A Mental Image of the Penn Avenue & 7th Street Intersection
I took the 61A bus to downtown Pittsburgh, passing by the Monongahela River along the way, which has always been a treat to behold. In a way, this project is the complete opposite from our Visualizing class homework: I am going into the heart of the city to explore a busy intersection instead of losing myself in the woods. Yet both tasks are similar in that they require us to be present, to be engaged in the moment.
Physical Location
The intersection of Penn Avenue and 7th Street is quite close to Allegheny River. While Penn Avenue runs one way from east to west, 7th Street runs both ways. It is a very busy intersection with two bus stops.
Towards the south is the downtown area, where skyscrapers crowd together and cover up the sky. In contrast, looking north towards the Allegheny River, the buildings on 7th street opens up to the Andy Warhol Bridge, a beautiful, yellow, steel bridge.
On the north east corner of the intersection is a little garden with very realistic but fake magnolia trees and a sign that says “do not touch”. On the north west corner is a public space with rows of trees, stone benches, and a sculptural fountain. On the south east corner is a fancy, old-style theater called the “Benedum Center”. On the south west corner is a small parking lot with a poster of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
People
The people at this intersection consist of two groups:
- Busy passersby: students, people getting off from work, people getting on and off the buses
- Stragglers: families with little kids unwinding after a long day, friends hanging out, smokers sitting around
Most people wear fashionable business-casual clothing. And I noticed a lot of African Americans with colorful clothing and beads in their hair.
Atmosphere
At 4pm, the sunlight is still scorching hot upon the skin. The floor of the intersection is covered with red bricks, giving it an old-fashioned and cultured look. Closing my eyes, I can hear the sounds of the city: bus screeching, cars honking, children whining, loud music playing. I can smell gasoline, alcohol, and people smoking. There is a very urban and cultural vibe here, not at all unpleasant, even a little homey.
