10 Pathway + Junction precedents

Observation

Pathways (or walkways) are the design of a story within the landscape to be unveiled, revealed (and experienced) through walking. Junction is the convergence of two or more things, in landscape architecture is it often as pathways. In Galada reserve there are multiple pathways which traverse through the landscape, often intersecting. In most cases a pathway is designed to outline the permitter of the space, with a point (or two) where the sides are connected, this is reinforced in Galada.

There are many examples in public gardens or landscape, where the pathways don't take into consideration aspects of human behaviour. For example, desire lines are a prime example, common within urban parks, they are the traces of feet in the hustle and bustle of urban living. These lines distinctly 'cut the corners', which leads to an intriguing aesthetic and trace of the activity of the site. These desire lines are present within Galada reserve (and can be seen in the virtual walkthrough). What are you opinions on desire lines? Do you have any present within your local parks? Should these be left, or should they, once realised by managerial bodies be concreted?

Own photograph, Rhys Cousins.

Design Theory

Walkways (or pathways) are either geometric (straight lines) or naturalistic (meander; mystery, reveal), for more information on the topic please refer to Normal Booth, Foundations of Landscape Architecture. The distinction between pathway and walkway is in its width, with pathways often 2-3ft wide and walkways 4-6ft. This is due to the frequency of use and amount of people using it at one time (e.g. two abreast or single file). It is important to recognise that walking single file, or abreast, will provide a completely different experience, and it is upto the design to consider which and why.

In the case of the desire line, it may be an oversight by the designers in the initial observation or assessment I the program or function of the space, or in some cases, it may be a deliberate design decision and act of agency. Richard Long produced a series of work surrounding the theme of Walking, in artworks such as A Line Made by Walking and Walking a Line in Peru  which at the time were a point of discussion in artistic and academic circles and continues to be of influence today.

Walking a Line in Peru, Richard Long, 1972

Precedent

Lakeside garden by Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl is a design about movement, where the grass sways and the water flows, with a central meandering path which allows visitors to recognise personal place within broader systems.

Lakeside garden by Ramboll Studio Dreiseitl

When considering pathway or walkway design, the connection to the land is of most importance. But I regard to the design intention, but also in recognising the landscape as having its own worth. Design isn't always about something new, but may also be reframing or revealing something overlooked which a new perspective produced by a walkway can do just that. Two examples of this include Cap de Creus by EMF Landscape Architecture (image 1) and MacKenzie Falls Gorge Trail by Hansen partnership (image 2).