Notes taken when observing in Madison Square Park
- A group of nannies/babysitters sitting on a bench socializing while the babies are sleeping in the carriages
- 2 men in a suit talking on a bench
- A few people walking their dog
- A construction worker taking a lunch break
- A bunch of children playing on the playground while moms/babysitters worry from the ground
- A few older people reading a book/newspaper
- Tractor constructing something
- A group of people eating at shake shack
- A homeless man sleeping
Lewis Mumford could not have defined a city any better. In his elaborate answer to the question “What is a City?” Lewis says that a city is a “theater of social action” and a space of “significant collective drama”. Originally when interpreting Mumford’s definition, I did not fully comprehend his personal definition. It was not until today, after visiting Madison Square Park and observing the people and atmosphere that I thought Mumford was a lyrical genius. Madison Square park is a microcosm of a city, especially its respected city, New York City. When walking from E 25th street into the park it felt like was leaving a large city to enter a miniature city within the large city. Madison Square Park encapsulated in miniature the exact characteristic qualities and features of a city physical and metaphorically. Physically, Madison Square Park is an island amidst the busy streets of New Yuck City consisting of many people, grass, a playground, fountains, statues etc. Metaphorically, the park consists of a range of people in age, cultures, professions etc. who all work independently of each other or with each other to create a “theater of social action”. Whether two Wall Street men in suits discussing stocks or two international babysitters watching kids, elderly people reading books or kids sliding down slides, the park, like a city, is a space of “significant collective drama”. Additionally, the Madison Square Park, like most cities, is a paradox. It is a relaxing and serene place with fountains and lots of grass where many people read, a homeless man sleeps and a construction worker escapes for a lunch break, while also being a noisy construction site, a place where 3 year olds scream and a place to walk one’s dog. Just like a city, Madison Square Park with all of its features and characteristics is a place for everyone. It is not the physical structure of a park that makes it a city, rather it’s the people and the “significant collective drama” and “social action” they bring. Furthermore, for me the park is a place I like to have a football catch with friends, while for you it can be the place you like to have a picnic, thus what makes a city is everyone contributing to a specific place.
Andrew Langer
Intersection Street Signs
Park Sign
