Delving into the souls of our cities: an introduction to psychogeography and the joy of walking

In a world dominated by fast-paced routines and digital distractions, walking has become a lost art, a simple joy often overlooked. Yet, walking holds a transformative power, especially when intertwined with the concept of psychogeography. This unique practice, emerging from the mid-20th century avant-garde movements, invites us to explore the emotional and psychological landscapes of our urban environments.

Walking becomes an act of rebellion against the regimented, utilitarian view of urban spaces

Psychogeography, coined by Guy Debord of the Situationist International, is the study of the effects of the geographical environment on the emotions and behaviours of individuals​. It encourages a drift, or dérive, through cities, allowing the walker to break free from habitual and mundane routines, discovering new meanings and connections within the urban fabric. As we traverse familiar streets with fresh eyes, the city transforms into a rich tapestry of hidden stories and unexpected encounters.

Here, walking becomes an act of rebellion against the regimented, utilitarian view of urban spaces. It is a playful, subversive activity that challenges us to see our surroundings differently. By engaging in psychogeographic practices, we rediscover the sensory and emotional dimensions of our cities, experiencing them as dynamic and multifaceted environments rather than mere backdrops to our daily lives​.

This article will delve into the principles of psychogeography and illustrate how the simple act of walking can unlock the hidden layers of our urban landscapes. Exploring the works of those seen as figureheads of the modern psychogeographic movement, including Iain Sinclair, Nick Papadimitriou, and John Rogers, whose works and popular YouTube channel, charts walks across the country, invoking thought and enquiry. Whether you’re a seasoned city dweller or a curious newcomer, psychogeography offers an enriching perspective on the world around you. So, lace up your walking shoes, leave your map behind, and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery through the streets of your city.

Iain Sinclair and hidden histories: uncovering themes and patterns through our environment
The first key figure I want to explore is Iain Sinclair, whose works largely centre around uncovering hidden histories and understanding themes and patterns through our environment. Sinclair’s literary work is renowned for its dense, poetic prose, which often blends fiction, memoir, historical research, and cultural criticism, to create a rich tapestry of narrative, that is both evocative and intellectually stimulating. Sinclair is meticulous in his historical research. His psychogeographic explorations delve deep into the layers of history embedded in urban landscapes, particularly in London. He uncovers forgotten or obscure historical narratives, linking them to contemporary issues and personal memories. Sinclair’s walks are often methodical and purposeful, seeking to unravel and understand. He embarks on specific routes to discover the hidden connections and stories within the urban fabric.

One of Sinclair’s texts that is most interesting on the topic of psychogeography goes by the name of London Orbital and is only what can be described as an unconventional travelogue and exploration of the areas surrounding London’s M25 motorway. This book chronicles Sinclair’s journey as he walks the entire circumference of the M25, a route typically associated with mundane commuting and urban sprawl. However, Sinclair aims to uncover the hidden histories, landscapes, and cultural textures that lie in the periphery of London. Throughout his journey, Sinclair stumbles upon several forgotten and overlooked spaces, including converted asylums, industrial parks, retail centres, and abandoned villages. These places, often seen as the less glamorous outskirts of the city, reveal a different side of urban life and development. Sinclair delves into the past and present of these locales, painting a vivid picture of the impact of modernisation and development on the landscape and communities.

Nick Papadimitriou and the personal: walking our histories and landscapes
Nick Papadimitriou’s approach to psychogeography, which he terms “deep topography,” is characterised by a profound and immersive exploration of the landscape. He believes walking through these spaces allows for a cathartic connection with the environment, shaping one’s mind and perceptions. His method involves extensive research and documentation, including 2,000 maps and historical documents related to the areas he explores​.

Papadimitriou’s work is driven by the idea that the landscape holds a repository of regional memory and historical significance that often goes unnoticed. By walking and documenting these spaces, he seeks to bring attention to the narratives embedded in the environment, challenging contemporary perceptions of urban and suburban areas. His belief in the transformative power of walking and the importance of local history aligns with broader psychogeographical principles, which seek to explore and reimagine the relationship between individuals and their surroundings.

Papadimitriou’s central work, Scarp, serves as a deeply personal exploration of the landscape along the North Middlesex/South Hertfordshire Tertiary Escarpment, a region he refers to as “Scarp”. The book is an eclectic mix of autobiography, local history, and psychogeography, blending Papadimitriou’s anecdotes with historical and topographical insights. The narrative oscillates between his present-day walks and recollections of his troubled youth, including a stint in prison for arson. Papadimitriou’s writing is vivid and imaginative, often venturing into surreal territory, such as a chapter narrated by a telepathic, centuries-old rook​.

John Rogers and the beauty of the everyday: documenting change and the edgelands
I came across John Rogers’ YouTube channel during COVID-19, and his videos and insights are ones that everyone can access and find engaging. His approach to psychogeography emphasises the experiential and emotional engagement with urban spaces, advocating for walking as a means to truly understand and connect with a city. Rogers’ YouTube channel features a variety of walks around London and its environs. His videos are characterised by engaging storytelling, historical insights and focus on lesser-known areas, providing viewers with a deep, immersive experience of the city’s geography and history​.

Rogers documents the transformation of London’s urban landscape, often critiquing the impacts of gentrification and development. His narrative style blends personal anecdotes with historical research, making his books and films informative and deeply personal. He frequently collaborates with other notable figures in psychogeography, such as Iain Sinclair, and his projects often involve a critical look at who benefits from urban changes and how these shifts affect long-time residents​.

Rogers’ documentary titled The London Perambulator delves into the work of Papadimitriou and explores many of the neglected fringe of London. The film includes commentary from figures including Sinclair, as well as Brunel University professor Will Self, who discusses the concept of “edgelands” – the liminal spaces you find at the edges of cities. The film reveals an almost spiritual connection between us and our environments beyond the conventional urban experience.

Rogers’ new book, which I am yet to read, titled Welcome to New London, begins in 2013, as the Olympic village became a permanent settlement following the 2012 London Olympics and traverses across London, weaving through areas, tackling issues such as the housing crisis and local-led campaigns within the city. Rogers’ passion for the exploration of London, in both his new book and his other works, charts London as a city in flux, and offers everyone an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of those who inhabit this changing landscape.

To summarise Rogers’ work is very difficult, but I think Iain Sinclair offers an excellent insight into the man behind the camera:

“What John does with his walks, is adds new layers to himself, by absorbing these pieces… you go into them free-flowingly and the camera is the magical instrument of the moment… and as you do it, you become richer and richer for doing it.”

(Instagram / thelostbyway)

Rediscovering our urban environments
Psychogeography offers a transformative approach to understanding urban environments by emphasising the emotional and psychological connections individuals form with their surroundings. Practices like dérive and deep topography encourage exploration beyond conventional routes and uncover hidden histories and overlooked spaces. This enhances personal well-being, by fostering a deeper connection with one’s environment, annd enriches our cultural and historical awareness. COVID-19 taught us to value not only our time but also the experiences of our environments. If we can do one thing to learn from the isolation of COVID-19, it is to embrace our surroundings and seek to explore new things, from old structures.