We spent a day exploring the Newington and St Andrew neighbourhood, recording our impressions photographically.
Paying close attention to all the senses can be key to unravelling the effect of architecture and environment on people and behaviour.
Exploring the urban environment in this way can be described as a Psychogeographic study. It is a form of research that is undertaken by people across various disciplines.
The psychogeographic mapping of spaces is the specialism of Christian Nold, who has published emotion maps of various cities and districts based on the direct experience of people moving through the space, recording their responses with special devices.
Our recording devices were our cameras, and the discussions and responses that followed the exploration.
The images below show visually interesting details, but also suggest the textures underfoot, social activities and sounds that could be experienced here in this unique place, at this very specific transitional time.
The visit helped us to develop an empathy with the site, and an understanding of its current state.
How do people use this space right now?
What is considered attractive or valuable in a place?
How are changes effecting that use?
The social + the natural + the built environment = the place.
What can we learn about each of these aspects of the environment?
How might we interact with them and why?
