Mapping Dumpsters and Scents in Brick Lane

One thought that came to me when I was compiling my portfolio at the end of the semester was how much I enjoyed the mapping exercise that I had to do sometime during the first semester here at Brookes. Previously at Taylor's college, my mapping and analysis of the site was merely limited to the gathering of raw data of the environment and circulation and other observed aspects which was then slapped on an A3 layout and presented and often forgotten afterwards. I never really understood what my tutor, Mr. Alvin, wanted when he kept saying to us to digest the information. Everytime we finished presenting our site analysis, he always went "So what does that mean?" And I was constantly rendered speechless.

Here, my tutors encouraged each of us to make use of the site mapping task creatively. Sure, there were still the usual observations like the ones I mentioned, but we were also required to produce our own 'personal mapping' to communicate and interpret our observations of the site. And it was this exercise that gave me a new outlook and perhaps understanding of this whole effort in mapping and site analysis.

Walking along Brick Lane, I was struck by the contrast in the atmosphere. Brick Lane was a place famed for the vintage clothing stores which littered the street. It was a place to go to hang out and take a break at the many alfresco cafes and dining venues especially around the Truman Brewery area. It's where the whole indie-chic scene is at. Just taking a stroll down the lane on a Saturday afternoon in summer, one can't help but notice the vibrant crowd hanging out around the area. Yet, all of that was located in a place which was dotted with trashcans and those large dumpster bins which were sometimes brimming with trash and situated just alongside notable eateries. And all of that made a distinctive gritty neighbourhood like no other with a more than subtle hint of stench which conflicted with the aromas from the curry houses.

It was then and there that I came to the realization that I wanted to map out the scents and smells along Brick Lane. After a little bit of discussion with my tutors, and a couple more trips back to the site during the bitter cold of November to record some data and literally sniffing out the area, I managed to churn out two maps. These maps were quite well-received by my tutors and eventually led me on to my design project. Apparently when they saw these maps, they were quite convinced of my observational methods. Do click on them to enlarge.

| The Dumpster Catalogue of Brick Lane



| The Scent Analysis of Brick Lane

I'm already looking forward to do some mapping and even catalogue-ing for my own record. Maybe in Oxford, maybe in Penang when I get back, who knows. But one thing's for sure, I'll have fun doing it.