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Friday, August 18, 2017

Backyard Project: Pattern Language #120 Paths & Goals, #121 Path Shape


Pattern Language #120 Paths and Goals
"The layout of paths will seem right and comfortable only when it is compatible with the process of walking. And the process of walking is far more subtle than one might think." p. 586.
The location of this path to the studio front door is tied in with Pattern Language #110 Main Entrance. "Place the main entrance of the building at a point where it can be seen immediately from the main avenues of approach and give it a bold visible shape which stands out in front of the building." p. 544.
This middle-sized walking path leads directly to the front door of the studio making the door's location obvious.

"To lay out paths, first place goals at natural points of interest. Then connect the goals to one another to form the paths." pp 587-8.
I know I did not follow this pattern advice when developing the conceptual design for the Backyard Project. My priority for moving around the space was to provide access for the lawn tractor with its trailer to move from one side to the other. If the path was in a straight line across the back the house it would have been an eyesore. Instead, I planned a curving path that helps disguise its purpose while connecting with all of the other functional paths.
I plan to work towards this pattern with plantings, seating, art and other focal points.

Pattern Language #121 Path Shape
"Streets should be for staying in, and not just for moving through..." p. 590.
'Make a bulge in the middle of a public path, and make the ends narrower, so the path forms an enclosure which is a place to stay, not just a place to pass through." p. 591.
The smaller path going to my studio has a narrow entrance restricted by rocks to stop people thinking it is the main path to the front door. It bulges out where there is a bird bath (to be installed on the green septic tank cover) and is the place for a coiled hose. One can stop and enjoy the calming activity of watering plants and filling the birdbath.

Valerie Easton's book 'A Pattern Garden, The Essential Elements of Garden Making' contains detailed guidance on designing paths according to Pattern Language principles.
'One uniform material, no matter how lovely, probably doesn't fit all garden situations equally well. Using a single material for paths misses the chance to stir up some excitement and interest underfoot, as well as the opportunity to cue the garden experience by slowing or accelerating one's passage through it.' p. 75.
 The path of the tractor had to have a material that would stand up to its use in all weather conditions but I did wonder if that meant there was just too much gravel and its qualities would dominate the space. 
This shorter, curved path going up the hill made from large rocks in contrast with the gravel path of the same stone provides some break from the mass of gravel.


The 'gardener's paths' following the shapes of the Hugelkultur beds are marked with rounds of cut logs. It is important these alternative 'pathway materials can and should be varied, provided that affinity of colour, texture, and basic nature is kept in mind.' Easton p. 75.


The ground surface of the Pergola will be pieces of hard slate interplanted with plants while the meandering path through the Gravel Bed garden will be soft ground cover plants.
These 2 patterns for paths are ones I will continue to work on as I develop the garden because I know I haven't fully realised them yet.

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