Movementon

The ways in which we move through the city is probably a thought that never crosses most of our minds; we just exist and interact with our surroundings subconsciously.  However, when you think about it critically, we likely all “move” in ways that are unique to each individual.

Movement is almost like an art form.  It’s something that, in my opinion, should be sleek and graceful.  It could mean gliding between hallways around “mall walkers” as I like to call them, or perhaps taking that flight of stairs even if the escalator isn’t full.  It might mean biking somewhere (weather permitting) even when you’ve got a car that can take you there.  Movement is something we take for granted, and we should pride ourselves in the ways we get around.  I’ve probably adapted this mentality after growing up with hockey and soccer, because it’s a skill that will excel your success in these sports.  Besides, if we weren’t moving with a purpose, wouldn’t we all just be aimless wanderers?   

I’ll try and describe my own movement through the city:

I like to think that I move stealthily, but quickly, always with some set destination in mind.  I don’t take detours, and am usually not one for sightseeing unless there’s an abundance of time available (I would make exceptions for summer because you absolutely need to savour that time before it all freezes over again).  Mostly all of my routes are pre-planned and very schedule oriented; I like to know when I’ll be leaving, how long it takes to get there, and when I’ll be back, despite whether it happens that way or not.  In this sense, I suppose I’d say that I move with the current – moving against it seems awkward and calls attention to one self.  The best example I can currently think of to illustrate that would be people who decide to walk through the middle of HUB Mall on the opposite side, obstructing everyone’s way and making travel through there miserable at peak hours (hence why I’ll choose to walk outside the mall if I’m in a hurry to get to class, even when it’s -30°).

Regardless, cities seem to regulate their own flow of traffic and movement.  People find routes that are convenient, familiar, and efficient.  The ways and means in which we get there seem completely dependent on our own character and personal agenda.

Cheers,
Patrick