RPTS 402 Lab
Going into the field
Before go on a field trip
· Do a little research - Where is the place? What are the characteristics of the site? (residential, CBD, park, mixed etc) how far away is it and so forth.
· Get a map of the site in as much detail as you can. Air photos and satellite images often work best. For example, Google Earth is a good source.
· Prepare some field equipment including tape recorder, sketchbook, camera, film, color pens
· Do some brainstorming and make a theme list. For instance, jot down every possible thing you see on the site, then collect some of them you want to take as the themes of your project. It might be circulation of the site (road, pedestrian only, bike path etc.), vegetation, wildlife habitat, buildings, or regional context.
· Good preparation will save you time and money on-site as well as help you to represent your impression on the map. Also it will make better sense when you are in the site.
· Use the map to determine which points you’ll want to look at within the study area. That is, try and plan where you’ll go and why before you go.
In the field
· Sketch, draw and use symbols to mark important features
· Record your impressions using an audio or video recorder. Note what you see, how places feel, and so on. It will help you to recall the site after the trip
· Take notes on the map (detail features of the site)
· Take some panoramic photographs--make sure of the location and orientation (some times you forgot where it was and which direction it was)
· Mark your movement on the map to get a sense of sequential experience
· Observe users or even talk to a few people, if possible, about their use of the area and how they feel about it.
After the field trip
· Gather all the information you obtained during the field trip (audio tape, map, sketches, photos, notes)
· Match info (words and photos) to the site to represent the place in a way that you can use as a base from which to build design ideas. Sit down and develop “a story” about the site, as it currently exists.