Responsive Environments Blog

Observational Study of the Use of the Union Canal next to Harrison Park

[natniko]

Report on Learning Outcomes and Influences on Work

Introduction

The module Responsive Environments discusses the use of public spaces and tries to analyse how technology might contribute to an improved use of public space. The purpose of this second report is to list the learning outcomes as well as work and theories that influenced the observational study that was conducted at the Union Canal next to Harrison Park in Edinburgh, Scotland. Specifically, the second phase of the observational study is focused on the technical realization of an idea for an intervention in the chosen public space and discusses different realization methods and how they might benefit the public space.

Choice of Type of Intervention

After having obtained information from the several visits to the chosen public space for the observational study the next phase was to think about possible technical realizations that might improve or disrupt behaviour in the space. In this case an intervention was chosen that is ought to complement existing behaviour because, as the study showed, at certain times of the day the problem is avoided by considerate visitor behaviour. The successful installation of the intervention would therefore only act as an additional object of security and would facilitate an effective visitor flow[1] between cyclists, pedestrians and joggers.           

Learning Outcomes for the Module

This module helped to gain knowledge about user research adapted to public space. The students had the chance to go through the different stages of a design process:  From the research about the location prior to the observation to the choice of method, which is in this case an observational study, to collecting data in form of video and photo material including interviews. Furthermore the evaluation of data and putting it into context via the blog, prototype sketching with Max/MSP Software and the final design product (blog and demonstration of prototype) were all part of the design process.

Moreover the module helped to deepen the knowledge about up-to-date tendencies in Digital Design. The lecture material prior to the individual work phase was inspiring and informative because it explained the context of the coursework and also the current trends in Interaction Design, Digital Media and Responsive Environments. An important factor is also that the lectures helped to get an overview over the field of Responsive Environments and their meaning across different Design and Art fields.

  Influences of Existing Work and Theories

The work for the module was inspired by other studies and work mainly in terms of obtaining information about existing work regarding installations that enhance human behaviour in public spaces, specifically for cyclists and pedestrians. The research phase helped to find out about current:

Accessories as products that aid in security/design gadgets for aesthetic purposes

Installations by government such as warning signs on roads and the like

Urban design in cities that decide how public spaces will be used in advance. Makes a difference in quality and quantity of outdoor activities in public spaces and choice of transport in the daily life of a person

The IDEO method cards inspired the work as presented in this blog as well.  Especially one card inspired the idea to get an interview from a representative of the council to receive another kind of insight and information beyond the knowledge and attitude that local visitor have. The purpose was also to interview the representative about the problem area that was observed and which the intervention was based on.

Another aspect that influenced the work were preconceptions about the use of public space in different cultures. This fact is part of the urban design aspect that was mentioned before. Especially the way it affects the use of public spaces plays an important role in the preconception forming. If different forms of urban design in cities had been unknown prior to the observations study, the final prototype might have been very different.

Discussion of Approaches

The Creative Engagement Model is a human-centered perspective model of active audience engagement with interactive systems. When forming the final concept of the prototype this model influenced the thinking process. The difference in the case of the intervention described in this report is that the audience would quickly understand what the purpose of the installation is because there are similar objects and technologies integrated in the daily life of people. Apart from this aspect one of the primary goals was also to design a concept for active audience behaviour since the public space is also used actively by its visitors.

 Conclusion

In summary it can be said that the main aspects that influenced the design process and the final prototype as presented in this blog were theories and work were preconceptions about the use of public space in different cultures and the importance of urban design across European countries. Moreover installations supplied by government institutions as well as product- and industrial design accessories that aid in security but are mainly design products for aesthetic purposes played part in forming a concept because they helped to learn what work has already been done in the field.

One of the main learning outcomes for this module was, for instance, the opportunity to get a better understanding of user research, which was in this case adapted to public space. Furthermore the module helped to deepen the knowledge about current trends in Digital Media and Interaction Design as well as the broad field of Responsive Environments that the module was based on. Apart from that the lectures helped to get an overview over the field of Responsive Environments and their meaning across different Design and Art fields.

[1] “Effective visitor flow“ is defined in the blog post from the 16th of April 2014

[natniko]

Video of Prototype In Action

This video shows how Max/Msp receives data from the proximity sensor that is connected to the Arduino board. When the value is greater than 100 and smaller than 200, as defined in the code, the LED is switched on as a light warning signal and at the same time a sound output is played from Max to simulate a warning sound. 

The Max software also shows how a sound input (in this case sounds from cyclists ringing bells and people walking by in a public space) is analyzed according to the brightness and loudness. Both the amplitude of the input sound as well as the output sound can be varied. 

The last part of the video shows how hand movement imitates an approximating person and triggers the sound and light output when the values are greater than 100, usually reacting ideally when around 150.

Detailed Arduino Code:

/*

  Analog Input

 Demonstrates analog input by reading an analog sensor on analog pin 0 and

 turning on and off a light emitting diode(LED)  connected to digital pin 13. 

 The amount of time the LED will be on and off depends on

 the value obtained by analogRead(). 

   The circuit:

 * Potentiometer attached to analog input 0

 * center pin of the potentiometer to the analog pin

 * one side pin (either one) to ground

 * the other side pin to +5V

 * LED anode (long leg) attached to digital output 13

 * LED cathode (short leg) attached to ground

   * Note: because most Arduinos have a built-in LED attached 

 to pin 13 on the board, the LED is optional.

     Created by David Cuartielles

 modified 30 Aug 2011

 By Tom Igoe

   This example code is in the public domain.

  http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/AnalogInput

   */

   /*

  void setup() {

  // declare the ledPin as an OUTPUT:

  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);  

  Serial.begin(9600);

   }

void loop() {

  // read the value from the sensor:

  sensorValue = analogRead(sensorPin);    

    Serial.println (sensorValue);

  // turn the ledPin on

   if ((sensorValue > 100) && (sensorValue < 200)) { // Sets the speaker to play when senservalue is between 100 and 200

  digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);  

  melodyplay();

  // stop the program for <sensorValue> milliseconds:

}

  delay(sensorValue);          

  // turn the ledPin off:        

  digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);   

  // stop the program for for <sensorValue> milliseconds:

  delay(sensorValue);                  

}

   }

// the loop routine runs over and over again forever:

void loop2() {

  // read the input on analog pin 0-5:

  int sensorValue0 = digitalRead(A0);

  int sensorValue1 = analogRead(A1);

  int sensorValue2 = analogRead(A2);

  int sensorValue3 = analogRead(A3);

  int sensorValue4 = analogRead(A4);

  int sensorValue5 = analogRead(A5);

     //printdata

  Serial.print(sensorValue0);

    Serial.print(" ");

     Serial.print(sensorValue1);

    Serial.print(" ");

     Serial.print(sensorValue2);

    Serial.print(" ");

     Serial.print(sensorValue3);

    Serial.print(" ");

     Serial.print(sensorValue4);

    Serial.print(" ");

     Serial.print(sensorValue5);

    Serial.print(" ");

    Serial.println();

    delay(100);

}

[natniko]

Max/MSP Patch Explained

Max/MSP Patch

The Screenshot shows how the sound input (melody of cyclists ringing bells and random noise) is being analyzed on the right hand side, whereas on the left the sound output is being produced with the Mediation Element. Next to the Sound Output there is a patch that imitates also the proximity of two approaching persons. The values are set to be below 5 metres. If they are below 5, it triggers the sound output. Here the proximity sensor values are also received from the sensor connected to the Arduino and influence the sound output in Max. The closer the person would get (sensor value greater than 100) the louder the warning sound in Max is played.

This small window is responsible for the data travelling from the arduino to Max and vice versa. Its the connection between the two and shows how, if no sesnor values are received due to no motion, the value is around 30. When there is a movement detected, however, the value goes up and triggers at the same time the sound an light output as described before.

[natniko]

Phase 2 of the Observation: Technical Realization

Technical Realization with Max/MSP

The Design Fiction that I posted the other day will be primarily realized with Max/MSP. The other part will be realized with the help of the Arduino.

Purpose of Intervention

The purpose of my installation is to complement the existing behaviour of the visitors and locals that are using this particular public space. It is meant to improve the flow and not disrupt it, especially since some of the visitors are behaving according to the regulations and their behaviour doesn't need to be changed. Hereby I mean that e.g. some cyclists are stepping down their bycicle before entering the corner of the intersection or are at least using their bell as a warning signal.

The intervention would be more meaningful for those who should become more aware of the problem or at least be reminded of it when passing by. 

Defining an Effective Visitor Flow

An overall increase of security and effective visitor flow in this area is the primary concern of this complementary intervention. An effective visitor flow is hereby defined as:

1. A continuous passing through the pathway without the danger of colliding visitors from both entrances of the intersection.

2. The possibility to pass through the pathway without having to stop or slow down the pace when minding other people that are passing through at the same time.

3. Specifically pedestrians and joggers not having to give cyclists priority due to the narrow space and the danger of being hit by cyclists.

4. In an ideal case: Visitors being aware of this installation and finding it helpful in the context of their usage of the public space.

5. Ideally: An overall satisfaction with the public space usage due to an increase of security provided by the installation prototype.

I will connect the proximity sensors to the Arduino to get the input from approximating visitors that are coming closer to the entrance of the pathway. This input will also be simulated in the Max patch, because it will be placed next to part of the patch that will be responsible for the analysis and the output of the sound.

Link to Advanced Design Fiction 

http://6ce5fr.axshare.com/

This Axure Link provides a more advanced explanation of the idea of the installation. Essentially, it visualizes how I want to use Max/MSP and Arduino in addition to the proximity sensors and how they all interplay to create the result in form of a sound output. The light output is an additonal idea, which is not displayed in this example, because it is connected to the Arduino board.

[natniko]

Phase 2: Technical Realization - Focus On Alternative Solutions

Before deciding of connecting proximity sensors with Max/MSP I was thinking of how possible other solutions to the problem area.

Inspired by similar problems on traffic roads where eg. cyclists enter blind curves and end up colliding with cars, my first concept was to simply put up signs that would warn the Canal visitors. 

Installation of Safety or Warning Signs

During my interview with the Council representative for the NorthWest Park area in Edinburgh the person mentioned that the Council is planning to install several fixed safety signs next to the entrances of the bridge pathways/intersections. 

In my opinion such signs may help to remind the people of the problem, but they won't really solve the situation. They might contribute to a more considerate behavior when approaching, but on the other hand this will only be the case for those that actually take the time to read the signs. Passing cyclists e.g. dont have time to stop and read the sign.

Also, once it gets darker it will be difficuilt to read the signs and in the evening and night time the probability of dangerous collisions and accidents is even higher as described in previous posts.

The following LED light concept were inspired by Civitas,"an initiative of the European Union to implement sustainable, clean and (energy) efficient urban transport measures" as they describe themselves. The particular article on improving safety pedestrian crossings and bicycle tracks caught my interest and made me think of an adoption to the problem discussed in this blog.

A possible advancement of the warning sign concept would be to implement LED-equipped blinking reflectors to the crosswalk traffic sign poles. The radar-activated LED-s would start blinking when pedestrians approach the crosswalk. 

Traffic Light Imitation 

A way to regulate the cyclists and pedestrians that pass through at the same time would be to set up an imitation of a traffic light system combined with symbols that stand for cyclists and pedestrians.

A speed sensor could act as a detector and indicator of the type of approaching visitor. It would translate the speed accordingly and let the visitors know if a cyclist (higher speed) or pedestrian and jogger (slower speed) is approaching or entering from the other side of the corner. This could be indicated as a symbol on a "traffic light" on either side of the pathway entrance and thus show a red light as a warning. If on the other side there would be nobody approaching it would light green and there would be no symbol shown.

In my opinion this is a straightforward, logical concept that every visitor would understand and that could work really well. Firstly because the symbols and lights are self-explanatory and easy to understand, secondly because they are easy to follow even if one is in a hurry and seeing this kind of installation for the first time and thirdly because it would not be cost intensive or difficuilt to implement. It would only need speed sensors and signs with lights to put up next to or on the existing walls without changing the proprietary bridge construction.

Dividing the Public Space for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Another idea would be to seperate the space for cyclists and pedestrians. In some parks around the world the sharing of public spaces like parks is not the case. Also, I have mentioned in a previous post how the Central-Western Europe offers seperate pedestrian and cycle paths in public spaces. To implement this scenario In Britain would however be very time - and cost-intensive because the area would have to be rebuilt or at least the space somehow divided into two for cyclists and pedestrians. Therefore, the divide between the two visitor groups is not an ideal idea after all.

Perhaps in the long term cycling should be done on roads and not footpaths. Especially when having in mind that the population will increase even further and there will be more and more cyclists having to take footpaths in parks and transition areas like the Canal to commute faster from A to B.

Copenhagen as Role Model for Integrating Cycling into City Planning

Cities like Copenhagen in Denmark are a good example of cycling being integrated into the city planning strategy. Every time something new is built , there has to be access to the new building or road for cyclists, pedestrians and cars. Bicycle lanes also have to be of certain width, and of a specific surface material. In general cycling is more poplular than driving the car in that city, this is why it also makes sense to invest in special regulations regarding cyclists and cyclist path options troughout the city.

[natniko]

Phase 2 - Accessories that Promote Cycling Safety

Accessories and Other Existing Gear

It is being argued that especially cyclists should make themselves more visible to drivers and pedestrians. From my observation I can say that in Edinburgh a vast majority of cyclists is wearing reflective clothing and helmets. The following examples show what gear is already on the market, trying to promote safety for cyclists.

The Invisible Air-Bag Helmet

For those who don't like the look of bike helmets there is Hövding's airbag-style head gear that "stays folded inside a neck collar until the moment it detects an accident taking place". Critics say that this product doesn't necessarily prevent a head injury in case of an accident.

http://www.hovding.com/

The Smart Light Accessory

The "Smart Light" is supposed to keep you safe and visible on the road. It "connects to an included dynamo generator that’s easily mounted on the front forks and flipped to the tire. Its revolving head generates enough current to power a brightly illuminating LED light inside the Smart Light". It can also be connected to your smartphone, offering constant monitoring of the speed and other statistics. An incorporated an USB hub can work as a charger as well.

http://www.flykly.com/smart-light

[natniko]

My Design Fiction - A First Visual Prototype

This is my Design Fiction. It is supposed to display how the pathway/intersection area underneath the bridge could be improved to prevent conflicts or even accidents between the pedestrians, joggers and cyclists that use the Canal.

Summary of Problem and Idea for Intervention

Most of the cyclists use their bell as a warning side when approaching or entering the corner of the intersection during the day.

The busier the Canal is, the more likely it is to hear the bells as warning signs. After 6pm when it is less busy the majority of cyclists abstains from warning.

The idea was inspired by:

1. Observing the area and the behaviour of pedestrians, cyclists and joggers.

2. Noticing the intersection underneath the bridges as a problem point, It is narrow and there are low light conditions. Two persons approaching the intersection from both sides cannot see each other entering. 

2. Being a jogger using the Canal myself, I have had several incidents where I almost collided with approaching cyclists from the other side. 

Possible Solution to Problem

The simple way would be to implement two motion sensor from both sides of the pathway that would detect approximating visitors. When the two visitors then approach each other, they activate a sound and light output that act as warning signals.

Future Posts about Technical Realization

The following blog posts will be focused on the description of the technical realization of the intervention idea. I will therefore go into detail about how I'm going to approach the realization and what I will use to implement a working prototype.

[natniko]

Phase 2 - Technical Realization: Creation Process

I will have to come up with an idea for the Design Fiction and essentially for the technical realization of my attempt to solve an existing problem in my area of observation.

I will hereafter list the different stages that lead to the final intervention concept.

Influence by Knowledge about Public Spaces from Germany and the Netherlands

Having lived in Germany for most of my life and visiting the Netherlands several times, I have experienced a different implementation of cycling and pedestrian opportunuties within public spaces. When first coming to Britain and later on starting to observe the public space around the Canal I compared the two different concepts of the structure and integration of leisure opportunities in public spaces in Britain and West-central Europe.

Furthermore I researched on this topic to see if there have been any studies made about this particular matter. I found an article by the title of "Making Cycling Irresistible: Lessons from The Netherlands, Denmark and Germany" by Pucher and Bühler. This article confirms by assumption that in Germany and Holland cycling is particularly popular and convenient due to the separation of cycling and pedestrian facilities along heavily travelled roads and at intersections. In addition to that traffic calming of most residential neighbourhoods is provided as well.

Further aspects that go beyond the purpose of this blog will only be mentioned but not explained further. Apart from the full integration of cycling with public transport and separate cycling and pedestrian resources, there are regulations regarding parking in central city areas which make cycling much more convenient because in this way taxes and restrictions on car ownership, use and parking are avoided.

Successfull Light Installation along the Union Canal

I have been thinking if I remember having seen technical facilities that provide an improved experience within public spaces before. I did not so far. What is already helpful along the Union Canal are the small LED lights that turn on in the evening and are supposed to provide better light conditions. During the interview with the Council I learned that they have been implemented as a trial on the Canal three years ago and that it is planned to extend them further on in the near future.

Max/MSP and Arduino

At the moment I am thinking about ways to realize my idea regarding the intervention prototype. We are supposed to and ecouraged to use Max for our ideas but I am not sure if I will only use Max to show my idea. I might need proximity sensors and a light output, which cannot be demonstrated purely with Max. Therefore I might use the Arduino board in addition to Max to be able to demonstrate my idea more easily.

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Time Lapse of the Use of the Union Canal

Reason: Observing Area & Showing Time Lapse

Dates: Tuesday, 1st of April

Time: 16:00-17:00

Weather: Mostly sunny, fair wind

Today there was nothing particular to write about.

I recorded the environment to show a time lapse and show how busy the area is at this time and what different people you can see as a proof of the diversity in demography.

Although the weather is already nicer and warmer, I did not see anybody using the benches yet.

Music Credits in Video: Mozart Violin Concerto 5 (1st movement). From: http://www.freeplaymusic.com/

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Interview with Pedestrian

Interview with a Dog Walker

Reason: Interview Excerpt

Date: Wednesday, 2nd of April 2014

Time: 18:45-20:00

Weather: Light rain, windy

Today I had an interview with a dog walker who was telling about his use of the space. As a summary of the conversation I can say the following:

Quotes

"I really like the Canal and the Park, it's so close to my place and it's a convenient location for students and older generations but also for those who want to pass to the city from here."

"I'm using this space here every day and cannot think of a spot that I use similarly. But yeah, I talk to other dog owners from time to time, people that come here are nice here in general."

Facts

1st fact: There are a lot of dog walkers using the park as well as the Canal.

2nd fact: There is a group meet up every week in the Park where they are training their dogs, which is another social use of the space.

3rd fact: The dog owner is satisfied with the location and the resources of the Union Canal, especially since its connected to the Harrison Park as well which is convenient for the neighbourhood.

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Interview with Council on Rainy Day

Interview and Bad Weather Review

Reason: Interview appointment with the Council

Date: 27.03.2014

Time: 13:30-14:30

Weather: Heavy rain

Interview

Fortunately someone from the South West department of the Council got back to me on my request to conduct an interview regarding their view on the use of the Canal and Harrison Park. Moreover my second aim was to discover more about the space, its history and the use nowadays compared to previous years.

The person responsible for all the parks in the South West are of Edinburgh spoke to me about the aspects mentioned above.

His insights about the space were very helpful and I am thankful for the contribution to my project.

Social Use of Union Canal

What I didn't know so far was that along the forth there is a social enterprise going on between Scottish Canals and another organization whose name he forgot at the time of our interview. They provide different sports and leisure activities such as cycling, mountainbiking, canoeing and archery courses mostly for children. "Its almost an outdoor education for school children and their parents". The new information for me was that in addition to the Forth Canoe Club and the Polo Canoe Club there seems to be a third enterprise existing that I didn't know or hear of before. It's an important fact because due to this fact it extends the definition of the social use of the Union Canal.

I also asked further questions about the demography and his opinion about possible problems which will be discussed further in the report.

Personal Use of the Canal

He used to cycle along the canal when there was hardly anybody doing that because there was just a narrow dock, not enough space and bad accessibility. "Sometimes it’s a victim of its success because its so busy".

Accessibility

Moreover the park manager of the South West area of Edinburgh mentioned that “the access over the last five years has improved between the interface, the canal towpath and the park, but the access throughout the park as well as from the park to the Canal are very good since they are accessible to everybody, from disabled to elderly. Also, the vast majority of the park is leveled and flat".

"Friends of Harrison Park have done a survey of local residents to see what improvements could be made in the park.  The locals here are open to consulation which is really nice and helpful. One of their top priorities was to improve and increase the access to the towpath. In collaboration with Scottish Canals and the Southstrains Cycling people the Council has raised funds to improve the access points between the park and the Canal".

Also, he told me that the lights that you can see on the ground at night have been implemented three years ago. The trial area was along the canal, but they are extending it from Craiglockhart to the Coulders.

Future plans for the Park and Canal area

The council representative said that it will mostly be just maintenance of what is already existing due to the tight budget of the Council. Another plan is to enhance biodiversity which is not evident for a visitor but equally important. He referred to the Canal strategy plan that has been written by the Council, Scottish Canals and its partners and can be accessed online. A link that I found was the following: http://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/property-regeneration/scottish-canals-waterspace-strategy

Rainy Day

While we were talking, I was also able to observe the space during bad weather. Usually I am never observing when it is raining, but this time I had an appointment with the Council and at 1.30pm it was raining heavily.

As I was expecting, there were hardly any visitors due to the rainy weather. Only a few visitors, mainly pedestrians, were passing through the Canal or running and trying to hide somewhere until the rain stops.

This fact confirms my assumption of the use of the space during bad weather conditions.

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Saturday Review

Review of two visits to the area on two different Saturdays

Reason: Comparison of public space usage to other days

Dates: Saturday, the 15.03.2014 and 22.03.2014

Time: 15.03 from 12:15-13:15 and 22.03 from 15:00-16:00

Weather: 15.03 mostly rainy, cloudy and 22.03 sunny but windy

1st fact: Saturday is definitely a busier time and day of the week regarding the use of the public space compared to the week days.

2nd fact: There are more families and mothers with children that go for a walk compared to the weekdays. This also means that there are less by-passers and more visitors that chose to visit this public space deliberately.

3rd fact: As far as the gender percentage is concerned there doesn't seem to be a great discrepancy, both genders are almost equally present.

4th fact: The warmer and sunnier the weather, the more people are more likely to visit the Canal and Harrison Park.

5th fact: The usual passing cyclists as well as the frequent joggers are always present, regardless of the day of the week.

6th fact: The general pace of the population is much slower compared to the atmosphere during the week. Pedestrians walk slower and less hectic in general. It seems like the visitors take their time because its the weekend and most of them don't work on the weekend, hence they chose to spend their leisure time in this environment. 

Music Credits in Video: Beethoven piano Sonata 9 (Opus 14 1st movement) From: http://www.freeplaymusic.com/

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Interview with the Forth Canoe Club

Interview with one Club Member and the Commodore

Reason: Interview & Observation of the Canoe Club

Dates: Monday, 24th of March(Observation) and 1st of April 2014 (Commodore Interview)

Time: On 24.3.14 from 16:30-17:30

Weather: Sunny, mild

Due to the Canoe Clubs being an integral part of the Union Canal, I decided to approach them and ask for their opinion about the use of the public space and other aspects.

The first visit was on a sunny March day where I went to the base of the Forth Canoe Club and where I talked to a helpful member who was telling me about their memberships, achievements and that they are active users of the Canal on almost every day of the week.

Interview with the Commodore of Forth Canoe Club

"This Canoe Club is the second oldest in Britain, since 1975 based on the Union Canal in the boathouse that we built ourselves. We have about 100 active members and olympic athletes and are getting 500 children a year to train them canoeing".

The Commodore was also telling me about the history of the Club and how they made an effort to clean the Canal over a period of 25 years so that it can be used as it is today.

"The location here is very central, anybody can get here easily which is important for our members and athletes that have the option to train every day whenever they want. We have been offered to move to Wester Hailes with better conditions but we prefer this location".

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Observation of Problem Point

Video Evidence and Introduction of Problem Area

Reason: Recording of problem point of chosen public space

Date: Thursday, the 20th of March 2014

Time: 16:20-17:30

Weather: Mild

The problematic area in my location where I want to put up an intervention is the narrow and dark pathway underneath the bridge, where visitors from both sides meet.

The problem here is that the person entering the pathway from one side cannot see the other person that might be entering the pathway from the other side at the same time. This leads to conflict between cyclists and pedestrians as well as joggers or other cyclists. 

The following points sum up my hypotheses and outline the thought process that lead to my idea of an intervention.

1. If the pathway would be broader, there would be less potential of conflict and accidents at this spot.

2. The pathway underneath the bridge at the time of its building was not designed for cyclists passing through. Also, this implies that the use of this space has changed since its early establishment.

3. The area of the pathway is quite dark. In the evening it is even less likely to see the opposite person approaching.

4. If the pathway would provide lights as well, potential of conflicts could be decreased or avoided.

5. A further discussion point is the behaviour of the cyclists passing through the pathway. Some cyclists use their bell to ring as an advance notice before entering the corner, others do not behave this way. As I observed at evening and night time, cyclists make even less use of the bell as a warning sign.

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - First Visit in the Morning

Third Visit and Listing of Visitors

Reason: 3. Visit

Date: Wednesday, 12th of March 2014

Time: 09:00-10:00

Weather: Very sunny, warm, faint wind.

The Problem Point

Since the very first visit I have noticed that this area, the pathway underneath the bridges, is a problem area. I will observe this further and see if my initial assumptions will be confirmed during the next few visits. I will also have to pay attention to the difference of day and night and the according behavior of cyclists and pedestrians at this pathway point where both sides meet.

Detailed Listing of Visitors

Cyclists 63; Pedestrians 34; Joggers 26 (one organized group of joggers of 4,); Dog walkers 16.

1st fact: Cyclists all ring the bell before entering the corner of the pathway. Most of them also wear some neon detail in addition to their helmet as a safety precaution. This is also an instance of a culturally influenced behaviour since I noticed that Edinburgh cyclists are more likely to wear helmets compared to other European cities that I have visited or lived in so far.

2nd fact: In the morning the cyclists are using their bell as a warning signal more often than in the evening. Approximately 70 percent ring their bell 2-3 times.

3rd fact: This observation of the cyclists' behavior is contradictive to what I noticed in the evening period. A lot of cyclists with children, bringing them to school probably.

4th fact: There were no canoes at all, so there was no training at this time of the day. In general there is a slow pace, especially the pedestrians walk more slowly. 

Unused resources

I'm assuming that the unused resources depend on the season. In the late winter and spring period of my observation the benches have rarely been used by the visitors, but I'm sure that will change in the warmer spring and summer time. Moreover, the boathouses along the Canal are not in use or at least at the times of my observation I haven't seen any of the owners in it. The boats in front of the flats along the canal are in use, though. I have witnessed two persons using their small boat to row to another destination through the canal.

[natniko]

Responsive Environments - Night Visit Review

First Visit at late evening/night time

Reason: Late Visit at location and Comparison to Daytime activities

Date: Monday, the third of March 2014

Time: 23:20-00:30

Weather: Windy but no rain

1st fact: Even when just walking by and not observing the space I noticed a long time ago that the Canal and the Park are both much more quiet at this time. From what I noticed it's usually just pedestrians taking the Canal as a short way to their desired destination. Sometimes one or two cyclists pass by as well.

Individuals counted:

7 pedestrians and 3 cyclists

2nd fact: The pedestrians cannot be tied to a specific group, both genders are represented. On this particular day individuals in the age group of 20-40 have used the space.

3rd fact: There is no social use of the space

4th fact: I did not try to conduct any interviews as the social norm for approaching strangers at night is a different one from the norm during daytime.

5th fact: I believe that there would be even less visitors if it was bad weather (rainy e.g.)

6th fact: Cyclists do not use their bell as a warning sign before entering the corner of the pathway underneath the bridge. This is understandable since it not a busy period but at the same time it creates an even higher risk of potential accidents due to the high level of darkness at this spot

[natniko]

Responsive Environments Blog - First Pictures of Location

The Second Visit to the Canal - Photographic Observation

Reason: 2.Visit

Date: Monday, 24th of February 2014

Time: 13:00-14:00

Weather: Very sunny and nice, fair wind, no rain.

This picture shows one of the most popular activities at the canal: casual joggers and active runners meet here or just use this area by themselves. At this time of the day there are more sport-loving individuals around than I expected, mainly because its a Monday past or in the middle of lunchtime. But maybe they decided to take advantage of the really nice weather at this hour of the day.

This picture shows one of the "boathouses" on the other side of the canal. I won't report on the other side, but wanted to have mentioned that they do exist and that this particular spot is also used to store the canoes, probably they are for private transportation use only to get from on to the other destination passing through the canal.

Update: This information is not correct, this particular boathouse is owned and built by the Forth Canoe Club and is in use daily for the training of casual canoers as well as champions who are training for their competitions.

Maintainance: As you can see in the right corner of the picture, there are bins frequently placed along the Union Canal and I noticed that the maintainance of the park as well as the Canal is on a really good standard.

Flower-Planting in the Park

I also observed the park next to which the canal is situated and noticed that plants and flowers have been planted, that is part of the green space campaign in the park: http://www.harrisonpark.org.uk/. This website is quite nice since it gives information about the history of the park, provides a park guide and also contacts for interested volunteers in the green space project.

Group Meet-Ups in the Park and on the Canal

From my own jogging activity on the canal I took notice of the few group activities that take place here. There are jogging/running meetups on a regular basis on different days and times of the week. A few days ago, however, I noticed this sign the first time. It seems like this Weight Loss Challenge might be taking place in this location as well.

Annotations:

Again, I didn't see any family or single parent with a child that might have decided to go for a walk. The second visit sums up the same groups as the last time I visited: cyclists and joggers/runners. Only this time there are less cyclists than cardio-loving sport individuals.