Four Proposed Path Types based on an Expanded Field

The first position encountered is that of path 'on' landscape. At the extreme edge of this view, the path and landscape (or the path and walker) might be considered as mutually exclusive. The path exists as an insertion on landscape, it is other than. The walker moves across landscape, using the path as a directional tool. The path is a channel, isolated and separate from the surrounding landscape. The path is a thoroughfare upon which the walker may experience minimal

interaction. The prime objective of walking such a path is to gain access to a destination: the relationship between walker and path is therefore expressed as an 'A to B' equation, the type seen as motion between and separate from surrounding landscape and over surface (Figure 39, following page).

Figure 38: A Networked Field for Pathways.In this modified diagram, the same four different fields of knowing and relating to paths are presented. However the more realistic moving between points is considered. Each field is linking to the other, through a complex series of connections. The walker (shown here by a dashed blue line) engages with the path in many ways and does not follow a straight course. Rather like a thread weaves through, around and back over the theoretical lines.

IMAGE:NEW RELATIONAL DIAGRAM.AUTHORS OWN. SOME TERMS ADAPTED FROM MEYER, 1994).

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In the next position the path is established as a transect. The walker and path relationship is seen here as a consecutive transaction ('A to B to C’), its corresponding types viewed as a negotiated, involving a moment to moment contingent interaction. The walker moves over and upon landscape, interacting with its form and features (Figure 40).

Thoroughfare [ON] A to B This ON That Separate/isolated Surface Hard Edge Direct Trajectory Acute Itinerary

The walker focusses on end points Path moves over/upon ground as

an insertion. PATH IS DIRECTIONAL

Transect [AND]

A to B to C….. This AND That AND this

Closed Surface Bounded Edge Targeted Trajectory Programmed Itinerary

The walker moves over and upon ground, in contact with materials in part. Path follows a defined course.

PATH IS NEGOTIATED & CONTINGENT

Figure 40: A Potential type of relating to pathways - And. The typologies describe the way in which the walker moves through landscape in an interpolation of trajectory and itinerary shown in path plan and section. Each figure also suggests a way of approach, describing how the walker-designer might conceptualise and interact with a landscape through the path.

[IMAGE AUTHOR’S OWN:DESIGN JOURNAL –WALKING CONCEPTUALISATIONS]

Figure 39: A Potential type of relating to pathways - On. The typologies describe the way in which the walker moves through landscape in an interpolation of trajectory and itinerary shown in path plan and section. Each figure also suggests a way of approach, describing how the walker-designer might conceptualise and interact with a landscape through the path.

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The third view considers the path from a conditional, haptic approach. The walker traverses through and in landscape. The path is permeable, the walker able to interact with surrounding materials and the final route taken is predicated by this interaction. The path and walker relationship is haptic and responsive; and might be expressed as an 'A through B to C' equation. The associated type is fluid and loose, moving through and within materials (Figure 41).

The last quadrant positions the path as immersive. The walker is in full contact and relationship with the path. This interaction is such that at its extreme periphery, the path's presence and its knowing is conditional on the walker’s interaction. This form of path is edgeless and defined by engagement. A is found within B. The path exists as a trace etched out by relational processes, movement as transmission between walker as agent and receiver (Figure 42).

Figure 41: A Potential type of relating to pathways - In. The typologies describe the way in which the walker moves through landscape in an interpolation of trajectory and itinerary shown in path plan and section. Each figure also suggests a way of approach, describing how the walker-designer might conceptualise and interact with a landscape through the path.

[IMAGE AUTHOR’S OWN:DESIGN JOURNAL –WALKING CONCEPTUALISATIONS]

Traverse [IN] A through B This IN This Permeable Pathway Porous/Soft Edge Fluid Trajectory Loose Itinerary

The walker moves in and through ground, in contact and engaged with materials.

Path is open and flexible. PATH IS HAPTIC

Figure 42: A Potential type of relating to pathways - On. The typologies describe the way in which the walker moves through landscape in an interpolation of trajectory and itinerary shown in path plan and section. Each figure also suggests a way of approach, describing how the walker-designer might conceptualise and interact with a landscape through the path.

[IMAGE AUTHOR’S OWN:DESIGN JOURNAL –WALKING CONCEPTUALISATIONS]

Transmission [WITH]

A within B This WITH That

Open Pathway Open Edge/ Edgeless Multiple/Open Trajectories

Open/Free Itineraries

The walker moves within and as part of path materials.

Path becomes merged and layered PATH IS IMMERSIVE

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The typologies reveal four path elements which combine to determine path form and function: surface, edge, trajectory and itinerary. The first element, ‘surface’, identifies how a path is positioned within the wider landscape and portrays the material relationship of walker and path, including how the walker moves over or along the path and the depth of connection and contact with materials. The path may be made of impermeable materials, solidified and laid on a fixed

foundation (e.g. a paved courtyard), it may be elevated above earth (e.g. an elevated board walk), it may be permeable and soft (e.g. a broad meadow full of tall grasses) and or full of voids and contact points (e.g. stream bed and ford).

Spatial positioning and relationship is defined in the second element ‘edge’. Edge defines the path spread and path/landscape porosity. Does the path allow or encourage the walker to stray off the path; does a boundary exist at all? A hard edge may infer that outside landscape is rarely contacted, it may be viewed but not touched. A soft edge may encourage contact or blend subtly with surrounding materials. The edge may be horizontal or vertical e.g. a change in material along a path or a fence erected to control passage.

The third element is ‘trajectory’ which is used to identify the walker’s intentional route. The walker’s trajectory is based on experiential and motivational drivers rather than quantifiable physical properties or spatial vectors. It provides a plotting of walker focus and attention. Movement through space can occur across a scale of intensities and orientations: the walker’s focus can be narrow and intense, the

corresponding trajectory abrupt and direct or, at the other extreme, the walker’s focus may be sporadic, drifting, even backtracking or resulting in a seemingly pathless tracking.

In reality a walker’s trajectory may not necessarily be physically recognisable, it is not always seen as an actual line along the ground, and the full scope of experience may be beyond a tangible imprinting. A physical path may bring a walker to a certain point, from this positioning the walker’s focus may drift out and across space, it may shift to other places, to memory, or daydream or future intent. Trajectory may be determined before the walker even approaches the site and the first step taken. It is however only made evident by the real and tangible footsteps of the walker.

The final element is ‘itinerary’. Determined by a succession of events and moments, itinerary is characterised by rhythm or score. An itinerary may be orchestrated and well defined or impromptu and highly fluid depending on design intent and/or walker engagement. As a

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programme, the pace of the walker, the points or places visited (intended, hoped for and/or attained), the order that the walk is taken are all components of itinerary. Itinerary is responsive. Like trajectory, itinerary is largely internalised and subjective. It is an intended course of action which may be subject to change based on unforeseen conditions (a change in materials, availability).