Nord and Post Alleys: The Transformative Nature of Seattle’s Urban Pathways

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 

The Urban Gallery

On Sunday, January 20th we examined the process of privatization within the public spheres of the famous streets of the most touristic hotspot of the city, Pike Place Market. Our focus was centered on the unspoken private “businesses” of those individuals that shape our experience at the market, rather than the authorized shops and restaurants that only attract attention behind closed doors. The concept of designing an experience into a space as opposed to designing a space to match a certain experience, is greatly evident in the streets of downtown Seattle. Throughout our walkthrough we found it fascinating the utilization of street space by lower classmen and their positive impacts on the experiences that are designed into an area. Not only how they are purposely designed, but how they evolve organically. Among the arts we found were street performers, three-dimensional Sculptures, both approved and unapproved, and works that arise from the many hands, like the graffiti walls and the infamous gum wall. The streets became a stage for the performers, while the walls became a gallery all emphasizing the beauty behind the shared city.

Sculptures such as the Tree of Life and the Market Foundation Piggy Bank were public works constructed as art pieces for the city and its citizens. Both of these works were paid for in donation from private entities. As private businesses attempt to become more involved in communities, they simultaneously help pay for public works. Repetitive private advertising found throughout the community satisfies both the private sector and meets the public’s needs. On the other hand, the blurred boundary is found in organically formed art, in the form of street artists and street.

~Jake Mellinger, Nick Durig, and Yair Cohenca