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Movement

Documenting the Static

Fast-paced, bustling, ever-changing are some common words that are used to describe cities. Yet, there are some objects, small- to medium-sized, usually static or standing in different corners of the city that we have often come across on a daily basis but one which we may not often noticed. In this activity, you will pick one item as your target of observation. You will need to adjust your pace or slow down to observe this item in detail. The following list contains some suggested items that you can observe: fire hydrant, rubbish bin, post box, barber’s pole, lamp post, street sign, street shrine (e.g. earth god in Hong Kong), utility hole, metro gate and turnstile, etc. Of course, please feel free to choose another item as the object of your observation.

Example

Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Traffic cones in Kennedy Town
Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Traffic cones in Kennedy Town
Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Bandana and cone in Central
Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Bandana and cone in Central
Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Water leak and cones in Sai Ying Pun
Photo by Vanessa Yeung: Water leak and cones in Sai Ying Pun

How it works

1
With the aid of Google Maps, choose two different neighbourhoods, quarters, or areas where you will make your observations. Select one item from each of your chosen areas. Take photos of each item and record the following:
  1. Frequency (of appearance)
  2. Physical condition (type, colour, size, material, etc.)
  3. People (e.g. who notice the items and their behaviour or action)
2
Compare and contrast the results based on your observations in these different areas and consider their similarities and differences.
3
Reflect on the following questions:
  1. What are the original and current functions and values of these items?
  2. What is their relevance to you, and your selected neighbourhood or district? Imagine their absence from the city of Hong Kong or another city. What may be its impact on people’s way of life, and the urban environment?
4
Create a photo collage to summarise your observations and reflections.