Representation and Imagination :
“ Architecture criticism is traditionally conveyed through writing . However , skateboarding is also a form of architecture criticism entirely different to writing , drawing or theorising . In the participatory movement of the skateboarder ’ s body across urban space lies the central critique of the city . The below image maps the movement of 2 different skateboarders and architects as they were asked to critique an area of the city . The diagram represents their movement ( in plan view ) within the site over a 10-minute period . Crosses mark the beginning and end of their critique , time is shown in minutes and the circles represent a physical interaction with a particular object ( touching a wall , sitting on a bench etc ). The path of the skateboarder is shown solid , while that of the architect is shown dotted .
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Each of the maps allow observations about the manner by which the skateboarder and the architect interact with space . In each instance , the architect touches no more than two objects and there is no repetition in their movement . It is possible to trace the direction of their path and , at all times , the architect critiques within the boundaries of the site . In contrast , in each instance , the skateboarder touches more than 30 objects , whether it be a wall , handrail , seat , stair or floor . The movement of the skateboarder is fast and repetitive and it is difficult to trace the direction of their movement due the irregularity of their path , which intersects and overlaps . The skateboarder does not stay within the boundaries of the site and explores within the private properties of the commercial buildings . The path of the architect shows his or her critiques of the site through passive observation . Conversely , the skateboarder critiques through movement and incites an active reassertion of touch , hearing , adrenalin , rhythms , balance and focus . The overlapping lines and specific areas of density within the skateboarder ’ s movement show his or her focus on specific and isolated objects . The skateboarder analyses architecture not for historical , symbolic or authorial content , but for how surfaces present themselves .” By this case there is a constant questionmark how to place skateboarding into the hierarchy of urban traffic .