creative writing school
Module 4: Unknown & Unexpected
structure
Introduction
Theory
Inspiration
Creative writing exercises
Stay grounded & motivated
Share your text with us
Theory
Inspiration
Creative writing exercises
Stay grounded & motivated
Share your text with us
introduction
What if the city was more than just a backdrop to your daily life? What if its streets and spaces were alive with stories, shaped not only by architecture and history but also by your emotions, memories, and imagination? In this course, we will delve into psychogeography, an interdisciplinary practice at the crossroads of psychology, geography, and art.
Psychogeography is more than wandering aimlessly—it is a deliberate act of unearthing meaning from the ordinary. It’s about engaging with space as a text, as a canvas, as a collaborator. It invites us to look beyond the utilitarian functions of streets and buildings and instead tune into their hidden resonances, their capacity to evoke feelings, provoke thought, and inspire creativity.
The mind and the city: A two-way dialogue
Cities are reflections of the human psyche. Their chaos mirrors our internal conflicts; their rhythms pulse in time with our own. Psychogeography asks us to see this interplay. How does a bustling square make you feel? What memories emerge as you walk a particular route? How does the architecture of your surroundings influence your thoughts or the cadence of your steps?
In psychogeography, the act of walking becomes a tool for writing—a way to unlock not just the stories of the places we inhabit but also the stories we carry within ourselves. As we wander, we map our inner landscapes onto the external world, finding meaning in the overlooked and the mundane.
Reimagining the everyday
One of the central challenges of this course will be to disrupt the habitual. When was the last time you walked somewhere without a purpose? How often do you let yourself get lost, not just physically but emotionally or intellectually? To practice psychogeography is to embrace disorientation—to find freedom in wandering and discovery in the unexpected.
This course will invite you to:
Questions for exploration
A call to adventure
This course is not just about creating—it’s about perceiving. You will be asked to slow down, to walk without purpose, and to engage deeply with the world around you. Each step you take will be a step into a narrative waiting to be discovered.
As we begin, I invite you to embrace the unknown, to let curiosity guide you, and to uncover the poetic, fragile, and hybrid stories embedded in the spaces you traverse. Let’s journey together into the rich interplay between the mind and the city, writing not just with our pens but with our footsteps, our senses, and our imaginations.
The city is calling. Will you answer?
Psychogeography is more than wandering aimlessly—it is a deliberate act of unearthing meaning from the ordinary. It’s about engaging with space as a text, as a canvas, as a collaborator. It invites us to look beyond the utilitarian functions of streets and buildings and instead tune into their hidden resonances, their capacity to evoke feelings, provoke thought, and inspire creativity.
The mind and the city: A two-way dialogue
Cities are reflections of the human psyche. Their chaos mirrors our internal conflicts; their rhythms pulse in time with our own. Psychogeography asks us to see this interplay. How does a bustling square make you feel? What memories emerge as you walk a particular route? How does the architecture of your surroundings influence your thoughts or the cadence of your steps?
In psychogeography, the act of walking becomes a tool for writing—a way to unlock not just the stories of the places we inhabit but also the stories we carry within ourselves. As we wander, we map our inner landscapes onto the external world, finding meaning in the overlooked and the mundane.
Reimagining the everyday
One of the central challenges of this course will be to disrupt the habitual. When was the last time you walked somewhere without a purpose? How often do you let yourself get lost, not just physically but emotionally or intellectually? To practice psychogeography is to embrace disorientation—to find freedom in wandering and discovery in the unexpected.
This course will invite you to:
- Rethink your relationship with place: What spaces draw you in, and why? What spaces repel you, and what does that say about your internal state?
- Reclaim your city: Move beyond the mapped and the monumental. Pay attention to alleyways, forgotten corners, and the in-between spaces that hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.
- Rewrite your experience: Use your observations, feelings, and impressions as material to shape powerful, resonant texts.
Questions for exploration
- The emotional resonance of space: How do places make us feel, and how do we translate that into words?
- Urban palimpsests: How do layers of history and memory shape the present?
- Mapping the subjective: What happens when we create maps that reflect personal experience rather than objective geography?
A call to adventure
This course is not just about creating—it’s about perceiving. You will be asked to slow down, to walk without purpose, and to engage deeply with the world around you. Each step you take will be a step into a narrative waiting to be discovered.
As we begin, I invite you to embrace the unknown, to let curiosity guide you, and to uncover the poetic, fragile, and hybrid stories embedded in the spaces you traverse. Let’s journey together into the rich interplay between the mind and the city, writing not just with our pens but with our footsteps, our senses, and our imaginations.
The city is calling. Will you answer?
theory
The term “psychogeography” was coined by Guy Debord in the mid-20th century as part of the Situationist International (SI) movement. Debord defined it as “the study of the specific effects of the geographical environment, consciously organized or not, on the emotions and behavior of individuals.” For the Situationists, psychogeography was a tool of resistance against the alienation of modern capitalist cities. They sought to reclaim urban spaces through playful and subversive practices, challenging the rigidity of planned environments and consumerist culture.
At its core, psychogeography was rooted in the dérive—an unplanned journey through urban space, guided by curiosity and intuition rather than predetermined routes or goals. The dérive disrupted the functionalist logic of cities, encouraging participants to engage with space emotionally and subjectively.
While its origins are political, psychogeography has since expanded into fields like urban studies, literary theory, and creative writing. Writers like Iain Sinclair and Rebecca Solnit have used it to explore the interplay between place and narrative, turning landscapes into texts that reveal hidden histories and personal connections.
The emotional resonance of space
Psychogeography begins with the premise that spaces are not neutral—they are charged with meaning. Architecture, layout, and spatial dynamics can evoke specific emotional and psychological responses. Consider:
Space as palimpsest
A crucial concept in psychogeography is the idea of space as a palimpsest—a surface that has been written on, erased, and written over again, with traces of the past still visible beneath the present. Cities are layered with history, memory, and culture. For example:
Mapping subjectivity
Traditional maps present a fixed, objective view of space. They prioritize utility—distances, boundaries, transit systems—over emotional or experiential dimensions. Psychogeography, by contrast, champions the creation of subjective maps that reflect the lived experience of a place.
A subjective map might:
At its core, psychogeography was rooted in the dérive—an unplanned journey through urban space, guided by curiosity and intuition rather than predetermined routes or goals. The dérive disrupted the functionalist logic of cities, encouraging participants to engage with space emotionally and subjectively.
While its origins are political, psychogeography has since expanded into fields like urban studies, literary theory, and creative writing. Writers like Iain Sinclair and Rebecca Solnit have used it to explore the interplay between place and narrative, turning landscapes into texts that reveal hidden histories and personal connections.
The emotional resonance of space
Psychogeography begins with the premise that spaces are not neutral—they are charged with meaning. Architecture, layout, and spatial dynamics can evoke specific emotional and psychological responses. Consider:
- How does a narrow alleyway feel compared to an open plaza?
- How does a decaying industrial site resonate differently from a manicured public park?
- How do layers of history—visible or invisible—shape our interactions with a place?
Space as palimpsest
A crucial concept in psychogeography is the idea of space as a palimpsest—a surface that has been written on, erased, and written over again, with traces of the past still visible beneath the present. Cities are layered with history, memory, and culture. For example:
- A cobblestone street may carry the imprint of centuries-old markets.
- A repurposed factory might resonate with the lives of its former workers.
- A gentrified neighborhood could evoke tensions between its past and present identities.
Mapping subjectivity
Traditional maps present a fixed, objective view of space. They prioritize utility—distances, boundaries, transit systems—over emotional or experiential dimensions. Psychogeography, by contrast, champions the creation of subjective maps that reflect the lived experience of a place.
A subjective map might:
- Highlight spaces that evoke particular emotions (comfort, anxiety, nostalgia).
- Trace routes based on memories rather than efficiency.
- Include symbols, colors, or textures that represent sensory impressions.
inspirations
Guy Debord and Asger Jorn, Detail from Mémoires, 1958
Several artists have employed psychogeographic principles and techniques in their work, using the exploration of urban environments and landscapes as inspiration for their art. Here are some examples:
1. Guy Debord:
2. Iain Sinclair
3. Rebecca Solnit:
1. Guy Debord:
- As one of the founders of the Situationist International movement, Debord was instrumental in developing the concept of psychogeography. He authored influential texts on the subject, such as "Introduction to a Critique of Urban Geography" and "Theory of the Dérive."
- Excerpt: "In their everyday lives, individuals are increasingly alienated from their surroundings. The modern city has become a spectacle, a space of consumption and passive observation. Psychogeography aims to subvert this passivity by encouraging active engagement with the urban environment, uncovering its hidden meanings and reclaiming its spaces for creative expression." - "Introduction to a Critique of Urban Geography", 1955
2. Iain Sinclair
- A British writer and filmmaker, Sinclair is known for his psychogeographic explorations of London. His books, such as "London Orbital" and "Lights Out for the Territory," combine elements of memoir, travelogue, and cultural critique to uncover hidden histories and meanings in the city's landscape.
- Excerpt: "The city is a series of collusions between official memory and real history, mapped and unmapped spaces, the sacred and the profane. No singular, essential 'London' exists. It is a city of multiplicities, layers, fragments, and contradictions. To truly understand it, one must explore its peripheries, its hidden corners, and its forgotten histories." - "London Orbital" (2002)
3. Rebecca Solnit:
- An American writer, historian, and activist, Solnit has explored psychogeographic themes in her essays and books. In works like "Wanderlust: A History of Walking" and "Infinite City: A San Francisco Atlas," she delves into the connections between geography, identity, and human experience.
- Excerpt: "Walking is a form of psychogeography, a way of experiencing the world that transcends the boundaries of conventional maps and guidebooks. It allows us to forge our own paths, to explore the intersections of memory and landscape, and to discover the hidden connections that bind us to the places we inhabit." - "Wanderlust: A History of Walking" (2000)
creative exercises
Psychogeography also invites writers to break free from linear narratives, instead embracing fragmented, multi-layered structures that reflect the complexity of urban experience.
Key questions
As you begin your psychogeographic explorations, consider:
A Framework for exploration
Psychogeography is not prescriptive; it’s an open-ended practice that evolves with each individual’s perspective. Approach it with curiosity and a willingness to see the world differently. Take notes on what captures your attention. Sketch maps. Record sounds. Gather fragments of dialogue overheard on your walks.
Every step you take is a dialogue with the city. Every word you write is a response to that dialogue. Let psychogeography guide you in uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary, transforming both the way you experience space and the way you write about it.
I. IMMERSIVE EXERCISE: PSYCHOGEOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Step 1: Choose your starting point
Select a location in your city or neighborhood where you feel a strong connection or curiosity. It could be a bustling city center, a quiet park, or a historic landmark.
Step 2: Prepare for exploration
Before you begin your journey, take a moment to clear your mind and set an intention for your walk. What do you hope to discover or uncover during your psychogeographic journey?
Step 3: Wander with intention
Set out on your walk with no specific destination in mind. Allow yourself to wander freely, following your intuition and letting your surroundings guide your path.
Step 4: Observe your environment
As you walk, pay close attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the architectural details, the interactions between people, and the natural elements of your environment.
Step 5: Engage your senses
Take time to engage all of your senses as you explore. Feel the texture of the ground beneath your feet, listen to the sounds of the city, and breathe in the scents of the urban landscape.
Step 6: Document your experience
Bring along a notebook or journal to record your thoughts, observations, and reflections during your walk. Capture anything that stands out to you or sparks your imagination.
Step 7: Reflect on your journey
After you return from your psychogeographic walk, take some time to reflect on your experience. What did you discover during your journey? How did it change your perspective on your surroundings?
II. CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISE: REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Based on your psychogeographic journey, write a reflective essay exploring the insights and discoveries you made during your walk. Use your observations and reflections from your immersive experience as inspiration for your writing.
Start by describing your chosen starting point and the route you took during your walk. Detail the sights, sounds, and sensations you encountered along the way, and reflect on how they influenced your perception of your environment.
Next, delve into the insights and discoveries you made during your journey. Did you uncover any hidden histories or overlooked details? Did you experience any moments of connection or revelation?
Finally, reflect on the significance of your psychogeographic journey and how it has impacted your understanding of yourself and your surroundings. Consider how you can apply the lessons learned from your walk to other areas of your life.
For writers, psychogeography offers a way to connect deeply with both place and self. It encourages:
Key questions
As you begin your psychogeographic explorations, consider:
- How does this space make me feel, and why?
- What histories or narratives are embedded in this environment?
- How do the rhythms of this place influence the rhythm of my writing?
- What stories does this place silence or exclude?
A Framework for exploration
Psychogeography is not prescriptive; it’s an open-ended practice that evolves with each individual’s perspective. Approach it with curiosity and a willingness to see the world differently. Take notes on what captures your attention. Sketch maps. Record sounds. Gather fragments of dialogue overheard on your walks.
Every step you take is a dialogue with the city. Every word you write is a response to that dialogue. Let psychogeography guide you in uncovering the extraordinary within the ordinary, transforming both the way you experience space and the way you write about it.
I. IMMERSIVE EXERCISE: PSYCHOGEOGRAPHIC JOURNEY
Step 1: Choose your starting point
Select a location in your city or neighborhood where you feel a strong connection or curiosity. It could be a bustling city center, a quiet park, or a historic landmark.
Step 2: Prepare for exploration
Before you begin your journey, take a moment to clear your mind and set an intention for your walk. What do you hope to discover or uncover during your psychogeographic journey?
Step 3: Wander with intention
Set out on your walk with no specific destination in mind. Allow yourself to wander freely, following your intuition and letting your surroundings guide your path.
Step 4: Observe your environment
As you walk, pay close attention to the sights, sounds, and sensations around you. Notice the architectural details, the interactions between people, and the natural elements of your environment.
Step 5: Engage your senses
Take time to engage all of your senses as you explore. Feel the texture of the ground beneath your feet, listen to the sounds of the city, and breathe in the scents of the urban landscape.
Step 6: Document your experience
Bring along a notebook or journal to record your thoughts, observations, and reflections during your walk. Capture anything that stands out to you or sparks your imagination.
Step 7: Reflect on your journey
After you return from your psychogeographic walk, take some time to reflect on your experience. What did you discover during your journey? How did it change your perspective on your surroundings?
II. CREATIVE WRITING EXERCISE: REFLECTIVE ESSAY
Based on your psychogeographic journey, write a reflective essay exploring the insights and discoveries you made during your walk. Use your observations and reflections from your immersive experience as inspiration for your writing.
Start by describing your chosen starting point and the route you took during your walk. Detail the sights, sounds, and sensations you encountered along the way, and reflect on how they influenced your perception of your environment.
Next, delve into the insights and discoveries you made during your journey. Did you uncover any hidden histories or overlooked details? Did you experience any moments of connection or revelation?
Finally, reflect on the significance of your psychogeographic journey and how it has impacted your understanding of yourself and your surroundings. Consider how you can apply the lessons learned from your walk to other areas of your life.
For writers, psychogeography offers a way to connect deeply with both place and self. It encourages:
- Embodied writing: How does walking a place influence the rhythm, tone, and language of your writing?
- Place as character: How can a location take on agency, shaping the narrative as much as any human character?
- Tension and flow: How do urban spaces generate conflict or resolution in your story?
stay grounded and motivated!
"In closing, I want to remind you of the importance of perseverance and resilience in your creative writing journey. Remember, every writer, no matter how accomplished, has faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. Writing is a process, and it's okay to write "bad" or "mediocre" pieces along the way. In fact, it's often necessary to write through the mess to find the gems hidden within. Embrace the messy drafts, the discarded ideas, and the imperfect sentences—they are all part of the journey toward discovering your unique voice and style. So keep writing, keep experimenting, and keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone. Trust in the process, and remember that every word you write brings you one step closer to finding your treasures. Happy writing!"
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
—Anna Ádám
Founder of the School of Disobedience
Photo: Guy Debord