The article, “Walking in the City, and the Spatial Stories,” explores how people navigate urban environments in two modes of spatial practices: strategies, and tactics. Strategies are top-down, institutionalized plans to shape the urban space, however, NYC walkways represent a deviation from strategies. Rather, New Yorkers insist on tactics, where diverse groups crave out their paths, pushing back against planned paths, using shortcuts, and repurposing such spaces to suit the inhabitants. This form of unintentional urban landscaping work enables shorter modes to exchange goods and ideas between different cultures from the millions who walk the path leading to growth, opportunities, and most importantly love for one another. This type of spontaneous interaction breaks down barriers fostering a sense of belonging among diverse populations to develop their characters and aromas. Therefore, the urban setting is transformed demonstrating resistance against surveillance and control by planners and asserting their proactive agency in the environment.
In other words, the NYC backdrop is a beautiful ever-changing Mise en Scene that continues to challenge stereotypical characteristics of urban architecture portrayed in films. As much as the city is an evolving Mise en Scene, it is also one that can be interpreted like an unfinished textbook, constantly rewriting itself. The walkers construct the scene from physical signs, and structures while walking, which have countless interpretations from personal experiences, desires, and cultural backgrounds. These perspectives walk through the city as main characters in their movie, engaging in their own creative and tactical strategies to navigate their surroundings to create a city that is theirs as a collective to call it home.
Kevin Shi
UID: 3036275455
I appreciate your response on spatial practice, focusing on how people navigate urban spaces and connecting the idea with your understanding of NYC. Since your discussion focuses on tactics, what is your opinion about strategic practice? It would be more intriguing to know the topic as a two-sided argument. Is there any particular reason for choosing NYC? If yes, you should mention it in your response to justify your opinion.
Thank you for the comment. Do you wish for me to revise it? If so, I do require the upper bound of the word to be raised to include such details. Please advise me on how I should proceed.