Ebbs and Flows

Castell's "Space of Flows" follows information throughout our ever-expanding series of complex networks. Changes in the way we live, change the way information is exchanged and from where it comes. Both valuable as an anology and as an example, is the changing face of the metropolis. The new "mega-opolis" which Castell exemplifies with the Pearl River Delta. He describes them as "discontinuous constellations of spatial fragments, functional pieces and social segments." Where the rural and urban are connected through the increasing posibility of commuting, the increasing possibilities of community and the exansion of cities.

For an example that hits closer to home look at BosWash the megaopolis that we are in the epicenter of. There are areas of discontinuity on the 95 coridor that runs down BosWash. I am more likely to wind up in Boston than the Bronx on any given weekend, or more relevantly I am more likely to wind up talking to someone in Europe on SL than anybody in Jersey. My exchanges become more associated with purpose than proximity. Proximity still takes it's toll of course, but outside of my neighborhood and my commute to school, proximity becomes less meaningful. I buy my vegtables from places I've never been in upstate New York. When I go to Jersey for Thanksgiving I will eat pears from Oregon orchards (Harry & David) that I have romped through. The Union Square farmers market is like a hub for the flow of fruit. Where those with the benefit of farm land can benefit from Manhattans flow of consumers and commerce.