Sarah Smith_Situationist Space

This article, by McDonough, analyzes spaces through fragmentation and demonstration. Debord, author of The Naked City, takes a map of the city of Paris, and forces one to consider it as a space and not a flat tool used for directional purposes. The map becomes a speaking tool for one to consider space, atmosphere or psychological climates. This article made me think of all the pathways around campus that are not concrete, not intended sidewalks, but the ones students have made themselves by the scuffing of their feet. Sidewalks and roadways are predictable, people are the exact opposite, we are spontaneous. Today's world relies on vehicles, and to us the best route is the quickest and least interrupted. Those less practical may want to take a back road, maybe something more scenic or leisurely. Those people are the ones viewing the space of the city or area in a whole different way. These spaces are open ended and unpredictable, and the core of the situationist ideal.