a little mapping
and some fabric!!
A few maps
Outside of my creative studio work, I work in a very technical field with geographic information systems (GIS). This is also how I “conveniently” make money, while strengthening the left side of my brain. In a world where we are so often co-opted into becoming cogs in an non-consensual machine, I have been privileged to work with a technology that I am extraordinarily passionate about. Since this is a gargantuan part of my life, I decided to share a little tidbit here.
Recently, I began an interesting analysis through a spatial statistics class I was taking for my graduate degree in GIS. I was curious about establishing a potential process to identify existing areas of potential food storage in Chicago that could bolster localized food redistribution through the Chicagoland Food Sovereignty Coalition. My main goal was to create a process that could be replicated with different inputs and geographies based on the group’s needs and interests.
For this initial run, I was particularly interested in identifying areas of statistical significance with high potential for storage surrounded by areas with low potential of storage and vice verse. This interest was sparked from redistribution ideas in regards to urban space and participatory zoning.
To build a base analysis, I used Chicago zoning and building footprint data to identify an approximate number of buildings per census block in the city. I then ran a cluster and outlier analysis to highlight areas with significance that could provide for a starting ground for organizing to redistribute the storage landscape throughout the city.
Map of the cluster and outlier analysis of the entire study area.
These clusters and outliers of interest can be seen in bright red and blue in the map above. With additional spatial analysis and manipulation, the neighborhoods with any census blocks assigned to one of these cluster or outliers, were exported. From there, neighborhoods that contained the top ten largest sum of the clustered blocks were exported for insight. This same process was taken for areas where cluster outliers exist. All top neighborhoods of interest are identified in the tables and map below.
Top ten neighborhoods with blocks identified
as high-low outliers of number of buildings per block
Top ten neighborhoods with blocks identified
as low-high clusters of number of buildings per block
Map displaying both top ten neighborhoods for high-low outliers
and low-high clusters of number of buildings per blocks in the study area
While at this point, this type of analysis is by no means conclusive and is riddled with methodological holes. However, I found this specific process to be an interesting way to look through gaps created by the existing systems. As a baseline approach, conducting a spatial analysis through this process is straight forward enough, while also having a concrete output of interest, that it can be replicated and utilized for organizing towards redistributive practices.
The Studio
We have been sort sort SORTING through a massive fabric donation given to the studio space last year. If you are interested in this gorgeous pile, I will be posting each fabric with a guess-timation of the type and amount on my Instagram highlights! Keep your eyes out and feel free to reach out with any follow up questions.
If the gram is not your jam, please respond to this email and we can coordinate getting the information to you or figure out a time to go through the pile in REAL life!
Upcoming events:
Masks are required (and provided!!!!!) for class.
It has been a blessing to share the studio space with Nichole and their practice. You can learn more about their classes on their website, and get tickets for our Sunday morning gentle yoga at the studio space here.
General information about the space:
Have ideas or want to collaborate with the space? Please reach out at ducksfloat@gmail.com
Interested in learning more about events or donating to the space? Find more information here.
We are currently looking for a band to share our space with! If you are interested, or know someone that may be, please reach out!
Needing a space for solo project time? Let me know and I would love to share space!
Recent views from current works in progress:
Things of Interest (from the archives):
Purchasing eSims allows people within Gaza to connect to the outside to communicate with their families and also to show what’s happening within Gaza. You can purchase eSims for Gaza here.
Trouble sleeping? This Yoga Nidra for Sleep meditation works like a charm to combat my battle with insomnia.
Finding yourself being judgmental of videogames and/or gamers? Learn how good they are for our brains with Allie Ward in Ologies!
Yes, it is almost summer in Chicago, but I am just loving these hats.
My partner had to beg me to wash my set from Gente Fina. It’s too comfortable and cool to ever take off!!!
Carina
“The universe began as an enormous breath being held.” - Ted Chiang