Set no limit yet on how intensified a life may become through purposeful configuration.

Arakawa + Gins, ‘Architecture: Sites of Reversible Destiny’, 121

Another aspect of the Tunnel Dance that did not exist in the existing architecture was the limitless approach to movement, specifically as relating to the path of the body. The majority of people experienced the site as part of the tunnel system, merely passing through on their way somewhere else. For those who stopped to sit, study or socialize, the areas for these activities were located away from the main path. The current path was also direct and uneventful. The intent was to alter the current linear path and to create new paths in order to give people not only a new way of passing through the site but new places to go.

Early attempts at altering the path used an obstacle to divert traffic and to create nodes of activity.

DIRECT VS. MEANDERING PATH

In the new design, the main path was redirected to the area between the staggered columns. Because the path was no longer straight, site users were lead to slow down and possibly consider staying on site instead of merely passing through. Since this area was directly below the skylight, its active nature is expressed doubly, both by the number of bodies as well as the amount and quality of light.

SINGULAR PATH VS. MULTIPLE PATHS

Additional paths have also been added to the exterior spaces on the site. By installing two sets of stairs, one leading up to Human Ecology and one leading up to the roof top walkway toward Buller and Machray Hall, people are encouraged to move laterally across the site. This also allowed for site users to enter the tunnel more directly from other points on the site, paths that did not exist before.

INACCESSIBLE VS. BARRIER FREE

Lastly, the existing site was not wheelchair accessible from the outside. The new scheme included both a ramp in addition to a stairs to reach the upper level leading to the outside. Since they were located at opposite ends of the site, able-bodied site users now have another option for exiting the building.