"Urbanism as a Way of Life"

Ever sense I moved into Tailor Lofts a month ago, I have found an intriguing difference in the city life as appose to Naperville suburban living. After reading “Urbanism as a Way of Life” by Louis Wirth, he puts city life into perspective through describing the distinctive “way of life” within these areas. Wirth breaks the city down into three categories that loosely defines the city. He proclaims that cities are relatively large in size and population. In addition dense and permanent settlement of heterogeneous individuals (unique people). Having experienced “city” living, I do agree with Wirth’s perception of urban living. The city is much larger in size in comparison to suburbs and rural areas. Cities are also extremely dense, the entire city is structured in a compacted way. Within these compacted neighborhoods, there is extreme versatility amongst the people who live within these cities. Although each of these characteristics do still apply in contemporary society, there are a vast array of additional elements that constitute a city.

One of the significant variables that are associated with city living that we spoke about in class is “spatial structure.” Spatial structure has to do with the extreme difference within city neighborhoods. In cities you can travel a mere block and encounter complete difference rather it is a difference in race, violence, sexuality etc. In suburban areas such as Naperville if you travel a block or a mile there is not much variance in what you will witness. This aspect of city life fascinates me, because its hundreds of mini cities within one large city.

In addition to the spatial structure being a feature of city living, Wirth also failed to highlight the fast paced nature of city living. In cities everything moves at a much faster pace, from the people, to the vehicles. It was interesting walking downtown during our class on Wednesday. The entire time the environment was extremely fast pace, regardless if we were in someone’s way, their pace remained the same, even if it meant bumping into us or in a fast pace migrating around us. The moment those lights turn green, there wasn’t much caution in their pursuit, they speed away within the very second of seeing a green light.

I also believe the media plays a huge role in structuring city living. The media gives city different exposure than suburbs and rural areas. The media has created a certain perception of what city living entails. Overall, city life versus suburban or rural living is not just one element but all these different features create this idea of what a city really is.