Williams, Introduction to Urban Studies
Repurposing Spaces: Exploring the Highline
Karen G. Williams, Ph.D.
Introduction to Urban Studies
Modality: In-person
Assignment Description and/or actual assignment:
Repurposing Spaces: Exploring the Highline
This Nature Based Learning project was part of an in-person Introduction to Urban Studies course. In this course students explore the economic, historic, political, and social forces that shape cities and urban life. The class emphasizes understanding the cityscape at the human scale, through the study of how people use and transform the spaces where they live, work and play. Before introducing the students to this project, they explored key topics on making the city more accessible to all people and what would a city look like if designed by women. In addition, they learned about the Anthropence – what anthropologists are naming as our current ecological era. The anthropence points to the ways that humans are transforming the environment and having a significant impact on plant life, animal life and our various ecosystems.
Because class is a three-hour block, students were able to visit the Highline during class. We met at a designated spot and prior to leaving our meet up point, students were given instructions. They were instructed to think imagine themselves writing a travel blog to their chosen audience, e.g. college students, families on vacation, etc. In the blog they should think about all the things their audience would want to know in terms of design, walkability, and any history (see assignment for more details). We walked to near end of the Highline, around Chelsea Market.
Assessment Tools:
Repurposing Spaces: Exploring the Highline
Grading Rubric
Item Points Attendance at the Walk 50 points Survey Completion 50 points Write Up Image(s)/ Video of actual Highline (no stock photos) 0-10 points Described the history of the space 0-10 points Described the type of green space and its purpose. Provided supporting information from walk. 0-10 points Described the walkability of the space. Discussed bathrooms, elevators, challenges, fun highlights, etc. 0-10 points Writing is clear and readable. Entry is organized, cited sources, proofread for grammar, etc. 0-10 points
Additional Resources/Readings:
- Assignment Reading: Website: Urban Rambles, The different types of urban green spaces
- Reading on Anthropence and activity on sustainability:
- Kenneth Guest, Cultural Anthropology: A Toolkit for a
- Global Age, 4nd Edition (CH 12: Environment and Sustainability)
- Calculating Your Ecological Footprint Assignment
Readings and video on city planning:
- The Uses of Sidewalks: Safety by Jane Jacobs
- What Would Cities Look Like if Designed by Mothers, by Christine Murray in The Guardian
- What would a city designed by women be like
Example of student work
Note: We did a self-guided tour. However, you can arrange for group and school tours. You can also request educational information. Highline Group Website: https://www.thehighline.org/groups/
