Blog post 3: Walking the B-Line:
For this assignment, you will create a blog post on your experiences walking the B-line in Bloomington to understand how cities can design for public space.
- You should include observations from your walk as well as your personal thoughts and reflections in connection to designing for public space.
- You should include images in your post and pay attention to the readability and the aesthetics of the blog post.
- The blog post should be approximately 1000 – 1500 words (max). Please stay within the word limit.
For this blog post:
- Read about William Whyte and explore the Project for Public Spaces website to learn about designing for public space: https://www.pps.org/article/wwhyte
- Walk the B-line trail in Bloomington (https://bloomington.in.gov/sites/default/files/2017-06/b-line-trail-map.pdf) and write about your experiences of the walk. Include the following:
- Start and end point: indicate on a map where you started and ended your walk on the B-line and include a map in your blog. This will give your readers a sense of the distance you covered and the route you took.
- Document your experience: As you walk, pay attention to your surroundings and how you feel. Note any sensory experiences, such as sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Reflect on your emotions and thoughts, and document them in your blog.
- Places you stopped along the way: You likely encountered various landmarks, parks, shops, and other points of interest. Document these places in your blog, as they give readers a sense of the character and culture of the neighborhood.
- Document the people you encounter: One of the joys of walking is the opportunity to encounter and interact with people from diverse backgrounds. Note any interesting people you see and meet on your walk and include them in your blog. Also think about who is absent from the B-line. Who is least likely to be found walking along it?
- Types of transportation: Along the B-line, you may encounter various modes of transportation, such as bicycles, electric scooters, and pedestrians. Note these modes of transportation and how they contribute to the overall feel of the trail.
- Connectivity: Consider the connectivity of the trail to the surrounding neighborhoods and cities. Are there easy access points to the trail? How does the trail connect to public transportation, roads, and other trails in the area?
- Different land uses: Finally, pay attention to the types of buildings and land uses along the B-line. You may encounter residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and green spaces. Document these different land uses and reflect on how they contribute to the character and vibe of the neighborhood.
- Smart city strategies: discuss two different smart city strategies or design opportunities that could be implemented along the B-line to create a better public space. These could include things like green infrastructure, public art, smart benches, or interactive kiosks. Consider how these strategies could enhance the overall user experience of the trail and make it more sustainable, attractive, and accessible for everyone.