Psychogeography | 29/09/2020

 "Pyschogeography is an exploration of urban environments that emphasizes playfulness and drifting"

Psychogeography links to the situationists and what they were representing and trying to protest. They wanted to encourage ordinary people to almost abandon the normal/usual paths they take everyday (literally and figuratively). Challenge the urban environment that surrounds them, take a different route, make themselves more aware of the urban landscape. Break down the rules of the city to find out more about it.

"The study of the precise laws and specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organised or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals."

An example of how they would protest and make people more aware of the landscape they live in; they made the public think they were walking into the Vatican or an art gallery but in fact were walking into a bank. Making people feel confused and more aware of the street signs and how the vacated their way around the city. This may have been annoying for most but I find that it would have almost make people rethink their whole daily routine and make them realize if they have certain habits. 

This is where I lead onto the "Theory of the Derive" which is an illustrated book by Guy Debord. It represents the idea of leaving the 'normal' parts of life behind and letting the environment guide you, which includes unplanned walking - without purpose, letting whatever terrain you confront guide you down a different path.

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