Machine Space

Studying the Dominance of Machines in the Urban Environment

Instructions

Using the techniques demonstrated in class, you are to complete the following survey for the next class.

1. Using the attached base map, record all machine space that you find in your study area. Machine space includes all automobile territory where cars, trucks, and buses have the right of way (streets, driveways), places where vehicles are stored or serviced (parking lots, garages, service stations), and space occupied by other machines (ventilation systems, electrical and water systems, and so forth).

You should survey machine space by pacing off these areas and recording them on your map. As a lower limit for your surveying, only survey areas of machine space that are greater than three paces (10 feet) on a side. All areas larger than three paces on a side should be marked on your map. Darken these areas of machine space so that they can be easily recognized on your map.

2. Bring your map to the next class session. You will be shown how to calculate the percentage of machine space in your study area.

3. Be prepared to discuss your observations and findings in class. You may wish to review the types of machine space you found and their extent. Consider the following questions:

• Do your findings indicate that machine space occupies a major portion of the urban environment?
• Is the amount of machine space dependent on where you surveyed (in a residential zone, close to businesses and shops, near your school)?
• Did you find evidence that machine space adversely affects environmental quality?
• How does the dominance of machine space affect the activities of people who live or work nearby?
• How would you extend your study?
• Do you think people have let machines dominate the environment and their lives too much?
• Are there any ways to reduce the dominance of machines in modern life?