Manhattan

Ambiguous Elements

Scott Rogers

The two texts are similar in their use of identifying elements of urban space. I believe Duany and Plater-Zyrberk refer to these elements in a more suburban nature, whereas Lynch is referring to them in a more urban setting. I think Lynch’s text is more general and allows for differing environments and uses while Duany and Plater-Zyrberk’s method’s are more applicable in a suburban setting. Another difference I noted is Lynch is trying to study existing elements while Duany and Plater-Zyrberk are theorizing how such elements should be used to create urban environments.

Manhattan is a city (or conglomeration) of neighborhoods. Duany and Plater-Zyrberk define neighborhoods as one of the central elements in their text while Lynch only eludes to neighborhoods as a sub-element which may be used as a locator within the city. In Manhattan I believe neither definition is quite accurate. However, Duany and Plater-Zyrberk’s is closer as the varying neighborhoods are quite identifiable. Lynch’s observation of the neighborhood as locator is true but is not a notable role of neighborhoods.

Both texts note districts and edges as important urban elements. The amount of examples of these elements in Manhattan are numerous and I think they play an extremely important role in urban life. Though there are many examples of these type of elements in Manhattan they can be ambiguous depending upon an individuals’ definition. For example is Central Park a border of the Upper West Side and the Upper East Side or is it part of all these areas combined which composes the Uptown area or district. One point Duany and Plater-Zyrberk note in their text is the idea of corridors which seam areas together. An example of this is Houston Street which uses different techniques to transition between The Village and the Lower East Side/Chinatown neighborhoods. Another meaning is placed on the term district in Lynch’s work meaning an area of specialization. This is an important note and is recognizable as The Diamond District, Garment District, etc. in Manhattan.

Lynch’s text also places significance on landmarks, paths and nodes. Nodes are points of focus in the city which characterizes the district. In Manhattan Duffy Square is a prime example as it is a spot which characterizes the tourist nature of The Times Square district with it’s bright lights, activity, and hotels. One of the most recognizable paths in the city is Broadway as it serves as a path for various functions such as automobiles, pedestrians, and parades. Broadway also changes it’s character in different parts of the city, in some areas a separate bike lane occurs or public seating areas are placed which create a more relaxed environment than the Herald/Times Square portions of Broadway.

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