Gowanus Panoramas

Panoramas from some panoramic sites along the Gowanus channel collected during previous trips I and II.Click to enlarge.

 

Gowanus Canal: Approach II by Bike

I was approaching the Gowanus canal this time by bike downstream from 3rd street. Contrasting the upper/inner part of the canal this area is characterized by huge private industrial and retail lots located directly at the canal. This propoerty context creates a variety of borders which materialize in numerous intertwined fences and in-between spaces along the canal. Nicely enough these derelict areas left out of sight are the places where succession can take place and accomodate biological succession and human shadowy existence. At the end of the tour I met some people interested in the peotics of the Gowanus as well. The oil slick on the water was almost gulf-like this time.
Find here some peeks at the canal, into private lots, through fences and borders, onto landmarks and on situations of unintended beauty.

The Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn

The Gowanus canal in Brooklyn is an interesting site of future ecological cleanup and urban development. Like in many other places in Brooklyn you can sense the upcoming getrification and follow the ongoing construction processes. As the Gowanus canal has recently become a superfund site, there is lots of activity going on. For projects and activities along the Gowanus canal see also the site of the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation.
This will be the first entry of an exploration into this area. I was cycling there yesterday and got some impression about the urban fabric along the canal between 3rd street and butler street.