The Impact of Congestion on Experience

Rem Koolhaas describes an instance at Coney Island in the late 1800’s where, as it transitioned from an elite haven to a theme park for the masses, an attraction called the Steeplechase was created replacing a nice horseback ride on the beach into a mechanical ride on tracks around the park so that anyone could enjoy it. This occurrence is not something unique to the time of Coney Island, but is constantly happening around us today as congestion increases everywhere. Cities want to target the largest number of people and give them as much as they can in way of experiences, but what happens to those experiences as they are transformed? One view is that they become tarnished and unspecific to the place; another is that it is a gift to those who would not otherwise ever have access to it. Either way, it is important to consider the consequences as the transformation occurs and its impact. For me, the big question is how can we create architecture and cities that bring unique opportunities to the masses while retaining a regional and innovative touch?

Horses on the beach before the amusement park was built.

Pony Ride, Coney Island Samuel S. Carr, 1885

Postcard of the Steeplechase ride.