Multiple circulation plans: One innovation that was used during the creation of Central Park was a multiple circulation plan, where separate paths for pedestrians, horses and pleasure vehicles were made. This innovation relates directly to the Industrial Revolution because the invention of the motor car occurred during this time. For the first time, cars were mass produced on assembly-line in factories, and these vehicles could be purchased by the wealthier members of the public, who would use them both for pleasure and transport. Central Park’s multiple circulation plan is indicative of this aspect of societal change during the Industrial Revolution.
Crossing routes for commercial traffic:
Central Park was designed in such a way that commercial traffic could still traverse the park with minimal disruption to the people who enjoyed the peaceful space. This was achieved by designers Frederick Olmstead and Calver Vaux, who created sunken driveways that were obscured from sight by plants with dense foliage. This innovation relates directly to the Industrial Revolution because the designers had to work around New York city commercial traffic to create a serene and rustic space.
Hallett Nature Sanctuary:
Hallett Nature Sanctuary is situated north-west of the Pond, and comprises four acres of nature preserve, including bird species, racoons, rabbits, and woodchucks. The Sanctuary, as with all green, natured areas of the Park, is directly related to the Industrial Revolution because its purpose was to give city dwellers respite from the crowded tenement buildings where so many New Yorkers lived at that time. People lived and worked in ugly places and the City recognized that people needed an escape from that, hence why so many peaceful, verdant environments, such as the Sanctuary, were created.
- “Central Park: A Research Guide”. Central Park Conservancy. (2016). PDF.
- “Hallett Nature Sanctuary”. Central Park.com. (no date). Web.
- “Olmstead-Designed New York City Parks”. NYC Parks. (no date.) Web.
