Walking the Internet in Times Square (Walk in NYC, 1 of 3)
How does one “see” the internet? Through walking plus some guided dialogue, we will explore how the internet is not some ethereal, untouchable thing, but physically rooted — connected by underwater submarine cables and served from data centers containing many literal computers worldwide. Simultaneously, how can exploring the internet as we can easily in the physical world — meandering, drifting, maybe losing sense of direction — bring new life into it and vice versa?
This is a series of three walks happening on three consecutive Saturday afternoons in July and August to explore physical and cultural infrastructure in New York City. The walks are led by Alex Wolfe and Laurel Schwulst and each begins in a different place in Manhattan.
Come for one walk, two, or all three! Note that by RSVP-ing for this walk ( 1 ), you are only signed up for this walk. To sign up for the others, follow these links:
RSVP for Walk on 7.26 ( 2 )
RSVP for Walk on 8.2 ( 3 )
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"Walking the Internet"
Series of Three Walks — 7.19, 7.26, 8.2
with Alex Wolfe and Laurel Schwulst
presented by Ultralight School
Title: Walking the Internet in Times Square
Duration: 3 hours
Location: This walk begins at Muji 5th Ave (475 5th Ave, New York, NY 10017) a short walk from the Bryant Park B, D, F, M and 7 trains. We'll explore Times Square and surrounding areas and end the walk at Moynihan Train Hall near Penn Station.
Price: This walk operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. At the end of the walk, you can pay whatever you feel the walk was worth (cash or card both accepted). Most participants choose to pay between $40-$60 per person.
Materials: Please wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of water. Note taking materials are encouraged.
Participants: We imagine this walk series is ideal for anyone — designers, writers, artists, programmers, urbanists, walkers, and others — who are interested in the intersection of the physical and digital world. We encourage participants who have a strong interest in the hidden systems that allow the world to function and open to hybrid event structures. This is a social series and best suited for people who enjoy conversation. Since these are walks, we imagine they are best for people who are comfortable walking distances up to 5 miles in potentially hot and humid weather typical during NYC summers.
Background: Most of us experience the internet through screens, browsers, and apps — layers of interface that make it feel abstract, even invisible. Yet beneath our feet and above our heads lie the often-overlooked systems that allow it to function. We've been inspired by Ingrid Burrington's book Networks of New York: An Illustrated Field Guide to Urban Internet Infrastructure and artists who embrace meandering and drifting — in both physical and digital realms.
Read more background on "Walking the Internet" here.
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Alex Wolfe is an artist, writer, and educator. His writing and photography explore the relationship between movement, the built environment, and memory.
Laurel Schwulst is an artist, designer, and educator. She creates works as living systems: spaces that cultivate curiosity, learning, and reflection. She has taught design at Princeton, Yale, and her own learning initiatives: Fruitful School and Ultralight School.