The document provides an observation assignment asking the reader to carefully sketch and observe an object or situation over multiple periods of time to notice details. It then describes a rusted metal structure the author passes along the Riverside Park bike path. The structure was originally part of the train infrastructure to transport goods into Manhattan via the river. Although the trains are no longer used, the structure remains as a reminder of the past system. The document observes how the old transportation system has been replaced with pedestrian and bike paths but the river still transports some goods. It analyzes the layered transportation infrastructure moving from the river inward and concludes we modify existing designs to meet new needs rather than total redesign, which could apply to designing new technology.

1. Observation Assignment “take me to the river”

2. Here's your mission: Pick an object or situation of interest. Explore it by carefully sketching it in an attempt to see details that aren't apparent from a glance. Spend at least an hour drawing, and repeat at a different time, or with a related object to help yourself see differences. What's above, below, to the left, right back and front of your subject? Think about why the parts are located where they are. If it's a mechanism, where are the levers and what does that tell you about how it was made and how it works. If it's a park watch where the people, trees and paths are located. Describe a project inspiration that you might take away from this exercise.

3. What’s my angle? I ride my bike every day through Riverside Park. Along the way I pass these rusted, decrepit metal structures that are slowing falling into the Hudson. What are they, why were they there? What is the relationship between those structures to the present?

4. Quick line drawing of structure isolated.

5. Structure in context to riverside park.

6. Riverside Park South.

7. Observations Originally this section of the river was for supplying goods/ services to midtown Manhattan via train. The train hubs were directionally positioned along the river depending on what goods were being transported. The trains were eventually rendered useless and a fire in the 1960’s destroyed most of the structures leaving only a few shells of what once was a vital infrastructure of the city. These depots were saved as a reminder.

9. Old systems vs New Systems The old tracks for transportation and services have been replace with pedestrian walkway and bike paths. These paths seem to mimic the old pathway of the tracks both is path design and materials. The river is still used for transportation of goods and services but on a minimal level; low activity and less energy on the water. Motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic are now the main energy flow along the riverside.

10. The structure of transportation system from the river moving inward: Boat/barge transport Heliports and ferry terminals Pedestrian greenways High density motor vehicle highway Housing structures Interior roadways containing pedestrian walkways and bike lanes Subway system

11. System design

12. The observed failing train hub is composed of complex lines, joints, and angles that reference the very infrastructure that creates the city’s transportation system. We have continued to modify the existing transportation designs to meet current need. While there is occasion to abandon dated technology, i.e. train transport along the river, it seems incorporation rather than a total redesign works best. Makes me consider how I might design musical interfaces and wireless networks by combining existing structures with new modes of communication.