage users to continually return to Ada Hayden
during low temperatures. They also consistently provide health, economic, social, and
environmental benefits that are exemplified in the transcript data. It is interesting to watch
and listen to the subjects realize how the park really does benefit them and play a role in
their lives.
A few studies capture keypoints in this park research. The Central Park Conservancy
collected a variety of data about park usage over a period of a year at Central Park,where as
Tinsley focuses on an overlooked demographic, in terms of age and ethnicity, where in
actuality the specific age demographic is using the park more frequently which is
confirmed in the Central Park Conservancy data. Catrill plays a unique roll with regards to
methodology and content analysis. He reveals embedded themes, which is important to
understand when analyzing data for psychosocial benefits and also in my case park
benefits through users activities and perception space.
The subjects interviewed are male and female with ages ranging 20 to 60 years in age. Professions include in the sample are professor,
student, and Ames parent. Subjects interviewed have close ties to Ada Hayden and visit the park often.
CONVENIENCE
FITNESS | RECREATION
ESCAPISM
PLACE ATTACHMENT
Subject #3: I come out and run here a couple
times a week. They keep the trails maintained
and I would rather drive a few minutes to run
than to bank on my neighbors shoveling their
sidewalks.
Subject #2: I walk my pup the most; we will
explore and hike in different areas off trail.
Otherwise I like to bike there as well. During
warmer months I kayak.
Subject #1: . There is also in the in middle there is
an old dredged out pond in middle of the property
and that’s a nice place to go.
Subject #1: It’s just tucked away and you can’t see
civilization while up there and it is just nice to get
away..
x8 x9 x5 x9
x10 x8 x10 x6
x5 x6 x3 x3
RESEARCH
RESULTS
PROCEDURE
ANALYSIS
RESEARCH
RESULTS
PROCEDURE
ANALYSIS
SYDNEY SHELL
Winter Themes | What makes a park successful in the winter? Through
interviewing park user, the results are quite simple and overlooked. It
also the first thing that gets cut from the budget. Maintenance.
