Certain Quote by Ivan Chtcheglov
“Cities have a psychogeographical relief, with constant currents, fixed points and vortexes which strongly discourage entry into or exit from certain zones”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theory of the Dérive, Ivan Chtcheglov, 1955
Urban spaces shape behavior through invisible flows, making some areas feel inviting and others hostile.
In simple terms: Cities guide movement with hidden currents and barriers.
Key Takeaway
Notice and navigate the unseen forces in city life.
Themes
urban design
psychogeography
movement
space
control
Mood
reflective
curious
critical
Type
observational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- commuting
- exploring new neighborhoods
- urban planning
- tourism
- social interaction
Key Concepts
dérive
spatial psychology
environmental determinism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you feel when a city seems to push you away?
- What spaces make you want to linger?
A Different Perspective
The concept may overlook individual agency and cultural differences.
![“One of the reasons there may be a trend toward moving out of the cities, again, it may be conscious or it may be unconscious, but it is a desire to connect more with nature. And with the natural rhythms. We [people] need that! We've been missing it.” quote by Shakti Gawain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3cc/shakti-gawain-2428_cities_one-of-the-reasons-there-may-be-a-trend_2649298.jpg)
![“So he [Sigmund Freud] called this "the uncanny" and he also referred to cities as well, like the idea of walking through the city and the way the urban landscape could lead you to a sense of disorientation and to a kind of, you know, sense of repetition. And the way a city can unfold as you walk.” quote by DJ Spooky](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/711/dj-spooky-8230_cities_so-he-sigmund-freud-called-this-the-unca_1409290.jpg)
![“Between love and the automatic garbage chute, young people everywhere have made their choice and prefer the garbage chute. [Entre l'amour et le vide-ordure automatique la jeunesse de tous les pays a fait son choix et préfère le vide-ordure.]” quote by Ivan Chtcheglov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ecc/ivan-chtcheglov-36357_1953_between-love-and-the-automatic-garbage-c_961913.jpg)
