This reminded me of the story about the design of UC Irvine. The founding chancellor, Dan Aldrich, had the circular center of the campus ringed by a paved path but no paved paths were placed crosswise so that the first and subsequent students could create their own paths (from building to building). The perfect metaphor for what all college student should do.
I came here to say the same thing. I wish more campuses did this. Drives me a bit crazy where I work that there's this grand plan of paths but the efficient route from A to B is not a defined path. They even sometimes put down temporary paths (rubbery boardwalk stuff) to protect the grass underneath. Facepalm.
I never knew what these were called. So fascinating to think about this as a figurative concept. It makes me think of “A Room of One’s Own” when Woolf (or her imagined narrator) strays from the path only to be placed back on it by the Beadle. And then of course there is Frost and “The Road Not Taken.” These aren’t merely bifurcations here but do offer this sense of choice.
Thanks so much for this. I shall keep pondering it and try to experience one soon!
During the pandemic there were many new desire paths made in our local park, by people needing to keep their distance. They were often in parallel, which made me think they were made by friends wanting to still be able to walk and talk.
I like the idea of a new park having no paths and letting the people decide where one should be.
So that's how it is called! Now my life starts to make sense ))
Seriously speaking though, is it possible that the reasoning behind one person's choice for a desire path is twofold: longing for authenticity and connection + desire for individuality and autonomy? Or, one reason will eventually evolve into another?
Wow. Just wow. I've never thought of anything like that when I see or even walk on desire paths. Now I'm gonna start being reminded of this essay when I come across one. I love and thank you for this!
Great subject and well addressed, a concept that sniffs of evolution selection.
There is, however, the dark side, those who enter the opposite of a one way street, jay walk or simply cut access across the corner house’s front lawn.
War battles are often won or lost by desired paths taken. Almost every restaurant parking lot has a desired path to the front entry but the gardener is not pleased. A good engineer designs paths that intuitively follow desired paths.
This reminded me of the story about the design of UC Irvine. The founding chancellor, Dan Aldrich, had the circular center of the campus ringed by a paved path but no paved paths were placed crosswise so that the first and subsequent students could create their own paths (from building to building). The perfect metaphor for what all college student should do.
I came here to say the same thing. I wish more campuses did this. Drives me a bit crazy where I work that there's this grand plan of paths but the efficient route from A to B is not a defined path. They even sometimes put down temporary paths (rubbery boardwalk stuff) to protect the grass underneath. Facepalm.
I never knew what these were called. So fascinating to think about this as a figurative concept. It makes me think of “A Room of One’s Own” when Woolf (or her imagined narrator) strays from the path only to be placed back on it by the Beadle. And then of course there is Frost and “The Road Not Taken.” These aren’t merely bifurcations here but do offer this sense of choice.
Thanks so much for this. I shall keep pondering it and try to experience one soon!
I can’t remember where I first heard the name but it’s always stuck with me. Love your take on this also 👌🏽💕😊
Desire paths, or every engineer’s silent way of saying, “fixed that for you.” 😂
Haha 😆
During the pandemic there were many new desire paths made in our local park, by people needing to keep their distance. They were often in parallel, which made me think they were made by friends wanting to still be able to walk and talk.
I like the idea of a new park having no paths and letting the people decide where one should be.
I love the idea of people creating their own paths and going their own way.
The desire path sounds like a wonderful place to be.
I very much agree yes 💕
Desire paths... So romantic. I think I've forged a couple in my life. I may have followed a few as well.
I think so too.
So that's how it is called! Now my life starts to make sense ))
Seriously speaking though, is it possible that the reasoning behind one person's choice for a desire path is twofold: longing for authenticity and connection + desire for individuality and autonomy? Or, one reason will eventually evolve into another?
PS: I think my morning coffee was too strong...
Haha glad to have put a name to them for you. I think you might be right yes, good thinking. Mine too, but strong coffee is good coffee yes?
Yes! Fuels brain activity (but also prompts some weird thoughts and ideas, lol)
That indeed! Weird thoughts are where all my writing ideas come from haha
100% relatable ))
Coffee has made me the crazy person I am today haha
I blame my mom for making me a coffee addict. My mom is Armenian, and apparently coffee is in our blood lol
Wow. Just wow. I've never thought of anything like that when I see or even walk on desire paths. Now I'm gonna start being reminded of this essay when I come across one. I love and thank you for this!
Inspirational!
Many thanks 😊
This was beautiful. I long to write as concisely yet fulsomely as you do 💛
Thank you so much, that’s really kind of you 💕
Great subject and well addressed, a concept that sniffs of evolution selection.
There is, however, the dark side, those who enter the opposite of a one way street, jay walk or simply cut access across the corner house’s front lawn.
War battles are often won or lost by desired paths taken. Almost every restaurant parking lot has a desired path to the front entry but the gardener is not pleased. A good engineer designs paths that intuitively follow desired paths.