the space of the citywalker

In cities there are many different spatial environments to move through or encounter in the course of the walking day. Broad avenues and narrow lanes, sidewalks wide open or congested, constricted high-rise canyons and open-sided promenades. There is alternately prospect and refuge, turning the corner of a close lane to encounter an expansive vista, some new destination to explore. There is a tension and release, a constant pushback of compression and expansion, congestion and freedom, crowds and solitude. At times the eye is drawn upwards to a beam of the setting sun breaking through the forest of towers, causing them to reflect on their neighbors. At other times there is the iconic landmark peeking through the local cityscape, like a friendly acquaintance waving hello from a window. The view changes constantly as one walks through the city, and as when one door closes and another opens, the vista constantly recreates itself as a new opportunity. The walking pace is the key to the city, which reveals itself to the citywalker in an intimate way that is kept hidden from travelers in other modes.