Recommendations and conclusions

This first exploration has given me the material to start thinking about the potential of data visualization and experiential documentation, plus the advantages of photography, experiential data, and storytelling.

The City of Pittsburgh efforts to improve the Pittsburgh Steps by surveys and sharing the data is a great first discover. Nevertheless, the implantation of new ways to engage with the communities could result in more active and enjoyable result. Therefore, the municipality can engage with artist like Ms. Luwoski who has a deeper distinct understanding of the steps. I see several viable flows of collaboration or engaging in a partnership between public and private actors. 

The use of new technologies and experimenting with new ways to engage could be deeply positive as well. As seen from my research, the city is asking the people to fill out surveys or acts after 311 complaints. The result of future development in this issues could be different if the city develops other ways to obtain information or explore the city steps, this could be workshops or activities in the physical space. Thus, as seen in Ms. Steps project, an analog method is straightforward and clear. 

Inspiring by the "Whale Hunt Project" has given me the idea to use Ms. Steps project and turns the data into an interactive, user-friendly online platform. This new approach can be positive for the author since her ideas can be disseminated broadly and potentially convert a private project with the new use of data into a new way citizens can react and engage with the physical infrastructure of the city. 

As an urban designer, I have several recommendations that I can extract from this experience. Pittsburgh Steps were part of an intense. Which neighborhoods are being connected? What was its primary pedestrian network that serves the city for many years; it is worthwhile to explore ways to revive and re-discover the original purpose of the steps. Extra questions also remain possible like; Which neighborhoods are the steps being connected? What was the primary purpose in the past for these steps? Is it possible a new interpretation of the distinctive character of the steps? Are communities willing to revive their steps for a certain purpose or necessity? Is it necessary that new interventions have links with the history of the steps?

These are open questions to keep thinking in the way we act over the unique infrastructure in the city and to recognize the potential to transform the urban realm by engaging with public and private actors.