The Virtual Walking Tour of City - Research Paper Example

Virtual Walking Tour Assignment Table of Contents Thesis ment 3 Part I 3 Important Features of Paris 3 ‘Sense of Place’ in Paris 4 Benefit Related To Landscape of Paris 4 Comments on Jim’s Commentaries (Paris) 4 Part II 5 Important Features of Detroit 5 ‘Sense of Place’ in Detroit 6 Benefits Related to Urban Landscape of Detroit 7 Comments on Jim’s Commentaries (Detroit) 7 Part III 8 Important Features of Dallas, Texas 8 Transportation System of Dallas 8 Economy and People of Dallas 9 Weather Condition in Dallas 9 Downtown Dallas 9 History and Famous Monuments of Dallas 10 Works Cited 13 Thesis Statement The paper intends to narrate the virtual walking tour of city streets including Paris, Detroit, and Dallas. The paper also comments on the climatic conditions, people, history, economy, architecture of the cities stated above, and it also displays images of certain particular important places that have been discussed below. Part I Important Features of Paris According to Jim, an author as well as a critic of urban architecture and design, Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world. Walking along the streets of Paris offers a marvelous experience to the visitors. The streets in Paris are well designed. Furthermore, he considers that the streets in Paris are narrower than those of American streets. Accordingly, parking lots in Paris are built on both sides of the streets. He also finds that the streets in Paris are smaller and unlike huge vehicles such as trucks that run across the streets of America, the trucks in Paris are relatively smaller in size and are designed according to the local culture and the widths of the streets. Arc Du Triumpf ‘Sense of Place’ in Paris Jim tries to distinguish the streets of Paris with that of American streets. The sites across all the streets of Paris are accompanied by a number of small and big shops such as wine shops, beef shops, pork shops, bread shops, chocolate shops and many other different shops selling a variety of interesting products. He states that the buildings along side of the streets are maximum seven-storeyed. The most interesting thing that I find is the size of buildings along the streets. I find that almost all the buildings were similar in size, the majority of which were seven-storeyed. The diversity in the buildings was conspicuous only at the ground floor of the building while the rest of each was uniform with others. The widths of the buildings were greater than the width of the street and were more like monuments (Latour and Herment). Benefit Related To Landscape of Paris I think Paris has one of the world’s stunningly beautiful urban landscapes. The uniformity in buildings depicts the unity of people in Paris. Each building is unique in itself. A building’s design does not depict the superiority over other buildings. Despite the streets being narrow, there are seldom traffic problems. The shops selling a variety of grocery products and other interesting products indeed offer people a wide choice. Moreover, the trees are planted alongside of the streets, and parking lots provide people with cool shade during the summer and help in controlling air pollution. Comments on Jim’s Commentaries (Paris) Jim commented that French people probably make the best combination of formality and geometry in park designing. I strongly agree with Jim in this context. Paris is known for its many elegant parks. Among these parks, a few date back to 17th century while others have been designed in last couple of years. These parks indeed reflect the superiority of French artisan. The architectural styles represented by the French parks are unique; moreover, lawns and trees are oriented in symmetrical geometric patterns (Bruck and Tierney). It is for this reason that Paris is often known for its beautiful parks and gardens as well as for architecture excellence that the Parisian use for making these parks and gardens. An individual can have pleasure and enjoy the greenery, leafy treats while walking around the city of Paris. Part II Important Features of Detroit Jim identifies that Detroit located in Michigan, United States, was once one of the richest cities in the world. It is also known as a motor city. The iconic companies such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler have brought prosperity to the city as well as to the people of Detroit. It is the place of culture and is recognized as tourist capital. Once the city of Detroit was fourth largest city located in the USA. According to Jim, in the Downtown of Detroit, streets are lined up with abandoned hotels and factories (Farley, Couper and Krysan, “Race and Revitalization in the Rust Belt: A Motor City Story”). ‘Sense of Place’ in Detroit Detroit was once economically advanced industrialized and commercial cities in Northern America. During the end of the nineteenth century, it was the home of several industries including pharmaceuticals, cigar making machine and manufacturing among others. Jim identifies that despite such prosperity, cultural creativity and technological innovations, racial discrimination that broke out in 1967 had severely affected the entire city and its people. The issue of racial discrimination witnessed the death of hundreds of people. The racial discrimination between the colored and the white people in America that broke out in Detroit in 1967 was considered to be one of the apex racial discrimination riots that America has ever experienced. East Jefferson Avenue Benefits Related to Urban Landscape of Detroit The city of Detroit offers its people quality sidewalks along the city’s main streets. The main streets buildings usually are traditional in designs. The people living in Detroit are offered several distinguishing features such as night club and renowned museums. The city of Detroit is more hassle-free than other cities in the USA. However, the traffic in Detroit may not be as smooth as in other cities. Living in Detroit enables one to stay close to a number of marvelous sports events. The city of Detroit can be regarded as affordable for those living in the suburbs. The city offers friendly environment, exciting recreation and nightlife and vast knowledge of arts and culture that make it one of the favorite living cities not only in America but around the world (“Traditional Main Street Overlay Areas”). Comments on Jim’s Commentaries (Detroit) Jim states that the 19th century Detroit city was different from that witnessed in the 20th century. I am also convinced by the Jim’s statement. The city is located in the heart of Great Lakes region, and it has almost all the ingredients necessary for the industrial growth. Dozens of new companies including manufacturing companies emerged in Detroit during the 19th century that immensely added towards the prosperity of the people as well the city itself. Unfortunately, in 20th century the city witnessed several civil riots which resulted in wide spread destruction of property and life. Today, many hotels and monuments are left abandoned along the streets of Detroit. However, Detroit is presently re-vitalizing itself rapidly and consolidating its lost pride. Riverfront, 392 Atwater St., Detroit, MI Part III Important Features of Dallas, Texas The city of Dallas, Texas, is located in the northern-western part of the state in United States of America. The city of Dallas dates back to 1940, when it was considered as the major financial centre of the region. The city is recognized because of the tragic assassination of President Mr. John F. Kennedy in Dally Plaza (“1963: Kennedy shot dead in Dallas”). It is also known for its sporting achievements by the Dallas Cowboys, an American professional football franchise. The city cow-boys have won Super Bowl several times. Today, Dallas is much more developed than just being a city of skyscrapers, growing business and banking centers. The city of Dallas has transformed itself into a lively and one of the favorite tourist destinations in United States of America as well as that of the world. The identity of Dallas city can be linked with architecturally striking building, fine restaurants, excellent shopping centers, fascinating historical monuments, fabulous parks and museums among other exciting places to see. Transportation System of Dallas The transportation system in Dallas is efficiently organized and provides a variety of travel alternatives such as road, rail, air, taxi and trams. The travel network offers popular services through trams that connect uptown Dallas with the Arts District in downtown area. Taxis are the most common transportation mode in the city and are available throughout the city. The city is also the centre of road transport as there are three major highways passing through the city (“Transportation System”). Economy and People of Dallas Presently, Dallas is the major inland transportation centre of Texas, and it has emerged as rapidly growing financial and banking centre within the state (“Economic Progress in the Texas Economy”). In terms of people in Dallas, ethic majority comprises the whites while Hispanic descent and African American population make up the majority of the remaining population. There is also an influx of Asian and European immigrants in the city (“General Information”). Weather Condition in Dallas Weather in the city of Dallas is moderate and humid, summers are extremely warm while it experiences cool winters. The temperature of the city is hottest during the month of July and August which may range upto 380 C. Dallas also experiences the wettest season usually in spring time with heavy rainfall accompanied with thunderstorms. The most favorable time for tourists to visit Dallas is autumn season, i.e. from September to October. Autumn season in Dallas offers a pleasant ambience with warm sunny days and cool nights (“Satellite View and Map of the City of Dallas, Texas”). Downtown Dallas Downtown Dallas is considered to be an important business district. However, a few years back the streets in Downtown were vacated after five, but now living here provide an individual with enormous facilities. Downtown is now concentrated with a variety of facilities due to the availability a number of shopping malls, Dallas’s best restaurants and availability of local and imported products in Dallas farmer market and urban market, Dallas Museum of Art is also adjacent to Downtown. Downtown Dallas History and Famous Monuments of Dallas The history of Dallas dates back to 1841. The city then was just a home for 700 African –American people. The religion in the city of Dallas is dominated by the Protestant Christian community; however, one can also find numerous Baptist and Methodist churches located in different parts within the city. American Airlines Center located in 2500 Victory Avenue is a significant sports and entertainment complex in the Downtown Dallas. The major attractions of American Airlines Center include various events like basketball games (Jarrett and Herment). American Airlines Center Dallas J. Erik Jonsson Central Public Library located in 1515 Young Street is the city’s important public library. The library is the house for a vast collection of books including number of historically important books, documents and other local artifacts (“J. Erik Jonsson Central Library”). Dallas J. Erik Jonsson Central Public Library Furthermore, Dallas World Aquarium located in 1801 North Griffin Street, Dallas encompasses 85000 or more, gallons of salt water containing different species of sea creatures and marine life assembled from around the world. The most exciting feature of the aquarium is an underwater tunnel where a person can closely view and feel the life of marine creatures. Dallas World Aquarium The Bank of American Tower located in 901 Main Street is the tallest building of the city. The building was completed in 1985 and measures over 900 feet including 72 stories. The building reflects the significance of modern architecture in the city. Another historically important monument is John F. Kennedy Memorial situated in Dallas County Historical Plaza, which was constructed for commemorating the assassination of US, President John F Kennedy in 1963. Bank of American Tower The city of Dallas hosts amazing events and festivals almost throughout the calendar year. The traditional activities as well as modern concerts and ballets are performed in different occasions. The Old Red Courthouse, located in South Houston Street in Dallas, is an example of magnificent architectural work built in 1892. Presently, it is used as a museum. During 1900, Dallas had established itself as a major producer of medicinal drugs, jewelry, and alcoholic drinks. Women’s Museum located in 3800 Parry Avenue, Fair Park, reflects the importance of women in building consolidated society in America as well as the women’s achievements in arts, sports (“Analysis & Documentation”). The city of Dallas has huge selection of galleries. It encompasses traditional paintings and contemporary American arts. Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) located in 1717 North Harwood; Dallas is the city’s most attractive art museum, which has significant collections relating to American, African, European and Asian arts. Works Cited “1963: Kennedy Shot Dead In Dallas” BBC, 2005. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “Analysis & Documentation.” Dallas Park and Recreation Department, 2004. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. Bruck, Joanna, and Andrew Tierney. LandScapes of Desire. Archaeology, 2009. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “Economic Progress in the Texas Economy.” Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, 2005. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. Farley, Reynolds, Mick, Couper, Maria, Krysan. Race and Revitalization in the Rust Belt: A Motor City Story. Research Report, 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “General Information.” The Consortium, n.d. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. Jarrett, Melanie. Destination Texas. Southwest Spirit, 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.” Dallas Public Library, 2012. Web 22 Oct. 2012. Latour, Bruno, and Emilie Herment. Paris: Invisible City, 2006. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “Traditional Main Street Overlay Areas.” Planning & Development Department. 2006. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. “Transportation System.” North Central Texas Council of Governments, 2009. Web 22 Oct. 2012. “Satellite View and Map of the City of Dallas, Texas.” One World Nations Online, 2012. Web. 22 Oct. 2012. Read More