Dupont Circle…
July 16, 2008 at 8:43 amDC, Exteriors, People, dupont circle, parks
… in all its glory! Everyone in DC knows that the best part about Dupont Circe is the people watching that you can do there. And the overhearing. Any time of day is good for sitting and watching the world walk, saunter, scurry, or pedal on by — the young, trendy, old, gay, straight, homeless, hipster, healthy (see above), hearty, professional, and.. i’m running out of adjectives now… sometimes combinations of them all.
Being the archy-nerds that we are, Matt and I always discuss what it is about Dupont Circle that makes it such a successful park and public gathering space. Successful here being defined as a place that is always crowded and full of activity (maybe not so successful in terms of clean, free of rodents, and other such barometers…)
My answer is that Dupont Circle offers something for everyone. It provides tiers, or levels, of separate-yet-conjoined areas for activity to take place. Working from the center out, you have:
the fountain. - The center and most important area, highly visible, and it creates sound and visual interest when the water is flowing. The people who go here are the ones who want to be seen. They are the flaunters, the A-types. This applies to people on the immediate fountain ledge but most especially to those I’ve seen in the actual fountain water. Dogs too.
the fountain steps. - Slightly lower than the fountain area, still a prominent place to be, this is usually where the couples or dog owners are sitting.
the paved area. - Mostly a component of circulation. You have all types here. Bikers pass through quickly, but the walkers usually take their time. These are the people who want to be seen too, but not in the spotlight and not for an extended period of time. (Unless, however, you are a street performer, then you stay here because this is the best place for you to entertain.)
benches, row 1. - The best place to do the looking. This is where people eat and watch and rest.
grass strip. - The place for loungers and loafers, mellow people, and people with blankets. You rarely ever see business professionals sitting in the grass, but you do see first-date picnickers and hippies, and resting bikers.
benches, row 2. - Hmmm, are you really in Dupont Circle anymore? Yes… but this is the outside looking in. The majority of the homeless people congregate here. Some of these benches are currently in a state of disrepair… but it’s still a great place to sit if you don’t want to be in the middle of it all… more of an area for overall observation.
So that’s what makes it a success- all those areas and where they overlap. It’s got a comfort zone for anyone and everyone. And that is your partial Dupont Circle analysis for your Wednesday!
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July 16th, 2008 at 10:12 am
What about the guys constantly playing chess?