Loving the City

I stumbled across this a while back, one Edmontonian's method of exploring the city: trace a circle onto a map, and then try to follow it on foot. an odd idea, but immediately intriguing, because it presents the challenge of moving circularly in a gridded city space.

It's based on the theory of psychogeography. If you want the technical definition of the term, feel free to peruse the philosophical works of Guy Debord, but here, I'll note a more applicable definition, from Joseph Hart:

psychogeography is "a slightly stuffy term that's been applied to a whole toy box full of playful, inventive strategies for exploring cities. Psychogeography includes just about anything that takes pedestrians off their predictable paths and jolts them into a new awareness of the urban landscape."


I first encountered the idea of psychogeography when I found this inspiring brochure based on the derive (meaning, literally, to drift). If you're so inclined, take a look at it to find a collection of other "playful, inventive strategies for exploring cities."


All of this is a roundabout way of coming to a proposal that I have for you: it's a Valentines Day activity, inspired by Andy Woodruff. And don't worry if you're one of those who celebrates Singles Awareness Day instead - this one's for everybody. 


Instead of tracing a circle onto a map of Edmonton, how about a heart? See how close you can stay to the actual shape, and see how such an adventure might bring about a love for this city that you didn't know you had. 

If I get a chance, this is the map I intend to walk (I had fun searching the map of Edmonton for a natural curve to nest my heart into)

If you take my suggestion, or try any of the other psycogeography methods that I've mentioned, please, let me know. Consider documenting your experience with photographs, or writing a guest post for Journal Edmonton based on your findings.


Happy Valentines Day!