Environmental Management

, Volume 13, Issue 1, pp 117–123 | Cite as

Toward an applied phenomenology: The case of abandoned pier use in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA

  • David Wilson
  • J. Andrew Slack
Research

Abstract

This research demonstrates the contribution of phenomenological inquiry within the realm of geographic and environmental planning. The contention is that a focus on the wide range of individual meanings and values ascribed to landscapes, a marginalized element in many planning assessments, can bring out data to more substantively inform decision making, A case study of user meanings imparted to residual waterfront land in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA, suggests that such property provides an array of amenities to residents. Most importantly, it expands the range of recreational activities, creates visual relief from the monotonous urban milieu, and provides scenic vistas to promote an awareness of the quality of life still possible in cities. The study concludes that planners can use phenomenology to generate data for more judicious decision making.

Key words

Phenomenology Subjectivity Cognition Landscape 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag New York Inc. 1989

Authors and Affiliations

  • David Wilson
    • 1
  • J. Andrew Slack
    • 2
  1. 1.Department of Geography Cavanaugh HallIndiana University at IndianapolisIndianapolisUSA
  2. 2.Department of GeographyBall State UniversityMuncieUSA

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