Author: Lisa

I really didn’t know what to expect my first day of Learning Places class.  I said to myself  “Understanding the City”, ok I can work with this, then I heard the word Architecture, and suddenly I wasn’t too sure anymore.   I was aware of the Architecture Major students in class and now I’m thinking ” those architecture students got one up on me, should I stay? or maybe leave and try again another time.   I was unaware that WAS my time, and I’m so happy I stayed.  Starting off with taking daily tours of the Downtown, Metro-tech area I gradually started to get a glimpse of what direction the Professors were trying to go with the class.  Then, moving forward with the Case study neighborhood Analysis of my neighborhood was like unveiling important facets of researched facts about my neighborhood that was always right there in front of me, but now uncovered.  Honestly I’ll never look at my neighborhood the same because of this class, let alone the Brooklyn Downtown , Metro-Tech areas. My vision is clear to the information, insight, and  knowledge in reference to these places since taking this class.  Both Professor Montgomery, and Professor Phillips with their diverse style of teaching the class made me want to push myself, and dig further into my research assignments.

The support of my team partner, and then having support from now a team of four, it felt real good to see how everything had come together, made sense, and was connected.  It made me reflect after leaving class that everything I’ve experienced up to this point made sense. The feelings of the unknown in the beginning, the challenges along the way,the jokes and in class wise-cracks, and in the end the completion of hand claps of support from my classmates. Even how we made each other smile and laugh.  As I stated before I really didn’t know what to expect my first day of starting class, but I took a chance and I stayed for the duration and because of this I’ve learned things that I would not have probably known otherwise. Factual knowledge that I can share with others,and that can also be in my opinion a good conversation piece, lol. In the end, I’m so happy I stayed. What a good feeling.

My previous Presentation with my partner Maxcovi went well. As the presentations continued again I’m seeing similar connections with the analytical research findings, which is a good thing as we move forward.   it’s like putting together a sort of blueprint via our research findings that will connect us further to obtaining a precise clear picture of our targeted area which is Metrotech.  From the audio clips, to the history of before and after from the presenters allows me to better grasp the upcoming steps for our next Case Study assignment moving forward.  There’s one group that presented actual letters from residents who were being displaced, revealed the cold hard truth that it basically went upon deaf ears was really eye-opening for me.

The Presentations on Wednesday were very informative.  I enjoyed all of the knowledgeable research the presenters displayed to the class.  I can tell that each group really took their time to connect with the Metro tech Analysis.  The architectural mapping of the Downtown area, and showing super blocks were interesting to me.  These presentations were good and the more I watch and see the findings of research that’s described by the presenters, I’m noticing similarities that’s connecting to a larger picture that’s actually coming together.  I’m looking forward to see more as my partner and I will present next.

My walk around the Metro-tech area was very informative.  I noticed that there was quite alot of changes of streets, Avenues, as well as, the buildings.  As we moved further into our walk I was trying to get an idea of what was there before what I was now seeing. I had some glimpse of memories as I stood across the street from Flatbush Extension and Myrtle Ave.  I remembered riding the B54 Myrtle Ave Bus straight through what is now the start of Metro tech Center.  Myrtle Avenue has been cut off and has ended from this point.  As I circled the area I noticed  high rise buildings, a supermarket that just look so tiny and minute to the luxury tower buildings, and a set of silver benches that’s dead center, ( no Pun intended) in the middle of Flatbush ext.  and Myrtle Ave.  It look so out of place to me with all the busy traffic going pass it.

I had to think about what is the goal here?  As I observed the present construction going on around me of what most likely will be luxury high tower buildings, I couldn’t help but to ask myself why is this happening now? Who is this benefiting? And at what further cost and expense will be made as this continues? I’m interested in having some concrete and in depth answers for this as I move further into my research.

My neighborhood analysis project was a very good experience. I’ve obtained some insightful knowledge of my neighborhoods’ history.  At first , I wasn’t sure what to expect but moving forward my interest grew in learning more  about the history of Mott Haven.  In doing this research project I’ve learned that my area was originally called Port Morris.  This name was derived from  its location, a port area for boats traveling via the Willis Ave Bridge that is actually a Swing Bridge widely used back in the early twentieth century to connect The Bronx and Manhattten . I like the fact that when I walk pass the  Clock Tower building in my neighborhood  that back in the day there were a bunch of grand and string pianos being built inside it. As well as, being able to know why certain bright yellow brick buildings  in my neighborhood stand out from the others because yellow bricks were a high commodity for building back in the early century.  I think it’s pretty cool having this information .

I believe that a neighborhoods history is a very important facet that’s a part of a much larger whole.  The past can always be used as an important blueprint for the future.Having completed my analysis research project results in me being more observation, objective, and inquisitive.  As I sat across the street from the Clock Tower Building and observed my surroundings with the  Third Ave Bridge to the right of me, cars on the Bruckner heading to cross the Bridge, the smell of good food coming from the Clock Bar lounge,  and seeing the people coming and going. I smiled at the thought of me always being so busy with my daily routines, that it hit me I was in the moment right there, being still,connecting with my neighborhood, and I was enjoying it.

I share about my research knowledge when it comes up for example, I was conveying to my 9 year old grandson Carlyle recently about a monument we walked by in my neighborhood,a statue that I’d never given much thought about before.  This is the impact of what my research project has done for me.  It has allowed me more knowledge from a clear,analytical and observant perspective coming from another place and time.  The silent voices coming from the things that were here before me.  The rich history of my neighborhood.

L.Hayes Powerpoint