Formulary for a New Urbanism: Rethinking the City

For me, Simon Sadler's article allowed for a better understanding of Situationist thought. Whereas McDonough's Situationist Space seemed to focus solely on The Naked City by Guy Dubord, this article was able to explain more thoroughly through the use of more areas and examples. In addition, Sadler cleared up some questions I had from McDonough's article, such as what constitutes a "unity of atmosphere" (Sadler used the word "ambience" instead, which for some reason gave me a whole new perspective on the concept). In addition, Sadler emphasizes the role of the "drifter," clarifying further the motivation of Situationist thinkers for experimental play, open anarchy, a free-wheeling disregard for capitalistic rules and rationale. McDonough talks about this in his article, but uses the word "inhabit" instead of "drift" (unless I'm confusing things and that's a totally different idea), which was not particularly unclear, but I was able to associate "drifting" with experimental behavior much more than "inhabiting."

Perhaps it was simply the more advanced language used in McDonough's article or the fact that we discussed Situationism in class last week, but I found Sadler's article much easier to follow. I loved the discussion of sublime art, appreciating the ugly, exploring neglected areas, and spontaneous, chance discoveries. I think it's quite funny and respectable how these thinkers have influenced others, such as the example of sexual grafitti on the streets (80), and I admire their rebellion against those imposing order and control upon their freedoms, although I can't help but think that they aren't/weren't really making that much of an impact.

Q1: Sadler mentions "the ways in which citizens perceive and interact with their city by first 'imaging' it in their minds" in respect to "cognitive mapping" (92), but I still do not understand this idea. What exactly is its connection to psychogeography? What's a "cognitive city"?

Q2: I understand how Situationist thought can be applied to language, but what were they trying to accomplish? The demolition of organized language?

Also, happy birthday, Ryan! :)