When I see an adult on a bicycle, I do not despair for the future of the human race.
– H.G. Wells
Found here.
This is something I have often wondered when seeing new paths in parks and how often they are less than ideal and promptly ignored.
Let pedestrians define the walkways | Derek Sivers
A new green college campus was built, but one thing was still debated:
Where in the grass should we put the paved walkways?Some felt the walkways should be around the edges, to leave the center green and untouched. Some felt the walkways should cut diagonal, connecting all buildings to all buildings.
One professor had the winning idea: Don’t make any walkways this year. At the end of the year, look at where the grass is worn away, showing us where the students are walking. Then just pave those paths.
Worn and natural pathways.
That’s what I’ve always thought when walking on a college campus. You see it all time, the cement way (usually right angles) and the worn grass pathway. People finding the shortest, most convenient distance to get from one building and classroom destination to the next.
That’s what I’ve heard they do at the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. Makes a great deal of sense. Just as the first human roads followed the paths of animals.
“Resist the urge to have all the answers in advance” – I absolutely agree! The best ideas just happen on the spot, when you go – Let’s try this! Love it. Planning is good but if you do not leave room to try something that is not on the Work Plan – That’s how you learn by letting go and let something higher inspire.
Thank goodness for Saturday morning soundchecks! :)