Rudolf Laban was a Hungarian dance theorist who was interested in the spatial structure of movement.  Acting on this interest he published Schrifttanz (Written Dance) in 1928, which contained a precise system of notation to describe the elements of movements and patterns.   Like writing, there are lines representing the performer’s point of view, with distinct symbols that work like an alphabet - each representing different movement forms.  These symbols are drawn with secondary qualities, where its shape represents direction, length - duration, shade - intensity, placement on the line refers to the part of the anatomy that’s in action.

Instructions:

Select a park to investigate from the list provided.  Plans and other data are available on Canvas.

Apply an existing notation, or invent your own, to examine the flows, rests, and qualities of movement in the existing environment of a park and its immediate surroundings.

Think about  various modes of movement: trains, busses, cars, bicycles, strollers, skateboards, scooters, runners, pedestrians, swimmers, etc.

Think about the structures of movement and choreographies suggested by different regions:  paths dedicated for movement, paths not dedicated, fields of play, fields of rest, empty fields, rooms, benches, blankets. Think about who or what is moving: adults, children, dogs, birds, clouds, wind, sun,  Think about the quality of their movement: smooth, frenetic, rhytmic, slow, fast.

Possible Tools:

Drawing on paper
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Nodebox

Relevant Texts:

Allen Stan, From Object to Field. (link)
Allen Stan, Mapping the Unmappable: On Notation (link)

Other Inspiration:

Louis Kahn’s Traffic Study project, Philadelphia, PA. (link)
Marey’s Chronophotography (link)

Suggested Parks:

Humboldt Park
Garfield Park
Calumet Park
Pulaski Park
Warren Park