512: The Garden of Peace (Neumoegen)

This is the 4th post in my 512 project series. Broadly  it's an enquiry into how a sense of place can be created in a bounded 3D virtual space. You can read more about it here.

"Hidden behind Neumoegen Train Station. Serving breakfast for weary travelers." I've kept an interest in this garden of peace since it was bought two months ago, because it's the best place on the mainland to enjoy an al-fresco breakfast with a good sunrise.

In spite of being within a stone's throw from Neumoegen station on the Heterocera SLRR The parcel is hidden and has a "sunken" feel to it. It lies below a series of terraces that jut from the knees of the the Neumoegen wall and is surrounded on two and a half sides by pines. It is easier to get to since the banlines have been removed to the north and it can now be reached from the Grand Staircase by a gentle stroll across abandoned land or by a walled path. It also has access by open land down onto Route 1 and the local Stargate is The Rusty Gates of Neumoegen on the Alteran System. 

It is an inviting and satisfying place to spend some time. With the exception of the rare and unusual sculpture by Haveit Neox, it's assembled with commonplace objects (rather than super-cute gachas) that won't break the bank. It's peaceful and a little bit quirky/magical by virtue of the mushrooms, sculpture and fireflies.

for the 512 project, there are a few things that have given me food for thought.

Consistency and Variation

Since it inception, the garden of peace has undergone seasonal variation, with some elements being changed, and most recently the addition of a striking piece of sculpture. In spite of this, the familiar 'backbone' of the parcel has remained: the stream and bridge, the rocks, bench, and breakfast table. On repeat visits, it is always nice to see what's new, while essential and familiar features are maintained to give a sense of continuum.  

Many Sits

You can sit on the toadstools, on the rocks, at the table or on the bench (which also has couple sits). This offers a good selection for the lone visitor to find a spot that sits their mood or offers a different  angle of view. Furthermore, given that there's room for maybe seven or eight avatars to take the weight off their feet, this would make a nice casual venue for a get together or storytelling event.

Zoning

I became aware on this parcel of the creator having taken a 'zoning' approach to the design. This is a great concept to be aware of while putting a place together. The zones loosely divide into six areas of approximately equal size, arranged around the cruciform structure of the stream and bridge. 

There is the breakfast area, mirrored across the stream by the magical zone (toadstools, fireflies, rocks and bright flowers). The bench and a bare tree seem to form a piece, counterpointed over the bridge by the sculpture zone. At the bottom of the parcel, a family of foxes occupies  the rocks in one area across from a stand of pine trees.

Following the stream W to E, from the top to the bottom of the parcel, the space goes from open, to more enclosed, light to dense. So, while it's easy to enter the top, it's not easy to walk out at the bottom. This is a pleasing transition that, once again, makes for a lot of variety within a small space.

Topographical Realism

The stretch of stream errupts from under the rocks at the top, runs under the bridge and then disappears under more rocks. This detail makes sense. It seems very natural that a stream should surface here and disappear again, suggesting that the designer has considered how to make the topography self-contained and yet consistent with the surroundings. The course of the stream really does give a sense of flow, too: this parcel has a beginning, middle and end.

The Sculpture

I've left mention of the sculpture until last because, according to expectation, it should completely dominate the area. It is bright with orange, red and blue, and it stands tall - echoing the orange tower at Shin Moebaru station, which pokes above the trees to the south. While it certainly draws the eye and makes a passerby more likely to come and investigate, it also seems to harmonize well with the surroundings. This piece actually has a ethereal lightness and verticality to it that sort of scatters upwards and seems to be more part of the atmosphere over the parcel than a weight on the ground.

While the garden of peace provides a lovely setting for a curious and upliifting piece of art, it is not the overwhelming focus, and there's a peaceful welcome for anyone here.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Neumoegen/166/87/54