Uploaded on 2014-10-13 by mmenzel

Taken from downtown Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA, at sunset looking west at the Interstate-10 bridge, crossing the Mississippi River. Two pieces of "invisible information" that can be extracted out of the visible information: 1. The large presence of energy infrastructure (visible by the shipping tanker under the bridge, the white spherical tanks on the right and the flat barge ships under the bridge on the left) continues operating all day and night, regardless of time of day. 2. The bridge is the major arterial road and clearly connects both sides of the river, telling us that the industrial facilities located on the west bank of the river are crucial and critical to the city located on the east side of the river and that without the bridge, these two systems would not operate successfully. By further studying, analyzing and understanding the energy infrastructure system present, this invisible information could become knowledge and significantly contribute to the planning of a more livable urban space. Specifically, if we seek to understand WHY the energy infrastructure operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; what is driving the demand for this energy and production; where is the barge heading - upstream or downstream, why, and to whom? If we answer some of these questions and unknowns about the energy infrastructure and production, we can aim to reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy and instead, focus our time and efforts to creating a more livable and enjoyable environment. Understanding the current energy system can ensure we plan and create more efficient energy systems for future cities. [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14131666335227301.jpg