Montpellier, France 2019
Margaret Crawford said: "Lived experience should be more important than physical form in defining the city." This is clearly articulated in cities that thrive off of tourism and the utilization of their ideal weather. When I studied abroad in Barcelona pre-Covid, markets were everything. People flocked to spaces for the ambience and beautiful flowers and clothes for purchase. There is an appeal surrounded by accumulation of stuff and people. Where there is stuff and things to see, people are automatically drawn to an area. The interesting part about markets and corridors created out of purchasable items is the atmosphere it creates. It is interesting how an accumulation of space can create almost a room or perceived wall of programmable markets. When you go to these older European cities and walk around, of course you admire the old architecture and vernacular of the city, but you also are drawn to colorful floating markets to buy local goods. Experiences created here from the perceived wall is more important than a physical building structure housing shops.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI like your statement about the lived experience and physical form, and I agree that lived experience should be more important than physical form in defining the city. People enjoy the bonfire, not because they like fire, but because they enjoy the feeling and experience of gathering their family and friends together.
I find it interesting that you mention tourism. I feel like a lot of the major cities are shaped by their tourism. The visitors to the city flock to these tourist traps while the inhabitants steer clear of them. The problem with this, is if you really want to experience the place in its everyday form, you have to avoid the tourist areas. My family and I love to ask locals for the best restaurants when we visit places. These are the people that will really know the best spots. Not only that, but you can avoid the tacky shops and picture snapping lines.
ReplyDeleteJessica, I agree with you that sometimes people seem to be more drawn the the experience of space than the space itself. In the example you give, tourists seem to be drawn to the street markets full of human interaction, and new experiences. I think there is something to learn about these moments. This reactions show us that it is not always about making architecture look 'pretty' but more about nurturing the human experience. That is what people value and enjoy the most.
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