URP 101A Fall 2014

Epitome District Writing Assignment #2-Pomona

Due Date: 7th Week of your section or during lecture (due to holiday on Tuesday)
Kevin Lynch identifies a district as a fundamental element of urban form. Districts are
"medium- to-large sections of the city .[and the]...observer mentally enters "inside of" a
district. Grady Clay identifies different types of "epitome districts:" starts, breaks, political
venturi, 'made by Gruen,' and identity makers.In this assignment, you will study an epitome
district within central Pomona. Reread the excerpt from Lynch's Image of the city (1960) and
the "epitome district" chapter in Close-up to help yourself identify what clues to look for
when hunting for an "epitome district."
Work with your team to identify an epitome district within downtown Pomona. Visit the place
together, but each student must write his or her own paper. Document your visit in your
sketchbook and with photographs. Use the materials about historic downtown Pomona that are
assigned for week 4 lectures when planning your visit and choosing the area on which to
focus.
Your sketchbook should include a minimum of four sketches from the Pomona field trip: two
verbal and two drawn sketches. Remember, a sketch is done "in-the-moment" and on site.
Remember to date and label your sketches.
Content: address these issues:
1. Where is the epitome district? Define the boundaries of the district. You will be given a
map of downtown Pomona. On this map, highlight the boundaries of the district as you
define it.
What clues identify it as an epitome district? Is it a "start?" Does it feature a "break," or
host a "political venturi?" Is it an epitome district of a type not named by Clay; if so, what
would you name it? (Seize the opportunity for a namegame here).
2.

3. What happens here? How is the district's history written in the observable clues of the
built environment or in the way people behave there?

What are the processes of change underway in this district--what kind of change is
happening, and at what pace?
4.

5.

What can a student of urbanism learn by visiting this epitome district?

Format and grading criteria:

Essay (4 points)
--Write about 400 words (2 double-spaced pages with generous margins).
--Make your essay coherent on its own-do not repeat the questions and do not write
disjointed answers to the questions. Rather, use the questions as references for what
you need to cover
Visuals (1 point)
--Include a map showing where your district is located. The map should make
clear the boundaries of the district you define. If the map helps support your
essay--e.g. if your district includes a "break," refer the reader to the map.
Include one or two (at most!) appropriate photographs, and refer to them in your
essay.
___________________________________________________________________

Grading criteria: This assignment counts for 5 points of your final URP 101 grade.
4.5-5.0: An excellent paper will fully address the issues and will focus on visual clues,
specifics of the neighborhood environment. The authors feeling about this neighborhood will
be communicated effectively. Clichd language, jargon, and repetitive language will be
avoided. The author will employ active voice liberally. There will be no errors of spelling,
grammar or usage. Sketching component will be complete.
4.0-4.4. A good paper will be competently written, but might slight one or more of the issues
or be short of specifics of the neighborhood environment. The author may be less successful
than the author of an excellent paper in communicating a sense of the neighborhood. The
author will avoid clichd language, jargon, and repetition. The author will not use passive
voice exclusively, but will also employ active voice. There will be few errors of spelling,
grammar or usage. Sketching component will be complete.
3.5-3: A paper that just passes will be flawed in one or more ways, but will nonetheless
address the assignment. It may seriously slight the issues and be short of specifics of the
neighborhood environment. The language may be tired or dull and the paper may have more
than a few errors of spelling, grammar or usage. Sketching component may be incomplete.
Less than 3.5: A failing paper will be seriously flawed, either by completely dodging the
issues or because of errors in writing that obscure the authors meaning. Sketching component
may be incomplete.