Rethinking the City: More on Situationalists

Sadler's article was much more satisfying to me. After reading his piece, I feel as though I actually understand Situationalism and I do not regard the movement as radically as I did after reading McDonough's article. The Naked City was a little confusing and hard to follow while reading McDonough, yet after the explanation of the drifter and an in depth look into unities of ambiance, I am able to place myself in Paris at the time. Sadler clearly explains the freedom associated with situationalism. I thought it was especially interesting that situationalists draw inspiration from the raw materials of the existing city (217). McDonough's article did not fully explain the theories behind situationalism, therefore not allowing me to fully appreciate and grasp what the map was meant to encourage and the spirit it possessed. I like the idea that situationalism is meant to inspire and maintain the ability to be creative: "even if fixed form could be discovered and isolated it would be an impediment to the dynamics of creativity" (227). These discussions of creativity, lack of fixed form, exploration of alien quarters, and total destruction of religious spaces helped me to fully understand the foundation and intentions of Situationalism, and resolutely, appreciate the movement more.


1. If situationalists believe in the drift and freedom, why would the Naked City include all the arrows?

2. How exactly would the idea of treating prisoners and visitor as one in the same work?