Desire Paths

I caught an interesting email link to DESIRE PATHS This appeared on the Open Space Listserve and reminded me of a conversation I had with Dad some time ago. We were talking about how people will tend to do as they do regardless of any boundaries or obztacles we might impose. Self organization is the default, not the exception.

His vivid example was that of a college campus. If you've ever done much hanging out on a college campus, you'll notice 2 very distinct networks of trails . . . One is very carefully laid out and manicured (Blacktop Asphalt) and the other is an assemblage of dirt trails beaten into the ground due to HIGH traffic.

The Asphalt trails are undoubtedly painstakingly designed and laid out for the most aesthetically pleasing environment soon to be blighted by the "REAL" paths beaten into form by the feet of the students.

A better way might be to build all of the buildings and be sure that there is a good stand of grass in all of the common areas before the students . . . 6 weeks into the school year, the students will have defined their paths . . . Now, Pave THOSE paths.

I like the nomer "Desire Paths" - Let people create their own way.

Best,

b
Barry Owen
www.theowengroup.net
www.activerain.com/barryo
Simply & BOLDLY Living The FourFold Way in Open Space!