The Art of Flânerie (2023)
a day ago
- #flâneur
- #city walking
- #urban exploration
- Walking alone allows the author to think and feel more like themselves, as movement stimulates their thoughts.
- The concept of the flâneur originates from the French verb 'flâner', meaning to stroll, and refers to a city explorer who observes overlooked details.
- The term 'flâneur' lacks a precise English equivalent, with 'stroller' being the closest but missing deeper philosophical connotations.
- Urban changes in the 18th and 19th centuries, like Paris's Haussmannian renovation, influenced the emergence of flânerie by making cities more walkable.
- Pre-Haussmannian Paris was described as dirty, overcrowded, and unhealthy, making it unsuitable for leisurely walks.
- Flânerie was not exclusive to Paris; similar practices existed in cities like London and Madrid, each with unique cultural nuances.
- Social and gender restrictions historically limited who could participate in flânerie, though modern times have made it more accessible.
- The article raises questions about whether flânerie is still viable in modern car-dominated cities and what urban attributes support it.
- Future articles will explore the survival of flânerie and the characteristics of a flâneur-friendly city.