For this week’s posting I have decided to move away from the traditional blog prompt and discuss something more pertinent to me at this time. The opportunity to think critically, conceptually and creatively about mapping urban spaces was something I have put a great deal of time and effort into. To be honest, I must have gone over 20 different ideas about what to map as I wanted to be both unique and authoritative in my analysis. This task, however, proved to be more difficult than I had initially anticipated. On the one hand, I started to realize that the uniqueness of my project could not compromise my authority on the chosen space of analysis. Naturally, this led to further complications as I began to realize that I have occupied limited space beyond the normative boundaries of my direct environment. I needed a different approach. Well, I began to think, what do I know about the city of Edmonton?
The answer was simple enough.
Over the past four years, the essence of my social life (with exception to playing basketball) has been confined to a space between 104th avenue and Whyte Avenue. From work, to school, to friends and colleagues, my entire Edmonton experience has ostensibly been restricted to this small portion of the city. So, why not write about what I know?
Each day, weather permitting, I take the same path to and from school. Each weekend, weather permitting, I take the same path to and from Whyte Avenue. This journey, moreover, has basically defined my experience with city space in Edmonton and, needless to say, it means a great deal to me. Though I admit the uniqueness of my project was compromised, I nevertheless believe the authority and experience I have with this space cannot be overlooked. Furthermore, I must admit that I relished the opportunity to document a journey that has been so much a part of my life and my university experience. The fact that I will be able to take these pictures, descriptions and emotions with me is extraordinary, and, who knows, maybe someday I will be able to share my Edmonton experience with my children who are dying to know...
...what was it like living in Edmonton?
Love, love, love, the How I Met Your Mother reference.
ReplyDeletehaha well I am certainly glad it was picked up on.
ReplyDeleteI actually want to pick up on your comment on WonderWoman's blog, about the relationship between downtown and the suburbs. (I'd comment there only not sure you'd see it.) The question you raise, about whether you see the city best from the centre or the periphery, is a good one. The only way I can answer that is by thinking about several cities, not just one - which sounds like a cop out, I know. But this city changed for me dramatically when I started playing soccer (outdoor, summers) and we had fields all over. It made me interested in the suburbs and the kind of life that unfolds there. Arguably, the greatest inventions of the 20th century - e.g., the silicon chip - were discovered in the suburbs. It gives a different perspective on city life, for sure. Good point, in other words.
ReplyDelete