Built environment Description 1

September23

The Beltline of Atlanta serves as a great cultural connector for many diverse groups of people. In these photos I was exploring the area near the Krog Street Market. Since I was riding a bike, I was not able to take in as much of my surroundings as if I had been walking, but I still saw and participated in the community that has taken shape on the Beltline. The Beltline is relatively new, less than a decade old, and as of now is still uncompleted. It is a 30 year project, and its design is being manipulated quite often depending on the public’s opinion and ideas they have for it. So far, the Beltline includes art, an arboretum, markets, houses, and people that make this place come to life and really give it a personality as the Beltline. The Beltline is characterized by easy access, as its purpose to link various places and items so that people can literally walk outside, walk down the Beltline and get what they want and/or need. It is a very novel idea, and one that is being replicated across the United States cities are seeking to revitalize their old unused areas and put them to work for the people. It is very exciting to be on the Beltline, there is so much color and so many people exercising or just going about daily tasks like picking up groceries. The Beltline has really put people in closer proximity to what they need, which is essential for the people who live in the city. The Beltline itself is not very advertised, mostly only the locals of Atlanta know about it. It is not designed to be a tourist destination, but rather a venue for those who live in the city to get around. Where there is people, there is culture, and because the Beltline facilitates so much traffic, the environment is a canvas to express themselves and make it into what they desire.

Artifact 1

September23

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This is a picture of the skate park I found while walking the Beltline. There were a lot of little kids on it, which I found very surprising. Not only were they seemingly alone, but the area seemed dominated by boys younger than 15. Granted, it was hard to see because of the glaring sun, but I think I only saw a couple of adults. One of my thoughts is that I should bring my own skateboard and practice, since I’m not very good. The skate park itself seemed fun, without looking too daunting. The area to the right that is not photographed had a lot of adults playing on a grassy field. It looked like they were playing soccer, but I am not certain what it was.

Artifact 2

September23

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This was by far my favorite thing about the Beltline. Upon the entrance to the Beltline near Krog Street Market, my friend pointed out this “neighborhood library”. I had heard about these but have never seen them, and being an avid reader, this delighted me. I immediately clambered off my bike and went to investigate, and took a book with me upon my journey home. I am so excited about this, I can’t wait to bring all my books and let someone else have a chance to enjoy them.

Artifact 3

September23

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The first time around I did not notice this, but on our way back I saw this out of the corner of my eye and stopped to take a picture. In case it isn’t legible, the sign says “WATER FOR DOGS”. I thought this was a perfect example of how the Beltline considers the greater purpose of its creation. The Beltline was created for people, and accommodates to suit their needs and others traveling with them.

Artifact 4

September23

This is my friend Brianna playing on a piano found along the Beltline. There are a couple of these apparently, and we were both delighted to find this one in tune. We played a bit together, and then continued on our way. These pianos are called “Pianos for Peace” and I noticed peace was a theme repeated quite a bit along this part of the Beltline. Maybe that was because we passed the Martin Luther King District on our way there? Either way, it was fun to mess around with a piano, it’s not everyday that most people come across one.

Artifact 5

September23

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Along the trail, there were multiple little granite stones announcing what kind of tree is growing there. This a part of the arboretum on the Atlanta Beltline, an effort towards a healthier atmosphere (as I learned in my mapping class). I did not stop this time to look at every tree, but I really find it inspiring that so many different kinds of trees can be found in one place. Not only does this contribute to health, but it also helps the aesthetic along the Beltline, creating a diverse and beautiful environment. I personally love being around a lot of trees, so it was really nice for me to be in a place of nature within the city. If one did not exit the Beltline, they would never know they were in the city at all!

Welcome to the Beltline

September20

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The entrance into the Eastside Trail on the Beltline! The upper picture displays a list of all the rules of the trail, and the companies and groups that help make the Beltline possible. It’s right by the entrance to a rather obscure trail, with lots of kudzu and trees around. The smell of honeysuckle was in the air, and Piedmont park was right around the corner.  The Beltline, at least this portion of it, was not paved, and did not have any big, attention-grabbing signs that announced its presence. There were a couple people walking, but for the most part it was a long trail with no lights or technology.  The absence of technology would make it hard to get in touch with someone should an emergency happen. These facts alerted me to my surroundings so that we would be safe on the Beltline. As we walked later, it became very obvious that one could walk quite a bit of distance quite alone, which is not very comforting. 0919161800a_hdr

Beltline Creepiness

September20

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So this fellow is named Thad’s Shadow, and Ali and I found him along the Beltline near Piedmont park. I’m not sure how to classify him, whether or not he’s a sculpture or something else, because he does move. You cannot see it in the picture, but there is a seat that the art piece is attached to that resembles a bicycle in the fact that it has pedals. When the pedals are pushed, the hands and legs swing back and forth and hit the chime seen in the photo. It is honestly really creepy to watch, due to it’s dark countenance and the silver eyes that stare out from it’s face. It also moves very jauntily and jerkily, and that also contributes to it’s strangeness. This piece is found in the middle of the woods, which is unnerving on its own. Ali recorded me “playing” the art piece, and after about 10 minutes we moved on. If I were to come across this when it was darker, and alone, I would not spend as much time due to its unsettling demeanor.


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