Walking as a Critical Spatial Practice: Mapping Perceptions of the “Other” in Urban Space

Year 2025, Volume: 2 Issue: 1, 24 - 41, 31.01.2025

Nilsu Altunok , Pelin Dursun Çebi

Abstract

This article turns the lens to spatial practices which create environments for new kinds of relationships between the body and its surroundings and offer alternative ways of understanding and engaging with the city. It centers on the act of walking as an everyday critical practice that is both performative and explorative. The approach differentiates itself from existing literature by critically examining the walking act and exploring temporary, perceptual and experiential potentials of understanding and narrating the city through the perspective of “the other.” The objective of this article is to investigate and discuss “other” spatial data about the city, its inhabitants, and their movements to enhance spatial awareness by employing critical spatial practice. This process enables the revelation of “other” languages, informed by the body’s movements and interactions within the city.
The intent is achieved by presenting “the walking act” as a critical everyday activity, discussing it theoretically, examining various walking styles and walkers, and conducting a case study on the Marmaray line in Istanbul. Based on these discussions, the article develops an“other” description of “critical walking.” The case study involves walking and synchronously mapping elements related to “the other.” Unlike conventional architectural representations, this mapping is open-ended, without rigid boundaries. The article explores and maps “others” within the city, aiming to uncover an alternative language to make sense of urban spaces.

Keywords

Bodily Experience, Walking and Mapping, Critical Spatial Practice, Otherness, Marmaray Line

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