Merchandise!

Merchandise!!

To accompany the shop I thought that there could be merchandise to help spread popularity as well as being functional. Winners of compeitions being held could receive these gifts to reward great photography. I think this would add to the photographic theme and would nice. With a clear and recognisable brand, I think that this could work as a marketing tool. This could expand to t-shirts. However, merchandising should still be very low on priorities of the business model. These items should be the icing on the cake, and be accompanied with a great enjoyable experience at the shop or tour. The shop is not a retailer and it's main source of income should predominately be from tour sales, workshops, print sales. We want to promote the taking of photos and displaying them rather than being kept in computers; photo albums, large prints, canvas prints, photo scrapbooks etc. Below are some ideas for the bokehlicious brand:

Keychain viewfinder – A simple and cheap tool which can be carreid with your keys. It allows the user to frame a shot without the use of a camera. You can still practise your imagination even if you don't have your camera. It can be a reminder and encouragement to always take your camera with you.

“Use your creativity in the viewfinder and not in the sky” (Kai Wong)

Photo albums - A variety of sizes, these can be classed for professional, home or personal-use. Professional are for high quality and larger format printing, whereas home can be for special occassions, medium sized. Personal-use photobooks would be the cheapest option catered for keeping photos within a book as a journal. It should be cheaper and made as a scrapbook of ideas and exploration; like an artist's sketchbook. There should also be a separate series where books can be refillable, although more expensive, the photos can be taken out and rearranged. A noval idea additional would be a permenant marker to be accompanied with the books to allow users to write in the books. Autographs, personal messages and notation for the occasion, or event would really give the photos more meaning.

“Seeing is not enough, you have to feel what you photography” (Andre kertesz)

Photo Guide Books

I think to accompany these tours, a small book to help remind and spark creativity would be ideal. There may be times when the tourguide is too busy and cannot answer all the questions, or cover all the aspects in photography. Therefore, in these times of creative block, this book can be handy to remind the photographer different themes, subjects, styles and techniques to experiment with. I hope this book is small, cheap to buy for any amatuer photographer and be something everyone would carry within their bags.

A separate, more comprehensive series of books teaching people what to look out for in York and photo opportunities would be good too. However, this must be a location specific book and give advice with example photos and explanations that would benefit all photographers. I hope this series would be written with a lot more content about composition and taking great photos, as opposed to technical schematic on how your camera equipment works. The series is aimed at photographers who have just purchased their first DSLR. More technical aspects of photography will only be covered in more depth when trying to achieve certain photo styles and effects.

Possible Book titles:

Book of Bokehlicious recipes

Shooting York with a 50mm lens (standard lens)

Shooting York with a 24mm lens (wide angle lens)

Shooting York with a 105mm lens (telephoto lens)

Shooting with a camera phone

Processing Raw files in Lightroom

Bokeh effects

Shaped holes in card - Very fun and simple effect. Make bokeh shapes to personalise your photos! It is simple a piece of card covering the lens with a shape cut out. This makes out of focus shapes turn into whatever the hole is shaped. A heart shaped hole gives heart shapes in the out-of-focus parts of the photos. Experiment with shape sizes and materials. Great fun for kids and also adults.

X Mas tree without bokeh shape

X mas tree with name shaped bokeh

Experimental bokeh shape 

Photography shop

Final Proposal - Photography shop

The proposal is to set up a Photography shop within York with the mindset of achieving part of “Reinvigorate York” mission objectives. The shop will primarily a headquarters where photographic tours can be run. This will be service design and emphasise on providing exceptional customer feedback.

Using a photowalk, a guide is able to lead groups into different areas of York, especially where there is currently very little footfall. Instead of shopping, there may be photo opportunities in these empty streets, where business is failing. The group may be there to take photographs, but they are given opportunities to sight-see the area. They may come back another time to visit the same streets/shops. I think this would diversify the footfall in York, helping to achieve: “Reinvigorating the city centre economy”, “Increasing footfall in the city centre” and “Maintaining York as a top tourist destination”.

As for the other objective: “Increasing the sense of York as a special place”. The photo tour will be encouraging a lot of looking. Looking at York in a different perspective. Often people walk past hundreds of things everyday without realising or appreciating it. The task of photographing something interesting, intriguing, unique or inspiring will make York special. Special to the photographer as they will be experiencing it and capturing York through their camera.

The final objective: “Improving the overall quality of life for resident” This proposal really only helps the residents by providing a photographic service. At the moment, there is only one photographic shop in York. These shops are a dying breed; York Camera Mart, mainly deals with camera equipment sales. They provide advice and is a great place to get assistance on anything camera related. However, this proposal will be an educational experience and service. There will be a public gallery space able to be rented out, a computer room for anyone wanting to process their photos, and of course the tour. There is no such thing in York at the moment, and this will bring together any residents who may be into photography.

The shop will consist of a public computer room, a gallery space and an area for merchandise. The shop caters to keen photographers, and hope to bring a gentle and fun learning experience in all areas of photography. The computer room is for workshops in processing your photos, and also a base to run the brand's website. The gallery space is there to promote individual photographers and really display photographs appriopriately. Ideally, there would be a print shop running too, but for a smaller business, I have decided to uses local print services. Most importantly, the shop should be able to provide good, simple advice, and secondly accomodate processing digital to displaying complete photographs. The shop will become a social hub.

The photography tour is aimed at visitors who are keen photographers, and will enjoy company other visitors sharing the same hobby. It is a change from travelling to a city you haven't been before. There may be foreign visitors on the tour, or local residents. Either way, the experience should be different and new each time.

Thanks to all who inspired me, and helped me on this journey through the complex world of photography.  Also, a special mention to Johnny Pang for lending me his equipment and also being patient.  The following are Jacky lee, James Pang, Kai Man Wong, Trey Ratcliff, Lok Cheung and my older borther Wai Lun Pang.

Photowalking - Trial run

Thanks to Sam for participating the Photowalk!
(Portrait Photography)

Trial Run - conclusions

Doing a trial run of a photowalk this sunday (1^st December), it is clear that timing is difficult to manage. I found that sometimes, getting a particular shot can take time. People have different speeds of taking shots. Some like to take many shots from different angles. It would be best to allow photographers to spend as much time as they needed on each location. However, there needs to be some strict control over time; there shouldn't be a worry that people didn't have enough time to explore to get the perfect shot. However, a positive attitude to explore the nect location should be encouraged. I should also note that there needs to be time allocated to reviewing photos, there is to be learnt by not looking at the photos you have just taken. I would recommend at least four good locations, each encouraging a broad range of photography skills. Remember, this is a photowalk, and needs to appeal to a variety of photographers. Taking people out of their depth is good to improve, and promotes question-asking.

What do I find interesting?

What kind of photography I like?

How can I use this lens in this situation?

Problems I realised during the trial is that there are times when you do not know what to do. What to take photos of and find it hard to find something interesting. When these situation arises, boredom will take place. There is disinterest, and may make people within a group dis-satisfied. Therefore, I think there is a need to have some sort of guide book, so that whenever you have a mental creative block, you can refer to this to spark some life into your brain. It should bring out the many possibilties with shots. Something to illustrate very easily what can be achieved in York.

Photo-journalism

Architectural photography

Photography here has to be quite specific to York and this type of environment. I think this because often, there are many times when you may look at amazing photographs from prefessionals, and you think “I wish there was something like that in York”. You may see an amazing street photograph of an indian woman, lots of colours and activity. But in York, England, there is no way you can take a similar, inspired shot. Therefore, this guide book will need to highlight aspects of York which will work. From past experience, clearly there are limitations such as landscape, wildlife, sports photography, event/wedding and studio type photography. A photowalk in York would best suit outdoor, street and architecture photography most. Landscape photography in York can be very isolated and more touristy type photography, much of which is against this concept. Landscapes usually require very strict conditions, and often weather is a huge factor.

Finally, this guidebook should not be filled with awe-inspiring only. It's purpose is to encourage expirimentation and photos need to be used in a way to emphasise a way of shooting and looking at the world. Ways to look at a single subject, but approach it from different angles! There could even be simple creative excerises inside. Lastly, remember that this is a book to be accompanied on the walk; users should not be totally consumed into the book, rather they should also learn from others within the group. That's what the group leader is there for!

Landscape photography

Street photography

Tutorial conclusions + Photowalking

Talking to Simon and Duncan

26^th November 2013

Proposal explained: Photowalk, incorporating Lomography cameras and encouraging different viewpoints around York. A fun guided tour with an element of education in photography, and ending with a large print of a photo as a souvenir.

• Simply too complicated.
• Get rid of all the camera equipment stuff (Lomography)
• Everyone has their own camera e.g. camera phone
• Appeal to people who love taking photos
• Themes: Christmas, Street, People, colour etc.
• Competition: add a competitive element
• Places even the locals wouldn't know!

Photowalking

A photowalk is simply going out with the aim to take photos of your surroundings. Usually associated with a group of photographers walking together along a planned route. It is often a social event in itself, with new people meeting each other, interacting and sharing a similar interest. (Jeff Revell, 2008) These events vary from club members only, to public meet-and-greet types. It is a fun activity and is welcoming to everyone; even if you do not consider yourself as a photographer, but enjoy taking photos, you are are welcome. There are often relaxed rules on camera equipment, age groups and finishing times. The main emphasis of these events is to enjoy photography, getting to know each other and learning about photography at your own pace. A diversity of skill levels and new people offer a lovely charm to these events and help each other learn. (Tiffany Mueller)  Kai Wong from Digitalrev TV does something similar, in that he walks the streets of Hong Kong taking pictures of what interests him.  He talks about what he finds interesting and it is easily visible on his photos.

So once you've taken the first step of getting involved in a photowalk, what do you do? Firstly, there will always be a leader/host; follow their instructions and listen to what they have to say at the beginning of the walk and remember who they are! Because, if you are unfamiliar of the route or area, knowing who to keep an eye on could save you from getting lost. Next, is to socialise! Talk to others in the group and don't be afraid to ask questions whether it be related to photography or themselves. However, be considerate and don't hound people when they are taking photos. Don't always stay with the group, try exploring your surroundings for a different viewpoint, you never know what you might discover. Don't forget also to check out what equipment people use whilst on the walk. Ask what camera they use and how they like to take photos. Everyone is different, and especially when you are starting out, there will always be types of photos that interest you. Find out how they are produced and try it out yourself.

Photography is so vast, I think there needs to be a simple guide book that needs to be taken on these walks for the amateur photographer. Here are some classic quotes in the world of Photography; Kai elaborates on some of the quotes:

“Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst” Henri Cartier Bresson

“Try new things and reflect on them. Don't just take 10,000 pictures of the same shit” Kai Wong

“If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough” Robert Capa

“The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it” Ansel Adams

“You cannot depend on your eyes if your imagination is out of focus” Mark Twain

“The most difficult thing for me is a portrait. You have to try and put your camera between the skin of a person and his shirt” Henri Cartier Bresson

“If you can smell the street by looking at the photo, it's a street photograph” Bruce Gilden

“A great photo is about depth of feeling, not depth of field” Peter adams

“Which of my photographs is my favourite? The one I'm going to take tommorrow” Imogen Cunnigham

“It's not what you look at that matter, it's what you see” Henry David Thoreau

“I am forever chasing light. Light turns the ordinary into the magical” Trent Parke

“theres a certain beauty to light and different kinds of light that you can shape or hunt for to make your photo look that much more special” Kai

“I only use a camera like I use my toothbrush. It does the job” Don McCullin

“Seeing is not enough, you have to feel what you photography” Andre kertesz

Kai's own quotes:

“Emulate some of the style of the greats to get you started, but don't keep on doing it”

“Photography is as much a reflection of the person taking the photo”

“Shoot to please no one apart from yourself”

“Setting themes keeps you focused and gives you sense of direction”

“Be critical of yourself and you will continue to improve”

“Be brutal when you're deleting photos”

“Show only your best”

“Changing photos to B&W doesn't make an uninteresting shot interesting”

“Look at other people's work, consider what makes the shot good and what makes it bad”

“Post your work online and let people critque your work”

“Use your creativity in the viewfinder and not in the sky” kai

There are many videos on Youtube to get a feel for what they are like. There are a few notable leaders and organisers of these events such as Trey Ratcliff, Larry Becker and Thomas Hawk. To get a feel for such an event, I have been trying to find an event in York. So far, I have booked the event “Mobile Masterclass” run by www.yorkshirephotowalks.com. It is run by Tom Marsh and the event is catered for shooting with a camera phone. It takes approximately two hours and begins and ends at York Minster. This is on the 14^th December 2013. (Update: The event was cancelled due to low numbers of participants.)

References:

http://www.revellphotography.com/blog/?p=474

http://blog.trevorcarpenter.com/photowalking/

http://www.yorkshirephotowalks.com/walk_details_mobile_masterclass.html

http://www.yorkcameraclub.co.uk/events

http://www.lightstalking.com/setting-yourself-up-for-a-successful-photowalk

http://121clicks.com/tutorials/dos-and-donts-on-a-street-photowalk

http://121clicks.com/tutorials/5-thing-to-do-on-a-street-for-every-street-photographer

http://digital-photography-school.com/what-do-i-look-for-on-a-photo-walk-part-1-city-walk

http://www.photo-canvas.com/blog/need-creative-photography-ideas-try-a-photowalk/

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=photowalk&sm=3

Snickleways of York

Snickleways

The Snickleways of York are famous in York. Revd. John Southgate, the Dean of York “Historic cities are rather like people. It takes a long time to get to know them properly and we never know everything about them.” When people describe York, they often talk about the Minster, the city walls, the railway and Yorvik. But the Snickleways are forgotten (Mark W Jones, 1991) These 'Snickleways' are often seen as alleys and shortcuts; people use them everyday to commute quickly. They weave in and out from the Minster to Shambles to Whip-ma-whop-ma-gate to the city walls. Snickleway: A narrow passageway or alley between walls, fences or buildings.

Mark Jones, the author of “The complete snickleways of York”, the master of these paths suggests starting at Bootham bar. From here he has devised the best route round most of them. It totals to three and a half miles long and covers the Minster, along part of the river Foss, Castle museum, along river Ouse, the Shambles and then finishes back at Bootham Bar. Such an expansive route would take around an hour to walk. With a larger group, and some talk, I would reckon this route would take close to one hour and a half, maybe two hours.

Map of Mark Jones' ideal route of the Snickelways

Main footstreets of York, illustration from book.

I think that by adapting this route, a photowalking opportunity can be made.I hope there will be plenty of stimulus and landmarks also to keep a photographer's eye interested. There are spaces which are more open, as well as tight spaces in the book, such as the Dean's Park behind the Minster or Shambles that are tight.  Also, I  hope there are plenty of opportunities to shoot different subjects, whether it be architecture, nature, people, landscape and street. The variety and quality of locations is important in a photowalking scenario.  People will have different interests and also allow people to experience a different type of photography.

Street art in York

Street art in York

From the previous post about Romanticism of York, street art came to mind. How are we able to modernise York? How can we try to advance York as a city? The juxtaposition of street art would be ideal. One day whilst walking into the city centre, at a very familiar junction, I looked up and saw ugly blank walls. I thought, why on earth is it plastered with that horrible cladding? It's in a prime location, by a busy junction. Hundreds of cars pass it each day, and it currently is an eyesore. There must be other areas of York that are almost derelict; walls and building rotten with age and currently serve no purpose and interest. Would streetart be accepted in such an area? If this 50+ year old resident of York can appreciate street art, surely there is hope for the rest?

Blank canvas above the intersection

Elderly York resident:

“I HAVE just caught a posse of people red-handed. They were “vandalising” a wall of excellent street art with bland cream paint under the A64 by the giant solar system sun at the start of the Selby cycle path.

Apparently this “cream vandalism” was organised by the Probation Service using people on community service, as recently championed by Lord Mayor of York Susan Galloway as a social service.

I don’t think so. I am in my 50s and regularly walk from York College to admire and photograph the excellent spray-painted art that embellishes and enriches the underpass.

Most of it is giant words or names, but regularly beautifully painted good cartoon pictures, sometimes political. They never stay the same for long. It is a fantastic large flat wall space for artwork. The site provides a social service for street artists to paint large pictures. Many people really enjoy looking at them and anticipating what we will see next.

It is already self-regulating. All the artists know their work will only last a few weeks before someone else paints a new picture

I’m sure most of us are glad to see offensive graffiti removed. We should stop wasting money painting over anything else.” (Charles Everett, North Moor, Huntington, York)

London graffiti artist questions “is there any harm in drawing on rotten buildings?”:

“I wasn’t a building drawer. What happened was I was sitting opposite the buildings that are on the other side of the road from where I usually sit, the old decrepit buildings, and I started drawing them to practice and get it right. I thought I would do it with these ones because they’re rotten old buildings“(John Dolan, Sept 2013)

Banksy

For the situation in York, I think that Banksy could be a good ambassador for the streetart scene in York. Satirical work; It makes people laugh, and then makes them think (Wikipedia on satire, 2013). From his previous works, I can see there is often a message to be expressed. And this is done comically, and very cleverly. His work can be large or small, but it is always engaging with the audience. Also, it is not just an artwork placed in a certain location; much of his work interacts with wall. For example, many of his work feature characters, and are done close to real-life scale. He is able to communicate with the public very effectively as well as provoking thought.

“Banksy porbably doesn't give a crap. He sees it as, he's doing the place a favor to draw tourists to areas where they wouldn't normally visit but these less talented or less creative 'artists' seek to destroy his work and damage it. If they can't see the bigger picture and only see 'he's on their turf', they are nobodies.” (Real Talk)

"Banksy" Google images

Village Underground – The Wall Project

A wall on Great Eastern Street becomes London's most public gallery. It is very simply a wall where artists are invited to present their artwork. Predominately urban street art, made in situ. Amazingly they claim to have “over 1 million 'visitors' a month” meaning passerbys and cars. A public gallery with a busy road as it's audience. It has become internationally recognised, with guest urban artists from all over the world. And finally, they are planning to turn these temporary exhibitions permenant. Previously, artists painted over the wall, and then use it as a blank canvas, but now organisers want to use glass enclosures to allow boards and digital mediums to expand the artwork displayed.

The Wall project is a great inspiration to help bring life to parts of a city. For York, the Gillygate and Bootham junction could be an extension of the Art Gallery. Displaying works, to help entice people to the Gallery.

http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/features/readersletters/8455095.Vandalising_some_excellent_street_art/

http://www.yorkminster.org/about-us/news/top-uk-street-artists-at-york-minster.html

http://streetartlondon.co.uk/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2460471/Banksy-sees-street-artworks-vandalized-New-York.html

http://www.villageunderground.co.uk/wall

Design concepts (cont..) + Romanticism in York

Digital Rev has fun with Canon's 8-15mm Fisheye lens

Here are some examples of unusual perpectives which are very fun and addictive. The Fisheye lens can offer 180 degrees of view. With such a wide angle of view and the distorted nature of the lens, you can get the surroundings in view as well as the subject. Tall buildings can look even taller than they are, stretching into the distance to a pin point. But close up, it distorts faces, and objects in a bulbous manner. This is notorious for animal photos exaggerating their noses and heads, whilst their bodies look tiny; making dogs and cats look very cute with their big eyes.

Glimpses

Talking to Warren today, we discussed the idea of mirrors and viewing York differently, as well as a photowalk or tour. He was reminded of some sculptures or something similar in Sheffield city centre. He was not clear exactly on what, but a quick google search revealed what he meant. Warren clearly meant the big chrome spheres outside Sheffield millenium gallery, in the Peace Gardens. A Flickr search on these areas show that people interact with these balls and are intrigued! Its a touchpoint which can help to liven up a space, introduce an activity and also stimulation. A photo by Oliver kershaw shows brilliantly what can be done with such a simple object. A large reflective ball in a particular space can help emphasis a location and make you more aware of your surroundings. People are intrigued by the reflections and take closer looks, takes pictures and also identify the shapes made in the skyline. I could imagine this in areas which are small such as the Shambles, as well as outside York Minster.   

Photos by Digitalrev TV in a different perspective.

These snapshots from a Digitalrev TV video show how a mirror is used in a city to make interesting viewpoints. The presenter (Kai) takes along an assistant (intern) with a large mirror in and around the city streets. There are sometimes very narrow areas where the assistant is able to reflect glimpses of the other buildings. Generally, humans stand upright and their natural, comfortable eyesight prefers to look from the horizon down to the feet. Fifteen to forty-five degrees below the horizontal is most comfortable. Its been an evolutionary trait as most of human's prey are within this angle of view. It no wonder people looking up are always tripping over things, or bumping into people. It's hazardous, and therefore not very common that people spend time looking above the horizontal. They may only use their peripheral vision only.

Romantic York

As KT Landsay says in her blog, “Sheffield is many-faceted it's great to photograph. Working on the theme of 'steel' could take you in so many different directions, from the existing and dilapidated steelworks to steel architectures and art in the city centre to the old millstones ”(KT Landsay 2009). It is what makes Sheffield interesting, since most visitors get a feel for the city and explore by sight. You follow what is intriguing to you. I feel that in York, it is not very multi-faceted. In York, there is a lot of history. It is almost a one dimensional city in this sense; everywhere you go history is everywhere. You are surrounded by the city walls, you walk on the cobbles, and you glance up to see the georgian, victorian, there is a very distinct lack of modernisation. Or you could say there is a overwhelming romancism of York.

I think that for York to become more interesting, a bit of contrast can help. Bringing out a juxtaposition would release the city from being stuck in the past. I remember the Architect from the council, Guy, saying that people are almost blind to stepping forward as a city. They feel any changes are 'Not in keeping with the city'. Guy said he had a concern for York that always looking into the past prevents change at the present time. There is a danger that we become constrained to not doing anything to the city. There is no mark to say “We were here”. We will look back at the time when the georgians were here or the Victorians were here etc. But what do people fifty years from now have to say that we were here? Naturally, the new replaces the old, but there is also a place for the conservation of the past.

I guess that guy feels that anything he wants to do for the city of York, for the better is resisted by many who believe it would destroy the essence of the city.

http://ktlindsay.blogspot.co.uk/2009/04/home-sweet-home-photographing-sheffield.html

Design Concepts (cont...)

Exhibition Square

Decluttering of Exhibition square and Bootham Bar should be a priority. There is a lot of street furniture that is unappealing and also confusing for visitors. The pavements and crossings at the Bootham and Gillygate are very narrow and tight. The area is noisy and also very vehicle dominating. Public buses often stop at the lights, as well as the York sightseeing and the brown bus.

I propose that the rearrangement of the road system to give more priorities to pedestrians, but also getting rid of the traffice island. A nice wide crossing should be in place to direct flow to and from the Art Gallery to Bootham Bar. It should be pleasant with a wide angle of view and also makes vehicles aware that they need to slow down. Reducing to single lanes also provides more space for cyclists waiting at the lights, but also buses turning onto Gillygate.

Next, the Exhibition Square frontage should have an area of focus. Where people can meet up and organise, for York tours and school groups, the entrance to the Art Gallery is an ideal place. Children are able to have their packed lunch and is easily monitored. A bus lane directed into and around the fountain may also be more convenient for school buses, tour buses and other public transport. Removing much of stopped traffic along the St Leonard's place. There is enough bus stops along this corridor, as it is, so this could be a temporary solution. Bearing in mind that the Lendal Bridge closure would really contribute to the traffic along this area.

Mirrors of York

Initially I was thinking about how to help the problem at Gillygate/Bootham junction; there is often someone coming round the corner quickly, and you can bump into them. I thought of using convex mirrors to allow pedestrians to see round the corner. It reminds me of seeing some really beautiful architecture above the shops of York and feeling that they get forgotten or ignored. Using large mirrors, visitors which may normally walk past streets or alleys, could get glimpses of side streets and alleys. I think it could be used as a tool to spread footfall in otherwise empty spaces. I think this could be useful if there was a magnification too, and placed in certain positions it could give interesting viewpoints or highlight something in the sidestreet. Landmarks could have be viewed differently, illusions, exaggerations can be all part of a new fun adventure for people in York.

As a side idea branching from viewing York differently; a disposable camera service could be fun. For family day outs, you can purchase a disposable camera and use it for the day. Then return back to tourist centre once you are done. But because the disposable camera is not digital; the photos need to be developed and results cannot be seen right away. Returning back home from the visit, there will be a surprise the next day to see your journey/experience in the post.

This could be very entertaining for all if each member had a camera each. The children’s perpective of entertaining things is different to teenagers or adults. However, there is always the issue that almost everyone has a mobile phone with a camera. Tourists will have a digital camera most of the time, and also people will not be willing to spend a lot for photos. Holiday photos almost worth nothing in today’s world.

Inspired by Kai from digitalrevTV: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N14GKJaVsZ8

(Golfpunkgirl, Flickr)

(BBC news in pictures)

(Spaceout, Adam BRI Smith)

Initial concepts

Bus Station

For this concept, I have had a thought about how to remove congestion from the York Railway front. There is a lot of traffic during the morning and rush hour; so much that people just dropping off passengers at the train station have to wait 30 minutes to get back out afterwards. This is not helped by there being a lot of buses all along this corridor up to St Leonard's place.

I propose a Bus station to re-route the bus traffic into Micklegate Bar and then having a bus station inside the city walls opposite the railway station. I think this is an ideal location as the road is parallel to the station, as well as being closer to Micklegate. This location hopes to encourage passengers to walk down Micklegate into the city centre. This location is interesting as it also has some access under Queen St. bridge to the current station car park. This can be adapted to give walkways to and from the Bus station and Railway station. Another interesting point is that this allows easy access onto the city walls, where you will be able to see both stations.

Grey = York Railway Station

Orange line = congested route

Dotted orange line = Bus route

Black line = City Walls

Red = Queen St. bridge

Aqua = Station carpark

Dark blue = Micklegate

Art Gallery rear

This concept idea utilises a large unused space close to the city centre. The space behind the Art Gallery is unseen by the ruin walls, and currently derelict. The space runs parrellel to Bootham and there is an entrance into the space from Marygate. I think this space could be utilised to encourage footfall into Exhibition Square (front of Art Gallery) and also to provide a comfortable corridor for pedestrians travelling into the City Centre.

I feel that the space is suitable for an area for relaxing and also a garden. It should provide a area of rest and maybe an area for drop-off, or parking for disabled. Marygate carpark is already large enough and able visitors will not find the climb too difficult. However, wheelchair-stricken users will find it tough to climb. Therefore parking for disabled will be much appreciated. Next, because there is now a pleasant cafe and activity, it should help create an environment where people spend more time. Therefore, it's become a destination for which Exhibition Square will become a pathway to and from the city centre. There is sufficient space beside the gallery to allow a wide walkway to the front of the gallery, where I hope there will be attractions and a lovely view of the Minster, Bootham bar and the De Greys Room. There should be no stopped vehicle traffic at the red area.

Orange line = Major road

Black line = City wall

Light blue = Space

Black spot = Exhibition square

Red = Art Gallery

Dotted black line = Pedestrian route

Development Introduction

3PD006 - Service and systems design

– Development Learning Journal –

Introduction

This journal is a continuation from the Research Learning Journal; carrying on from discoveries to bring ideas and concepts into more well-defined solutions in the City of York. From the research taken place in the last 4-5 weeks, I have summarised key issues from residents, as well as tourists and even some of my own observations. Although many problems have been highlighted in the research, I feel that not all of them is suitable for this project scope; time, money, expertise are scarce. The issues highlighted in my presentation shows that there are some big obstacles when trying to relocate Network Rail HQ and also the redirecting of buses past the new council offices. As for the Art Gallery rear, the highly sensitive nature of the site and the proposal for a car park is really confusing and also ‘culturally degrading’. Hopefully, this journal will produce some worthwhile solutions to issues within York, keeping an eye on the project aims:

• Reinvigorating the city centre economy.
• Increasing footfall in the city centre.
• Improving the overall quality of life for residents.
• Increasing the sense of York as a special place.
• Maintaining York as a top tourist destination

Issues	Notes
Streets are not clean and tidy	Bootham Bar Micklegate Railway station Bins overflowing
Central fountain is unappealing	Waste of money and space Never in use
Newgate market is not attractive	Bins outside entrance Difficult to see sign
Signs are confusing	Too many signs Don’t direct people well Makes the street cluttered
Residents feel neglected by council	Little improvement for residents More improvements for visitors
Poor communication of city changes	Very little public consultations
Overpriced parking charges
Traders in Newgate market felt neglected by the council	Council doesn’t help them Council pushing more Parliament St. market
Parliament Street ‘robbing’ local market’s footfall	Traders want more footfall
Lendal bridge’s closure confusing to visitors	Good implementation is required
Worry that council’s plans are aimed ONLY to improve visitor’s experience.	Council's priorities

Presentation

Opening to presentation

Presentation preparation

Presenting to tutors in preparation for next week. This presentation will help provide feedback into the research I have done so far and also to give some initial proposals in which a solution may be effective against the issues highlighted. The presentation will be roughly six slides and we have been given ten minutes presenting time, and another ten minutes for feedback. For my presentation, Simon P. and Duncan B. were there to give me feedback. Overall, I think content wise, it was good, but the execution was only so-so. Getting through the issues and explaining some of the photos is really good to engage the audience; “Here is the bins outside the entrance to Newgate market.” etc. The presentation also is quick, to the point and also not repeating too much of what other students had to say too. Getting into the solutions is much more interesting for the tutors and I guess will also be for the Derek Gauld and Guy Hanson. Simon and Duncan spent a considerable amount of time understanding the proposals, so I think more time needs to be spent on clarifying it. Here is what they had to say:

• Beginning was good
• The contrast of view is good
• Identified many issues and got into the project
• Duncan liked quotes and interaction with public
• Proposals are too huge; too much for this
• Walk around the railway station to get a better understanding of the area.
• Work on something small, but do it very well
• Focus on one issue and try to find solutions; Bootham/Gillygate junction
• Duncan suggested a clean-up campaign, dressing up brightly and in a group to make littering more aware and interacting with the public.

Presentation Day 29^th October

Presentation time took place from around 10:55 to 11:10. It was in the Attic Seminar room with Warren, Duncan and Simon in the room. Derek and Jessica was at the front of the room and the main audience. Overall, it felt very quick and I struggled to get through the first few slides with as little speech as I could. It may have not seemed coherent, but I guessed it would have been ok as many of the issues are very visual. I spent some time talking about the initial concepts, but quickly moved onto the new and most recent ideas; mirrors and navigation through the streets of York. Much of the solutions initially became largely city planning, but I brought up a service and also much simpler and cheaper alternative to improve York. I spent much longer to explain this concept and generally, I felt they really understood my ideas. I was surprised I didn't falter too much and kept up swiftly. Learnt that visual cues are definitely better for my own presentations as the flow and journey through it is more to my way of thinking.

Derek Gauld and Jessica – Feedback

Both Derek and Jessica liked the last idea much more than the others. Jessica said it was 'original' and felt that it could work within the snickets around York. Derek did say that glimpses do play a role and that it is very interesting. Also, that the safety element as well as being a educational activity is good. I don't remember much of what else they said so much, it happened rather quick. In hindsight, maybe an audio recording could be beneficial for me. When in the moment, it's a lot of information and conversation exchanges that happen, which I cannot take in.

Inital proposed concepts/solutions

City of York Council

York Council's view

Seeing the opinions from the variety of user groups within York has been very informative, but it is equally important to see the views from the people making the changes. Afterall, it is the council's job to react to these voices. From the offset, we have known that “Reinvigorate York” aims to

• Reinvigorating the city centre economy.

• Increasing footfall in the city centre.

• Improving the overall quality of life for residents.

• Increasing the sense of York as a special place.

• Maintaining York as a top tourist destination

But what specifically are they addressing and how have they come to realise the issues surrounding

the six areas they have targeted? So far, the initial stage is being carried out: King's square's and the Lendal bridge closure trial. The initial pages about the projects are very vague and concentrate only on the short term; how its implemented and diversion routes etc. However, digging through the council's website, they have documents of the imposed plans, and issues they are planning to address in much more detail. This is their opening line which inform residents of the Lendal Bridge closure:

“Running for an initial period of six months from August 27, a traffic restriction trial aims to reduce daytime traffic across Lendal Bridge as part of a wider long-term vision to address city centre congestion and improve the reliability of public transport.”

(http://www.york.gov.uk/info/200174/planning_and_building_control/686/reinvigorate_york/2)

Communication, Consultations and Complaints

The biggest issue I found was navigating around the website. It took me a long time to find relevant information, plus the format in which the information was shown is very not user-friendly. There are a handful of PDF documents which summarise meetings, discussions and plans for York. But in almost all the cases, there is a huge amount of text, eventhough they are bullet pointed. This makes for a very cumbersome experience for anyone trying to find out information. Especially for residents; when they know something is happening to their city, and they are coming to this website. It may be part of the reason for some of the attitudes directed at the council.

The earliest document summarises the first project dealing with the Station-Minster route, as well as St. Leonard's place and Bootham/Gillygate junction. This document shows that site surveys have already been done and issues identified. Furthermore, the council have consulted key stakeholders in the area and agreed on the aims; Museum Trust, University, Theatre, Rushbond and English Heritage. So far, it seems that the council has really worked and communicated their plans well. There is a clear theme running through this document to improve the bus system.

“The volume of vehicular traffic using St Leonard’s Place and Gillygate/ Bootham junction is a key constraint to realising transformational change in the area. The road acts as a major barrier to pedestrian and cycle movement and has been identified as an accident cluster site.” (Private Cabinet – Improvements to Exhibition Square - 5^th March 2013)

“The re-prioritisation of traffic using Lendal Bridge...... to see where other improvements can be made along the route from the station and beyond. It will help to enable the transformation of gateways at Duncombe and Gillygate/ Bootham and the movement corridor along St Leonard’s Place. It provides an opportunity to transform and uplift Exhibition Square and the Art Gallery in order to complete the cultural package of initiatives.” (Private Cabinet – Improvements to Exhibition Square - 5^th March 2013)

Next, looking at aims in the cabinet report of 7^th May 2013, there is clear issues that have been identified. They specifically look towards public transport services to be improved and also an interchange station for buses at the rail station. Re-prioritising the traffic over Lendal bridge to buses and taxis, aims to help bus flow and encourage public transportation. It aims to reduce traffic along St Leonard's place/Boothham Bar so that Exhibition square can be transformed. A reduction in congestion at Lendal bridge has been identified as important for bus service reliability. Finally, station area has also been identified as needing major improvement for movement into the city centre.

It is clear that improvement of ths Station-Minster route as well as St leonard's Place is very heavily dependant on the success of the vehicular flow across Lendal bridge. But so far public consultations still have not taken place yet and there are already rough plans been drawn out for changes. Eventhough these planned changes are aimed to improve the experience for residents as well as visitors; residents within York clearly feel that they are kept in the dark. Residents feel that tourists are considered more important in the eyes of the council, and they are only aiming to improve visitor footfall. Whatever the case, there clearly needs to be more communication between the citizens of York and the city council. The actual dates that public exhibitions did take place was on early august september and october; a six month gap from the private cabinet in March.

“Please note that five public exhibitions have already taken place on 7 & 8 August, 11 & 12 September, and 5 October. York's business community were also invited to attend one of two business briefings on 14 August.” (http://www.york.gov.uk/citycentreimprovements)

“The York Visitor Survey 2011-12 found that the overwhelmingly top activity of our 7 million visitors each year is to “stroll around and enjoy the ambience of York”, together with “eating and drinking out”. Less than 2 million of the 7 million visitors actually go into the major attractions.” (Cabinet report – Improving movement and public realm in the city - 7^th May 2013 p.5)

An interesting note: many visitors of York come here without much expectation of what to do. They appear to have somehow been convinced to visit without much knowledge other than that it is an old historic city. But once, they do arrive, it appears that many enjoy exploring the city without too much direction. I think this is a special aspect of York. There is little expectation, and visitors are pleasantly satisfied with whats to offer. Whether it's because they have little time to uncover the unappealing parts of York, I am not sure.

“Significantly reducing motorised traffic offers the scope to improve air quality in some key central locations, improve bus reliability and enhance the attractiveness of the city centre. As the city grows the public transport system will become more vital for residents and visitors to in and around the city. More predictable journey times and less traffic in the city centre will improve the reliability and efficiency of bus services.” (Cabinet report – Improving movement and public realm in the city - 7^th May 2013 p.2)

“9. In the longer term removal of traffic has the potential to open up opportunities for the York Central development, a bus interchange at the rail station and options over Queen Street Bridge.”(Cabinet report – Improving movement and public realm in the city - 7^th May 2013 p.5)

Cabinet Report 7.5.13 Annexes Band C:

“A 10% reduction in bus travel times is resulting in a 2% increase in patronage. Improvements to reliability and frequency of services change the elasticity, making them more elastic. However, this is outside the scope of the model, although the local and national experience is that increasing the frequency of bus services is the biggest influence on patronage.”

“Significant reductions in traffic volumes are predicted on the corridor from Queen Street (-290) past the station frontage (-400), Lendal Arch Gyratory (-600), Lendal Bridge (-700), Museum Street, St Leonards Place (-500) and Gillygate (-150).”

“The largest increase is at the Walmgate Bar (+200 northbound, +125 southbound). Increases in flow are also predicted for Water End at Clifton Bridge (+150 heading to Clifton Green, +200 coming from Clifton Green).”