Alleyways in most cities, and especially cities like Seattle,
constitute a percentage of space that is more often than not under used.
Nord and Post Alleys are examples of this space transformed into usable,
shared environments.
On a cold and foggy Saturday afternoon we observed these two
alleyways. The contrast of uses and the signs of use are evident through
the photos.
These alleys not only provide themselves to the public for
use, but also actively invite the public to do so. Apart from merely providing space, they
demonstrate their dynamic nature by inviting users to spend time in them. In this way, these alleys provide various
opportunities for interaction and allow citizens to be both participants and
creators of a public urban life in Seattle’s neighborhoods.
These alleys engage people by drawing upon the appeal of the
iconic Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. Post Alley has been developed over
the years to support tourism. It has
become a strong model of the commercial and economic potential of alleyways. Nord
Alley appears to cater to local residents.
It provides a space for artistic display and social connection. In these alleys there are shops and
restaurants at which to browse and performers that draw crowds provoking
conversation allowing visitors to participate as patrons of local
artisans. People become creators of urban
life in various ways; from making a personal contribution to the Gum Wall,
admiring local artwork, or just grabbing a bite to eat.
People appear to be unfazed by the limited amount of space
and actually seem to enjoy it. Accidental bumps can become chance encounters
and develop into a greater social interaction.
Julie Coronado, Elena Umanskaya, and Dan Fitting
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