Types of paths

[JoeStrout]

We're working today on filling out the rather empty "Path" tab on the Manage palette.  Currently there is only one type of path, "Footpath", which is a 4-meter-wide tiled path for mixed use.

We are going to be adding at least two, maybe three more path types, and possibly changing that one.  All this has led to some research into path types in both urban and rural settings.

This blog has some interesting musings on path types by their usage ("Of 10 path types, only 8 are for walking").  Lots of interesting food for thought there.

One thing that has occurred to us recently is that with the coming of delivery drones, roads and vehicles in a space colony are probably even less necessary than previously thought.  The main reason to have them, in a city at least, is to move heavy things around... but if you can do that through the air, then you don't need to congest the ground any more.  Of course this assumes some sort of mass-transit system that can move people (and handheld packages) more effectively than just walking around.  We'll get to that too, though probably not in the next release.

Still, if anybody here has an interest in urban architecture, please chime in!  We'd love to hear your thoughts.

[JoeStrout]

Just a quick follow-up: this Trail Design Guide from the city of Portland is pretty interesting, too!

[ProjectIon]

(03-03-2016, 09:14 AM)JoeStrout Wrote: Just a quick follow-up: this Trail Design Guide from the city of Portland is pretty interesting, too!

Interesting stuff. I would think the footpaths inside a space colony, particularly if it is one of modest size, would have an importance that was more than just for moving things around.  The inhabitants are likely to value having paths that go for as long as possible, especially after they've been living inside the habitat for a while.

That way, they have somewhere to amble, strut or jog along and to get out and see the (admittedly rather small compared to Earth) world!  This may be the most important use for paths.

[DerekM]

Good evening. How about automated walkways like you find in some airports along side regular foot paths. Also, I think it would be a good idea to have monorails or some kind of rail system. Accessible yet not intrusive.

[JoeStrout]

Yep, all of that is on our to-do list, but will have to wait a few more versions yet!

[DerekM]

(04-13-2016, 05:56 PM)JoeStrout Wrote: Yep, all of that is on our to-do list, but will have to wait a few more versions yet!