Early in the research process, our group identified edges and boundaries as two concepts we thought to be central themes in our study of the beach and the bluff along the Historic Water Tower neighborhood. Edges differentiate the spaces we are studying and boundaries define the character of each space. As such, the concepts of edges and boundaries help to shape every aspect of our research, although they might not always be readily noticeable.
EdgesEdges form where two different ideas, groups, locations, or activities meet. Naturally, edges are rife with complexity as the two domains come together in harmony or stand in conflict with each other. This complexity makes edges a rich source of information.
In our research, we have studied edges along and surrounding Bradford Beach. These edges, to name a few, include the bluff along the beach, Lincoln Memorial Drive, and the shoreline of the beach itself. Over the last century, many of the edges in this area have changed and some have been created or destroyed. The bluff represents an edge between the city, the beach and the lake. But it also represents an edge between the neighborhood, which has retained much of its historical context, and the beach, which is frequently updated and is the site of much development. The bluff is a fascinating juxtaposition of these two habitable spaces coming into contact along a natural edge. It is a geographic feature that helps to both unite them as well as isolate the one from the other. |
BoundariesWithin the areas created by these edges, we have observed three kinds of boundaries: physical, interpersonal, and atmospheric. Physical boundaries produce hard divisions on the beach such as the concrete patio surrounding the bath house and the sand of the beach. Lincoln Memorial Drive is a physical boundary that separates the beach from the bluff. These types of boundaries can also be less permanent, such as a towel in the sand identifying where someone is lying.
Interpersonal boundaries differentiate groups of people. These boundaries separate people based on age, gender, race, or activity. These boundaries are more temporary than physical boundaries and change according to the movement of people across the bluff and the beach during different times of the day. Atmospheric boundaries change according to the time of day and type of people in an area. These boundaries mark different atmospheres or "vibes" of the area. While the objects and people in an area can affect atmospheric boundaries, less obvious influences such as music, ambient noises, and smells are also instrumental in marking atmospheric boundaries. |
Who We Are
Jonathan Schaefer is a Public History Masters student specializing in Historic Preservation at UW-Milwaukee. He joins the BLC Field School to gain hands-on experience in preservation and local history.
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Niyati Naik is a 2014 Masters of Architecture candidate at UW-Milwaukee. She is interested in historic preservation and joins the BLC Field School to better understand evolving landscapes and the extent of preservation in those landscapes.
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Maia Stack is an incoming freshman at UW-Milwaukee intending to major in Social Work and Community Education. She joins the BLC Field School to learn about Milwaukee's history and the way people tell stories.
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