LOOK BOTH WAYS
Between Urbanisation and Conservation: An Edinburgh Perspective
These are the outputs of my photography project that aims to show the relationship and tension between the development of the City of Edinburgh and conservation of its buildings, identity and green spaces.
Find more about the project HERE and hope you enjoy the gallery of pictures and (re)discover the City of Edinburgh under new angles.
Selective Focus (1)
Location: Commercial Street, Leith
A selective colour focus was applied to this picture on the roadworks elements: a two way sign and some cones.
Consider a moment that picture without those elemtns in the picture. The picture would evoke a calm cobblestone street with sandstone buildings and a modern building in the background. There is no indication of when the picture may have been taken.
The cones and sign in the picture give it meaning immediately, they become the focus of the picture.
Although they take an insignificant amount of space on the actual picture, they become a key feature, naturally highlighted by being the only coloured element in the picture
A selective colour focus was applied to this picture on the roadworks elements: a two way sign and some cones.
Consider a moment that picture without those elemtns in the picture. The picture would evoke a calm cobblestone street with sandstone buildings and a modern building in the background. There is no indication of when the picture may have been taken.
The cones and sign in the picture give it meaning immediately, they become the focus of the picture.
Although they take an insignificant amount of space on the actual picture, they become a key feature, naturally highlighted by being the only coloured element in the picture
Selective Focus (2)
Location: Holyrood Park, Newington
"I cannot see the forest for the trees". I came upon this composition walking on Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The "Give way" sign is not an addition, it is part of the original composition.
I particularly liked this angle because it frames very well the choice that cities such as Edinburgh have to make: what shall you give the priority to? Is it green spaces, building of accommodation, the preservation of monuments?
What will give way ?
"I cannot see the forest for the trees". I came upon this composition walking on Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The "Give way" sign is not an addition, it is part of the original composition.
I particularly liked this angle because it frames very well the choice that cities such as Edinburgh have to make: what shall you give the priority to? Is it green spaces, building of accommodation, the preservation of monuments?
What will give way ?
Organised Fun (1)
Location: Royal Mile, City Centre, Old Town.
This photograph was taken during the Torchlight march on the 30th of December 2019. The march brought together dances and citizens holding torches together.
In this picture we can see to the left actors wearing costumes and brandishing torches. In the darkness, to the right of the picture is a man in a high visibility jacket in charge of the security of the event.
This picture is entitled "organised fun" recognising that, behind all community and city events are planners, security and other services that are vital in making sure that these events run smoothly. Though these may hide in the shadows to ensure that fun prevails, they are nonetheless critical.
This photograph was taken during the Torchlight march on the 30th of December 2019. The march brought together dances and citizens holding torches together.
In this picture we can see to the left actors wearing costumes and brandishing torches. In the darkness, to the right of the picture is a man in a high visibility jacket in charge of the security of the event.
This picture is entitled "organised fun" recognising that, behind all community and city events are planners, security and other services that are vital in making sure that these events run smoothly. Though these may hide in the shadows to ensure that fun prevails, they are nonetheless critical.
Organised Fun (2)
Location: Princes Street, City Centre, New Town
In this picture, two workers in high visibility jacket are putting up signs for the Hogmanay street party.
I happened to catch this image as they were putting the signs up so I'm sure they were installed correctly.
However, I thought this was a tongue-in-cheek illustration of how confusion can sometimes reign in the organisation of large scale events - transport, location, access - all of which of course has a big impact on the life of the city.
Signs and correct information are all-important, in particular in a city that is undergoing regular change.
In this picture, two workers in high visibility jacket are putting up signs for the Hogmanay street party.
I happened to catch this image as they were putting the signs up so I'm sure they were installed correctly.
However, I thought this was a tongue-in-cheek illustration of how confusion can sometimes reign in the organisation of large scale events - transport, location, access - all of which of course has a big impact on the life of the city.
Signs and correct information are all-important, in particular in a city that is undergoing regular change.
Steady on !
Location: Leith Walk, Leith
This is a love letter addressed to the citizens of Leith from the organisers of a campaign to save early 19th century buildings on Leith Walk.
These buildings were to be demolished as part of a planning application from a developer to building accomodation and retail space. The planning application was initially refused, appealed to the government and the initial verdict was upheld.
This is a love letter addressed to the citizens of Leith from the organisers of a campaign to save early 19th century buildings on Leith Walk.
These buildings were to be demolished as part of a planning application from a developer to building accomodation and retail space. The planning application was initially refused, appealed to the government and the initial verdict was upheld.
Meanwhile...in Leith
Location: Leith Walk, Leith
I knew that was a "ready-made" picture as soon as I walked past the scene on Leith Walk: an advertisement for pop-up communiy space in Leith with many barriers and signs piled in the way.
Just a very simple illustration of that tension between the needs of the community and community space versus the needs of developmment and how each other interact with space in urban environments.
I knew that was a "ready-made" picture as soon as I walked past the scene on Leith Walk: an advertisement for pop-up communiy space in Leith with many barriers and signs piled in the way.
Just a very simple illustration of that tension between the needs of the community and community space versus the needs of developmment and how each other interact with space in urban environments.
The Belly of the beast
Location: Princes Street Gardens
This photograph was taken in November as the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 was being set-up. The market this year has received significant criticisms for the way it has been organised (planning processes) as well the impact the scaffolding is having on Princes Street Gardens.
A number of organisations voice their opposition to the market's location and this debate has featured in the local and national press.
This photograph was taken in November as the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 was being set-up. The market this year has received significant criticisms for the way it has been organised (planning processes) as well the impact the scaffolding is having on Princes Street Gardens.
A number of organisations voice their opposition to the market's location and this debate has featured in the local and national press.
The grass is greener next door
Location: Craiglockhart Hill
Why is it that many people leave the countryside to live and find work and cities and tired or disillusioned citizens decide to leave for the leafy peripheries of cities. Perhaps it is because the grass is always greener next door.
Edinburgh is fortunate enough to have many nature havens such as Corstorphine Hill, Blackford Hill, Braid Hills, or Craiglockhart Hill. They are a much needed oasis of calm away from the bustle and hustle from the city.
The difficult topology understandably makes them very difficult constructible surfaces and maybe this is for the better.
Why is it that many people leave the countryside to live and find work and cities and tired or disillusioned citizens decide to leave for the leafy peripheries of cities. Perhaps it is because the grass is always greener next door.
Edinburgh is fortunate enough to have many nature havens such as Corstorphine Hill, Blackford Hill, Braid Hills, or Craiglockhart Hill. They are a much needed oasis of calm away from the bustle and hustle from the city.
The difficult topology understandably makes them very difficult constructible surfaces and maybe this is for the better.
Stone, Iron and Steel
Location: View of the City Centre from Calton Hill, City Centre.
This photograph was taken from the top of Calton Hill looking at the development of the new St James Centre, over to the Melville Monument at the centre of the Frame and the National Records of Scotland dome under repair.
It highlights the different materials used for construction at different times throughout history, but also the ambition and scale of the buildings. The concrete towers of the new St James Centre seem to dwarf the lone column which, although made of standstone, looks vulnerable.
This photograph was taken from the top of Calton Hill looking at the development of the new St James Centre, over to the Melville Monument at the centre of the Frame and the National Records of Scotland dome under repair.
It highlights the different materials used for construction at different times throughout history, but also the ambition and scale of the buildings. The concrete towers of the new St James Centre seem to dwarf the lone column which, although made of standstone, looks vulnerable.
Calton Hill's autumn frame
Location: Pilrig Park, Leith
This photograph was taken close to sunset from Pilrig Park in the autumn of 2019. Many of the trees had started to lose just enough leaves to create windows of the landscape to open up this beautiful view.
To me, this picture represents so clearly how tied Edinburgh is to its topography and nature. Calton Hill is an island isolated from the bustling life of the city centre and this "autumnal frame" provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this.
This photograph was taken close to sunset from Pilrig Park in the autumn of 2019. Many of the trees had started to lose just enough leaves to create windows of the landscape to open up this beautiful view.
To me, this picture represents so clearly how tied Edinburgh is to its topography and nature. Calton Hill is an island isolated from the bustling life of the city centre and this "autumnal frame" provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this.
This is my home (1)
Location: Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve (Scottish Wildlife Trust).
In this picture, we can see a squirrel holding his hands together on a branch. None of the branches have their leaves left so the scene is bare, aside from the squirrel. This photograph was taken at Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve, Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, one of the few refuges for wildlife in the historic centre of the City of Edinburgh. Nevertheless, a home too squirrels and other wildlife too.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
In this picture, we can see a squirrel holding his hands together on a branch. None of the branches have their leaves left so the scene is bare, aside from the squirrel. This photograph was taken at Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve, Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, one of the few refuges for wildlife in the historic centre of the City of Edinburgh. Nevertheless, a home too squirrels and other wildlife too.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
This is my home (2)
Location: Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve (Scottish Wildlife Trust).
In this picture, we see a squirrel in a much more aggressive stance, holding up a paw as if about to attack. To me this picture represents the efforts that animals and organisation supporting wildlife have to put in to protect their habitat and biodiversity.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
In this picture, we see a squirrel in a much more aggressive stance, holding up a paw as if about to attack. To me this picture represents the efforts that animals and organisation supporting wildlife have to put in to protect their habitat and biodiversity.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
Apologies for any inconvenience
Location: Leith Street
This photograph was taken on Leith Street near the development of St James' centre. It shows a worker resting against a barrier looking at his phone while a bus rushes past.
It is sometimes easy to forget that, behind construction or development projects , are men and women whose safety may sometimes be at risk.
In discussing issues of conservation and urbanisation, it is important to also keep in mind that they also have an impact on jobs and livelihoods.
Finally, there is also an ironic side to this picture which shows a worker taking a break next to a sign apologising for the inconvenience caused during the progress of the works - in other words, that projects always take time and that disruption can be long-lasting.
This photograph was taken on Leith Street near the development of St James' centre. It shows a worker resting against a barrier looking at his phone while a bus rushes past.
It is sometimes easy to forget that, behind construction or development projects , are men and women whose safety may sometimes be at risk.
In discussing issues of conservation and urbanisation, it is important to also keep in mind that they also have an impact on jobs and livelihoods.
Finally, there is also an ironic side to this picture which shows a worker taking a break next to a sign apologising for the inconvenience caused during the progress of the works - in other words, that projects always take time and that disruption can be long-lasting.
The Spot
Location: Advocate's Close, Royal Mile
This picture presents such a contrast: on the one hand the low-ceiling passageway (close) and the vintage lantern in the distance leading down from the Royal Mile ; on the other a young lady wearing modern clothes waiting in a casual pose smoking a cigarette. In other words, the Old World Meeting the New World but there is nothing odd or innocuous about this picture. Or at least to me! And that goes right down to Edinburgh's identity and the fact that it blends perfectly the old and the new, with no one batting an eyelash.
This picture presents such a contrast: on the one hand the low-ceiling passageway (close) and the vintage lantern in the distance leading down from the Royal Mile ; on the other a young lady wearing modern clothes waiting in a casual pose smoking a cigarette. In other words, the Old World Meeting the New World but there is nothing odd or innocuous about this picture. Or at least to me! And that goes right down to Edinburgh's identity and the fact that it blends perfectly the old and the new, with no one batting an eyelash.
Crossroads (1)
Location: St Andrews Square
This is a busy picture. In the foreground, there is a pedestrian crossing the tram line with another group standing near an old building. Ovehead, electrical cables criss-cross. A little behind you can make out the top of a double decker bus and tree tops. Finally, the Firth of Forth and the Coast of Fife are in the background.
What a contrast between the different elements in this picture - modern developments such as the tram and lots of traffic signs, a busy scene. Meanwhile, the softness of the light in the background creates a sense of serenity and longing for the countryside, to want to cross over the river and to escape. The electrical cables provide that leading line.
This is a busy picture. In the foreground, there is a pedestrian crossing the tram line with another group standing near an old building. Ovehead, electrical cables criss-cross. A little behind you can make out the top of a double decker bus and tree tops. Finally, the Firth of Forth and the Coast of Fife are in the background.
What a contrast between the different elements in this picture - modern developments such as the tram and lots of traffic signs, a busy scene. Meanwhile, the softness of the light in the background creates a sense of serenity and longing for the countryside, to want to cross over the river and to escape. The electrical cables provide that leading line.
Crossroads (2)
Location: Royal Mile
Taken on the Royal Mile, this photo echoes the first with someone walking across the cobblestone street but in a fleeting manner.
This photo to me is evocative of a crossroads where so many encounters and visits were made, from locals and tourists alike.
One side of the street, where the shops are is well lit, the other isn't. The avenue, very quiet in the evening, might be filled with all these ghosts from the past.
Taken on the Royal Mile, this photo echoes the first with someone walking across the cobblestone street but in a fleeting manner.
This photo to me is evocative of a crossroads where so many encounters and visits were made, from locals and tourists alike.
One side of the street, where the shops are is well lit, the other isn't. The avenue, very quiet in the evening, might be filled with all these ghosts from the past.
Tyred stream
Location: Water of Leith (near Dean Village)
A single black tire stuck on a cut down tree stump in the middle of the Water of Leith stream. The water is clealy troubled and dirty - a murky yellow or brown colour. A simple image that shows the impact of human development on nature in an urban environment.
A single black tire stuck on a cut down tree stump in the middle of the Water of Leith stream. The water is clealy troubled and dirty - a murky yellow or brown colour. A simple image that shows the impact of human development on nature in an urban environment.
On the edge
Location: Near Hermiston Gate
This photograph was taken on the very edge of the city of Edinburgh, just past the Edinburgh Bypass (in the background), where the city ends and the countryside begins.
The trees and fence are reminiscent of traditional countryside scenes if it wasn't for the abandoned and broken down shopping carts standing awkwardly in the foreground.
This picture tries to illustrate how cities creep up progressively on the countryside - and in some cases to its detriment.
This photograph was taken on the very edge of the city of Edinburgh, just past the Edinburgh Bypass (in the background), where the city ends and the countryside begins.
The trees and fence are reminiscent of traditional countryside scenes if it wasn't for the abandoned and broken down shopping carts standing awkwardly in the foreground.
This picture tries to illustrate how cities creep up progressively on the countryside - and in some cases to its detriment.
Going back in Time
Location: George IV Bridge
This photograph was taken looking West from George IV Bridge onto the clock face of Magdalen Chapel (1544) and the Grassmarket area.
This view, to me is an illustration of the rich diversity of architecture in Edinburgh: the medival stone buildings in the foreground, tenement blocks with slate rooms in the main scenes with TV antennae and the University of Edinburgh's brick Laurieston Campus in the background. All of these contrasts, perfectly captured by the clock, remind us that time moves on.
This photograph was taken looking West from George IV Bridge onto the clock face of Magdalen Chapel (1544) and the Grassmarket area.
This view, to me is an illustration of the rich diversity of architecture in Edinburgh: the medival stone buildings in the foreground, tenement blocks with slate rooms in the main scenes with TV antennae and the University of Edinburgh's brick Laurieston Campus in the background. All of these contrasts, perfectly captured by the clock, remind us that time moves on.
Keep walking
Location: Princes Street, City Centre
This tongue-and-cheek picture brings together two unconnected signs.
Aside from the ironic message from the picture "Sorry, we're close, keep walking" - there is a more serious message behind it.
Change in cities does not only apply to residential but also business accommodation. Many main streets in Scotland, have seen huge changes and turnover of brands or independent shops.
Shops and front windows have a big role to play in the 'feel' or identity of a particular location or place and should not be underestimated. One example could be the many independent shops of Leith.
Disclaimer: This picture was slightly edited to remove branding.
This tongue-and-cheek picture brings together two unconnected signs.
Aside from the ironic message from the picture "Sorry, we're close, keep walking" - there is a more serious message behind it.
Change in cities does not only apply to residential but also business accommodation. Many main streets in Scotland, have seen huge changes and turnover of brands or independent shops.
Shops and front windows have a big role to play in the 'feel' or identity of a particular location or place and should not be underestimated. One example could be the many independent shops of Leith.
Disclaimer: This picture was slightly edited to remove branding.
I'm watching you (1)
Location: York Place
This picture aims to demonstrate the threat that new developments can pose to Edinburgh's identity in a metaphorical way.
In this picture, the angle of the crane from the St James centre redevelopment is tilted menacingly towards the spires of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1814).
Rightly or wrongly perceived, this photo aims to capture the feeling that old buildings (and identity) can be under attack or threatened by new developments or innovation.
This picture aims to demonstrate the threat that new developments can pose to Edinburgh's identity in a metaphorical way.
In this picture, the angle of the crane from the St James centre redevelopment is tilted menacingly towards the spires of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1814).
Rightly or wrongly perceived, this photo aims to capture the feeling that old buildings (and identity) can be under attack or threatened by new developments or innovation.
I'm watching you (2)
Location: Holyrood Park Road, Newington.
In this picture we can see a telecommunications tower in the foreground and St Leonard's Hall in the background.
This is a clear example of the contrasts where heritage and modern living comes together in urban centres.
Also, sneakily hidden in the picture is a CCTV camera towards the bottom right. A reminder that new technological developments also have an impact on our privacy
In this picture we can see a telecommunications tower in the foreground and St Leonard's Hall in the background.
This is a clear example of the contrasts where heritage and modern living comes together in urban centres.
Also, sneakily hidden in the picture is a CCTV camera towards the bottom right. A reminder that new technological developments also have an impact on our privacy
Go fish (1)
Location: Newhaven Harbour
I find it easy sometimes to forget that Edinburgh is by the sea. Edinburgh is many things - it has plains to the West, Hills to the South and the Sea to the North. This of course means that it has a rich maritime heritage
I find it easy sometimes to forget that Edinburgh is by the sea. Edinburgh is many things - it has plains to the West, Hills to the South and the Sea to the North. This of course means that it has a rich maritime heritage
Go fish (2)
Location: Duddingston Loch, Duddingston
Enjoyment of urban centres, including their green spaces should not be a privilege reserved to those who can or are able to access them.
I came upon this sign at the natural reserve at Duddingston Loch which I found to be very important - decision-makers have a key responsibility to protect not only our environment but also the most vulnerable and those requiring more support in society.
Enjoyment of urban centres, including their green spaces should not be a privilege reserved to those who can or are able to access them.
I came upon this sign at the natural reserve at Duddingston Loch which I found to be very important - decision-makers have a key responsibility to protect not only our environment but also the most vulnerable and those requiring more support in society.
Transition (1)
Location: Pentland Hills, Swanton
A lot of energy is needed to power our cities, which includes Edinburgh.
In this picture taken on the Pentland Hills, I tried to capture the relationship we have with the development of renewable projects.
Wind turbines can have impacts on the landscape and wildlife or ecosystem where they are installed. However, they also provided much needed renewable energy to end dependence on the consumption of fossil fuels.
A lot of energy is needed to power our cities, which includes Edinburgh.
In this picture taken on the Pentland Hills, I tried to capture the relationship we have with the development of renewable projects.
Wind turbines can have impacts on the landscape and wildlife or ecosystem where they are installed. However, they also provided much needed renewable energy to end dependence on the consumption of fossil fuels.
Transition (2)
Location: Princes Street, City Centre
In this picture we can see a woman riding an electric scooter carrying her shopping on in the city centre with many people walking in the background.
The simple message behind this message is that the modes of transportation we use have a big impact on the city: not only from a usage perspective but also driving demand. It follows that the more people use public transport or sustainable methods where possible, the more developments and improvement projects will take these into account.
In this picture we can see a woman riding an electric scooter carrying her shopping on in the city centre with many people walking in the background.
The simple message behind this message is that the modes of transportation we use have a big impact on the city: not only from a usage perspective but also driving demand. It follows that the more people use public transport or sustainable methods where possible, the more developments and improvement projects will take these into account.
The Show Must Go On (1)
Location: Princes Street, City Centre
In the forground of this picture is the King's Own Scottish Borders World War One Monument statue, looking onto the swing ride of Edinbugh's Christmas Market and the Walter Scott monument in the background.
This picture was taken in the context of a discussion within Edinburgh about the future of the city and whether it is becoming a "theme" park.
This picture has lots of contrast within it. Firstly the metal tower and the swing riders flying through the skyline next to the rigid buildings, but also the colour that it brings, compared to the dark stone weathered by many years.
Whether, the viewer's view, the swing ride sits uncomfortably next to these monuments, or whether it livens up the scene - in any case, it does make a bold statement.
In the forground of this picture is the King's Own Scottish Borders World War One Monument statue, looking onto the swing ride of Edinbugh's Christmas Market and the Walter Scott monument in the background.
This picture was taken in the context of a discussion within Edinburgh about the future of the city and whether it is becoming a "theme" park.
This picture has lots of contrast within it. Firstly the metal tower and the swing riders flying through the skyline next to the rigid buildings, but also the colour that it brings, compared to the dark stone weathered by many years.
Whether, the viewer's view, the swing ride sits uncomfortably next to these monuments, or whether it livens up the scene - in any case, it does make a bold statement.
The Show Must Go On (2)
Location: Canongate (Royal Mile), Old Town
Edinburgh World Heritage is the organisation responsible for the management of the UNESCO world heritage states of Edinburgh.
With this responsibility also comes the management of older buildings, requiring lots of maintenance to ensure they are safe, for residents and tourists alike, working with individual or corporate owners of buildings.
With the necessary refurbishment of buildings also comes disruption, as illustrated by this picture.
While the development of new infrastructure or buildings is more commonly associated with disruption, it must be remembered that conservation efforts also take significant planning and efforts to deliver.
Edinburgh World Heritage is the organisation responsible for the management of the UNESCO world heritage states of Edinburgh.
With this responsibility also comes the management of older buildings, requiring lots of maintenance to ensure they are safe, for residents and tourists alike, working with individual or corporate owners of buildings.
With the necessary refurbishment of buildings also comes disruption, as illustrated by this picture.
While the development of new infrastructure or buildings is more commonly associated with disruption, it must be remembered that conservation efforts also take significant planning and efforts to deliver.
Skyline
Location: Craiglockhart Hill
A large Emirates plane is about to land at Edinburgh airport with the towering structures of the Queensferry crossing in the background.
Conservation and development forces' elbows not only jostle on the ground where space is scarce but also in the air.
In an international city where tourism is of vital importance, air links with the world are crucial. However, air traffic also has an impact on communities - sound, air and other kinds of pollution that require careful management to ensure that disadvantages do not outweigh benefits.
A large Emirates plane is about to land at Edinburgh airport with the towering structures of the Queensferry crossing in the background.
Conservation and development forces' elbows not only jostle on the ground where space is scarce but also in the air.
In an international city where tourism is of vital importance, air links with the world are crucial. However, air traffic also has an impact on communities - sound, air and other kinds of pollution that require careful management to ensure that disadvantages do not outweigh benefits.
Error 404 - No return
Location: Newhaven Road
Error404 - No return is inscribed on the stickers that are stuck to this telephone cabin on Newhaven Road.
In the 21st century where so many people now have and use mobile phones, one might ask what is the use of these telephone cabins?
The famous red telephone box are now seen as highly attractive as a reminder of times past, yet there seems there is no love lost on these more modern telephone boxes.
Another demonstration of how the pace of technology can often overtake the speed at which we are able to integrate it within our society.
Error404 - No return is inscribed on the stickers that are stuck to this telephone cabin on Newhaven Road.
In the 21st century where so many people now have and use mobile phones, one might ask what is the use of these telephone cabins?
The famous red telephone box are now seen as highly attractive as a reminder of times past, yet there seems there is no love lost on these more modern telephone boxes.
Another demonstration of how the pace of technology can often overtake the speed at which we are able to integrate it within our society.
Revolving priorities
Location: Picardy Place
When this photograph was taken in January 2020, the works on York Place were nearing completion. Following weeks of roadworks, changing signs, priorities, roundabouts, things were going to an end.
I called this picture "revolving priorities" as it clearly showed that both the roads and the cycleway were now finished, yet the cycleway was closed and the road opened to cars.
Of course, there may have been very good reasons for the cycleway to be closed, however this picture is meant to highlight that the development of alternative to car ownership - though integrated in plans - are sometimes not at the forefront.
When this photograph was taken in January 2020, the works on York Place were nearing completion. Following weeks of roadworks, changing signs, priorities, roundabouts, things were going to an end.
I called this picture "revolving priorities" as it clearly showed that both the roads and the cycleway were now finished, yet the cycleway was closed and the road opened to cars.
Of course, there may have been very good reasons for the cycleway to be closed, however this picture is meant to highlight that the development of alternative to car ownership - though integrated in plans - are sometimes not at the forefront.
Cycle-pooling
Location: Greenbank
Two young men are cycling together on one bycicle. Meanwhile a car is parked on the side of the road.
This spontaenous scene I just managed to capture is a different take on carpooling. While not necessarily the safest way of travelling - including the lack of helmets - it is undoubtedly better for the environment.
Two young men are cycling together on one bycicle. Meanwhile a car is parked on the side of the road.
This spontaenous scene I just managed to capture is a different take on carpooling. While not necessarily the safest way of travelling - including the lack of helmets - it is undoubtedly better for the environment.
Once upon a boat (1)
Location: Union Canal
This picture was taken on the banks of Union Canal near a boat and rowing rental place - setting the context for the past use of this canal, as well as its industrial activities, it was used for recreation.
The canal is still used today by rowers, for pleasure and by sports team, however I suspect the dating scene has moved on from these activites as highlighted by the next picture of abandoned boats overtaken by nature.
This picture was taken on the banks of Union Canal near a boat and rowing rental place - setting the context for the past use of this canal, as well as its industrial activities, it was used for recreation.
The canal is still used today by rowers, for pleasure and by sports team, however I suspect the dating scene has moved on from these activites as highlighted by the next picture of abandoned boats overtaken by nature.
Once upon a boat (2)
Location: Union Canal
See previous picture for full description.
See previous picture for full description.
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