For 2016 I will be working on a 10 x 10 project - 10 subject of 10 images each. The goal is to focus more on the storytelling possibilities of shooting a group of images instead of stand alone photographs. My first project is Skywalk.
SKYWALK
Skywalk 1/10 - Signage- © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
Des Moines, Iowa is one of many cities in the upper midwest that thought building a series of skywalks on the second story of their downtown would make it easier for workers to get around in bad weather. The unintended consequence was that the street level businesses all left the area and for years you could roll tumbleweeds down the roads.
Des Moines is finally seeing the light and focusing on bringing businesses, restaurants and shops back to the street level.
But the skywalks remain and besides walkers and office workers grabbing a quick lunch and hurrying to and from their cars and offices, many little businesses have taken root.
Skywalk 2/10 - Connectors - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
From street level you can see the series of skywalks criss-crossing the major downtown arteries. There are over 4 miles of skywalks in downtown Des Moines.
Skywalk 3/10 - Lunch Walkers - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
The skywalks are busy 3 times a day. Early morning, lunch hour and rush hour. In between there are just a few stragglers.
Skywalk 4/10 - Loners - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
At lunch you'll see many groups of people power walking to pick up lunch. There are also a few loners.
Skywalk 5/10 - Barbershop - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
There are a few small businesses that thrive on the skywalk. Restaurants, banks, etc. Barbers can get folks in and out quickly and back on their way.
Skywalk 6/10 - Stan and Son - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
Stan and Son Shoe Repair and Shine has been a skywalk fixture for years.
Skywalk 7/10 - Shoe Sale - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
Empty store fronts waiting for a new business to move in.
Skywalk 8/10 - Metal and Glass - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
The entrances to some of the financial businesses have put some architectural thought into their connectors.
Skywalk 9/10 - View from the Top - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
Looking out on Cowles Commons in front of the Civic Center.
Skywalk 9/10 - Reflections - © 2016 Michael F. Hiatt
The play of outside light and polished floors.