This summer many people took breaks from their regular routines, hoping to spend their time on a range of activities from relaxing vacations to thrilling adventures.
But for many individuals, their experiences did not match what they expected and they ended up frustrated and disappointed.
More than likely, part of the reason why this occurs is that many people fail to clearly define how they genuinely wish to spend their time off work or school, or do so with unrealistic notions of what those periods might entail.
When travelers fail to define their expectations, and plan for possible outcomes, they may encounter unnecessary frustration and disappointment. Instead of coming back from a vacation relaxed and refreshed, many people return home feeling physically and emotionally exhausted because of the unnecessary and unwarranted stress they encountered.
For some, the ideal vacation involves lounging on the beach, sipping favorite beverages, and enjoying the sun. However, without proper preparation, this seemingly idyllic scenario can quickly turn sour. Crowded beaches, persistent local vendors, and concerns about personal belongings can tarnish the experience.
Similarly, even in the pursuit of relaxation, unforeseen challenges like lost luggage, vehicle breakdowns, and stolen valuables can occur, turning a vacation into an unexpected adventure.
On the other hand, some individuals seek out adventure during their break from work or school. Engaging in challenging hikes, mountain climbing, surfing big waves, canoe trips to remote areas, white-water rafting, and scuba diving are examples of this thrill-seeking category. But even among these kinds of activities there can be significant times that are boring and predictable.
Then again, some people may desire a blend of relaxation and adventure. Planning for a combination of both, or allowing room for spontaneity, when unexpected opportunities arise, can lead to a more fulfilling vacation.
That’s why it’s important for travelers and adventurers to address certain assumptions they may have about the breaks they may take. It’s crucial to carefully think through these situations, based on their previous experiences, the wisdom of experts, their own personal preferences and goals, and the reality of the situation as it develops.
Vacationers and adventurers also need to consider what they truly desire from their time away and plan accordingly.
Undoubtedly determining the nature of a getaway is influenced by numerous factors such as available resources—like amount of time off, and discretionary income. Traveling with companions, whether family or friends, can also complicate decision-making due to differing objectives.
But once that is acknowledged, the hard work begins.
In conclusion, understanding the distinction between vacations and adventures is essential for planning a getaway that aligns with travelers and adventurers desires. By defining expectations, considering available resources, and staying open to both relaxation and exploration, people can craft a memorable and rewarding break from the routine of every day life.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Wally Gobetz
Title: NYC – Brooklyn – Coney Island – The Cyclone
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/694715940_406adb28b3_o-scaled.jpg17052560Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-08-17 13:06:282023-08-17 13:06:28Distinguishing between vacations and adventures
Among authors, publishers, purchasers, and readers, books serve different purposes. Moreover, the opinions about the goals of this important means of communication has changed over time.
But in my opinion a good nonfiction book should be timeless. In other words, the information that a monograph that fits this category provides should be as relevant when it was written as it is today, even as a commentary on how we approached a particular subject at a given point in time. I know this is a tall order, but since there are so many books that are published every year, we need a way of making sense of the products produced by this giant of a cultural industry.
So what do I believe are the top classic nonfiction books in the field of corrections (a field that encompasses the study of jails, prisons, inmates, correctional workers, and the policies and practices therein and laws that govern these institutions) in the United States?
First, although there are lots of fictionalized accounts of life behind bars, and numerous peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed articles that provide a window into the world of corrections, the books listed below hold several distinctions.
Second, there are many interesting books about corrections in other countries (such as Foucault’s Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison), but since they do not directly deal with corrections in the United States, they are omitted from my list.
Third, another proviso is in order. Most of the books I include are outdated. Even though the statistics and many of the policies and practices mentioned in these monographs have changed, most of the arguments that the researchers present have withstood the test of time. In fact, in many cases, the problems that these books outline and analyze are exactly why corrections in the United States is in such a sad and sorry state of affairs today.
Fourth, notwithstanding the fact that these are the books that I typically assign whenever I teach a graduate seminar on corrections, most of these titles will jive well with what a Criminology/Criminal Justice graduate student might be required to know for their comprehensive exams in the field of corrections.
Fifth, many of the books are not easy reads. Anyone looking for a page turner would be hard pressed to find it among the monographs listed here.
Finally, I’ve purposely not included my books on corrections. That’s not because I don’t think they are important, nor must reads, but I did not want to distract the reader from other books out there that I think are worthwhile.
My top books include:
Journalist, Ted Conover’s (2001). Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing tells the story when he went undercover as a correctional officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison, to provide an immersive and candid account of the daily life of corrections officers and the challenges they face in one of America’s most notorious prisons.
Clear, Todd. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse, examines the impact of mass incarceration on disadvantaged neighborhoods in the United States. The author argues that the policies of mass incarceration have adverse consequences on communities already facing economic and social challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and crime.
DiIulio, John J. (1987). Governing Prisons, presents an in-depth analysis of factors that shape the way that state prisons (with an explicit focus on New York, Texas and California) are managed and governed. He outlines a considerable amount of diversity in these prison systems. In particular, DiIulio reviews the challenges faced by administrators, policymakers, and correctional officers in maintaining order and safety within the correctional facilities and systems they are tasked with running.
Gonnerman, Jennifer. (2004). Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Barlett, also written by a journalist, tells the true story of Elaine Bartlett, a woman sentenced to two decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense, and her struggles with the criminal justice system, re-entry into society, and the pursuit of a better life for herself and her children.
Hassine, Victor. (1996). Life Without Parole: Living in Prison Today (5th Edition), blends autobiography and social critique, authored by a former inmate who has since passed away. It offers a compelling personal and philosophical reflection on the experience of incarceration, life sentences, and their profound impact on both prisoners and society as a whole.
Irwin, John. (1985). The Jail, is an ethnographic study of a county jail, delving into the experiences of both inmates and staff to provide a comprehensive view of the jail environment. Irwin’s insights and interviews with inmates humanize the detainees, shedding light on the unique challenges and injustices faced by those awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Jacobs, James. (1977). Stateville, is one of the earlier studies of the social organization and culture of a maximum-security prison, offering a detailed exploration of the power dynamics and inmate subcultures within the facility.
Lombardo, Lucien X. (1989). Guards Imprisoned, reviews the experiences and challenges of correctional officers, exploring the impact of working in the prison environment on their mental health and well-being.
Maruna, Shadd. (2001). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives, presents the results of a qualitative study of how individuals with criminal records overcome their pasts and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. It challenges negative stereotypes about ex-convicts and provides valuable insights into the factors that facilitate positive transformation.
McCleary, Richard. (1979). Dangerous Men: The Sociology of Parole, (2nd Edition), provides an ethnography of a state parole system and the impact it has on its parolees. It emphasizes how societal attitudes and institutional practices influence the reentry experiences of released prisoners.
Miller, Jerome G. (1996). Search and Destroy: African-American Males in the Criminal Justice System, examines the racial disparities within the criminal justice system and the overrepresentation of African-American males in prisons and jails.
Morris, Norval and Michael Tonry. (1990). Between Prison and Probation, reviews the history and effectiveness of intermediate sanctions, exploring alternative methods to traditional imprisonment, such as probation and community-based programs. The book offers important insights into creating more effective and balanced sentencing practices.
Oshinsky, David M. (1997). Worse than Slavery: Parchman Farm and the Ordeal of Jim Crow Justice, reviews the brutal realities of a notorious former plantation, that became a Mississippi State Penitentiary, during the era of Jim Crow segregation, drawing disturbing parallels between the prison system and slavery. The book explores the connection between the history of racial oppression and modern-day mass incarceration.
Owen, Barbara. (1998). In the Mix: Struggle and Survival in A Women’s Prison, is one of the first comprehensive examinations of the lives of incarcerated women and the challenges they face in a correctional setting, shedding light on the unique issues and gender-specific issues within the prison system.
Petersilia, Joan. (2003). When Prisoners Come: Parole and Prisoner Re-entry, focuses on the process of prisoner re-entry and the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support and resources for former prisoners as they strive to rebuild their lives in order to minimize the possibility of recidivism.
Rideau, Wilbert and Ron Wikberg. (1992). Life Sentences: Rage and Survival Behind the Bars, is derived from a series of essays/articles, some of which appeared in The Angolite (the Louisiana State Penitentiary newspaper), written by two former death row inmates. In addition to providing a brief history Angola prison, these pieces offer a firsthand account of life on death row, sexual assault behind bars, prison policies, dying in prison, and the transformative power of education.
Sykes, Gresham (1958). The Society of Captives, examines the informal social dynamics and power structures within prisons, exploring how the institutional environment influences the behavior and attitudes of both inmates and staff. By analyzing the informal social codes (e.g., the Convict Code) and relationships that shape life within prison walls, Sykes provides valuable insights into the functioning of the corrections system.
To most scholars of corrections there will probably not be any surprises in this list, but for readers who are unfamiliar with the academic field of corrections, these books are worth exploring.
Clearly there are lots of other good books on corrections in the United States to consult, but this list should serve as a starting point or invitation for individuals interested in learning more about the intricacies of the American prison system, the people who are housed there, those who work behind bars, and the intricacies of policies and procedures that operate in these unique environments.
Photo credit:
Johannes Jansson/norden.org,
Title Book Pages
CC BY 2.5 dk, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25009679
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2023-08-02-at-1.24.26-PM.png629952Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-08-04 09:39:122023-08-04 09:39:12My top recommended nonfiction books in the field of corrections in the United States
Cities worldwide vary in numerous, important, and significant ways. For example, some urban environments like Delhi, India have large populations, while others don’t. Some cities, such as Los Angeles have large surface areas while others are more contained in size. One aspect of urban locations that is rarely acknowledged, however, is the notion of the urban visual landscape– how cities appear aesthetically to residents who live and work there, tourists who visit, and people who commute into the city for work, school or entertainment/relaxation.
These perceptions can be shaped by many factors like the amount of time people spend in these locations, where exactly they walk, drive, shop, reside or work, etc., the manner by which they interact with the city, the numerous experiences they have in these places, and their ability to process the visual information they are constantly bombarded with.
For instance, if someone works in Manhattan and only commutes into New York City via train (and not the subway),from New Jersey or Connecticut, their perceptions of the big Apple is more than likely different from someone who takes the subway from the outer boroughs. Similarly, if an individual confines their travels to the main thoroughfares, their perception of the urban visual landscape will gradually be shaped accordingly. However, by adopting a more exploratory approach, venturing through parks, back alleys, and other diverse environments, they are bound to develop a distinctly different and comprehensive view.
Visual landscapes take into consideration the relationships among the built environment (e.g., residences, office towers, commercial centers, etc.), the physical geography (e.g., hills, valleys, mountains, rivers, etc.), and the protected urban public spaces (e.g., parks, green spaces, etc.) including their shapes, heights, colors, and proximity to each other.
Some urban locations, like downtown Chicago, are denser, the product of urban planning, zoning, land and building costs, and serendipity. They have more buildings and structures per square foot, and thus may feel claustrophobic to observers. Other places like Phoenix, appear to be more spread out.
Density and its appearance to others, is rarely consistent throughout a city but be neighborhood specific. In Washington, DC, for instance, a variety of different urban landscapes exist among the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest parts of the city.
Some neighborhoods, or parts of a city (e.g., Upper East Side, NYC, downtown Atlanta, etc.), because of the type of structures that have been built there, and the distinctive patterning that it has taken, appear very antiseptic or clinical. For example, urban locations like Tokyo or even downtown Atlanta that are dominated by massive concrete structures that are the epitome of brutalism and appear to be very antiseptic or clinical. Some cities like Athens or parts of NYC, Los Angeles, have a considerable amount of graffiti and street art, and other types of signs, and would appear naked if this kind of public art was not located there.
From soaring skyscrapers to relaxing parks, each element contributes uniquely to a city’s overall aesthetic impression. The colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements of these elements influence the urban visual landscape, fostering a continuum of perceptions from welcoming to hostile. To some extent the urban visual landscape may even effect street culture.
Regardless, three types of urban visual landscapes that may serve as a starting point to understand the urban visual landscape: homogenous/uniform, disorganized, and mixed. In the first instance, almost all the neighborhoods, and buildings look the same. In the second, the neighborhoods appear very disorganized with the build structures of different styles and almost haphazard in the choices, and the third includes elements of both types. Each type has its unique impact on the inhabitants’ sense of ease and belonging, shaping community dynamics and fostering distinct urban experiences. This typology serves as a foundation for further research and discussion on urban planning and design strategies.
By understanding the diversity of the urban visual landscape, urban planners, architects, and policymakers can harness the power of aesthetics to create cities that resonate with their inhabitants, foster a sense of identity, and promote positive interactions among people who live, work, study or visit these locations.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Marc Veraart
Title: Tokyo
https://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/50902195792_35b366d748_k.jpg13652047Jeffrey Ian Rosshttps://jeffreyianross.com/wp-content/uploads/jeffrey-ian-ross-logo-04.pngJeffrey Ian Ross2023-07-22 07:05:462024-11-23 03:33:55Decoding the Urban Visual Landscape
Distinguishing between vacations and adventures
/by Jeffrey Ian RossThis summer many people took breaks from their regular routines, hoping to spend their time on a range of activities from relaxing vacations to thrilling adventures.
But for many individuals, their experiences did not match what they expected and they ended up frustrated and disappointed.
More than likely, part of the reason why this occurs is that many people fail to clearly define how they genuinely wish to spend their time off work or school, or do so with unrealistic notions of what those periods might entail.
When travelers fail to define their expectations, and plan for possible outcomes, they may encounter unnecessary frustration and disappointment. Instead of coming back from a vacation relaxed and refreshed, many people return home feeling physically and emotionally exhausted because of the unnecessary and unwarranted stress they encountered.
For some, the ideal vacation involves lounging on the beach, sipping favorite beverages, and enjoying the sun. However, without proper preparation, this seemingly idyllic scenario can quickly turn sour. Crowded beaches, persistent local vendors, and concerns about personal belongings can tarnish the experience.
Similarly, even in the pursuit of relaxation, unforeseen challenges like lost luggage, vehicle breakdowns, and stolen valuables can occur, turning a vacation into an unexpected adventure.
On the other hand, some individuals seek out adventure during their break from work or school. Engaging in challenging hikes, mountain climbing, surfing big waves, canoe trips to remote areas, white-water rafting, and scuba diving are examples of this thrill-seeking category. But even among these kinds of activities there can be significant times that are boring and predictable.
Then again, some people may desire a blend of relaxation and adventure. Planning for a combination of both, or allowing room for spontaneity, when unexpected opportunities arise, can lead to a more fulfilling vacation.
That’s why it’s important for travelers and adventurers to address certain assumptions they may have about the breaks they may take. It’s crucial to carefully think through these situations, based on their previous experiences, the wisdom of experts, their own personal preferences and goals, and the reality of the situation as it develops.
Vacationers and adventurers also need to consider what they truly desire from their time away and plan accordingly.
Undoubtedly determining the nature of a getaway is influenced by numerous factors such as available resources—like amount of time off, and discretionary income. Traveling with companions, whether family or friends, can also complicate decision-making due to differing objectives.
But once that is acknowledged, the hard work begins.
In conclusion, understanding the distinction between vacations and adventures is essential for planning a getaway that aligns with travelers and adventurers desires. By defining expectations, considering available resources, and staying open to both relaxation and exploration, people can craft a memorable and rewarding break from the routine of every day life.
Photo Credit:
Photographer: Wally Gobetz
Title: NYC – Brooklyn – Coney Island – The Cyclone
My top recommended nonfiction books in the field of corrections in the United States
/by Jeffrey Ian RossAmong authors, publishers, purchasers, and readers, books serve different purposes. Moreover, the opinions about the goals of this important means of communication has changed over time.
But in my opinion a good nonfiction book should be timeless. In other words, the information that a monograph that fits this category provides should be as relevant when it was written as it is today, even as a commentary on how we approached a particular subject at a given point in time. I know this is a tall order, but since there are so many books that are published every year, we need a way of making sense of the products produced by this giant of a cultural industry.
So what do I believe are the top classic nonfiction books in the field of corrections (a field that encompasses the study of jails, prisons, inmates, correctional workers, and the policies and practices therein and laws that govern these institutions) in the United States?
First, although there are lots of fictionalized accounts of life behind bars, and numerous peer-reviewed and nonpeer reviewed articles that provide a window into the world of corrections, the books listed below hold several distinctions.
Second, there are many interesting books about corrections in other countries (such as Foucault’s Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison), but since they do not directly deal with corrections in the United States, they are omitted from my list.
Third, another proviso is in order. Most of the books I include are outdated. Even though the statistics and many of the policies and practices mentioned in these monographs have changed, most of the arguments that the researchers present have withstood the test of time. In fact, in many cases, the problems that these books outline and analyze are exactly why corrections in the United States is in such a sad and sorry state of affairs today.
Fourth, notwithstanding the fact that these are the books that I typically assign whenever I teach a graduate seminar on corrections, most of these titles will jive well with what a Criminology/Criminal Justice graduate student might be required to know for their comprehensive exams in the field of corrections.
Fifth, many of the books are not easy reads. Anyone looking for a page turner would be hard pressed to find it among the monographs listed here.
Finally, I’ve purposely not included my books on corrections. That’s not because I don’t think they are important, nor must reads, but I did not want to distract the reader from other books out there that I think are worthwhile.
My top books include:
Journalist, Ted Conover’s (2001). Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing tells the story when he went undercover as a correctional officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison, to provide an immersive and candid account of the daily life of corrections officers and the challenges they face in one of America’s most notorious prisons.
Clear, Todd. (2007). Imprisoning Communities: How Mass Incarceration Makes Disadvantaged Neighborhoods Worse, examines the impact of mass incarceration on disadvantaged neighborhoods in the United States. The author argues that the policies of mass incarceration have adverse consequences on communities already facing economic and social challenges, perpetuating a cycle of disadvantage and crime.
DiIulio, John J. (1987). Governing Prisons, presents an in-depth analysis of factors that shape the way that state prisons (with an explicit focus on New York, Texas and California) are managed and governed. He outlines a considerable amount of diversity in these prison systems. In particular, DiIulio reviews the challenges faced by administrators, policymakers, and correctional officers in maintaining order and safety within the correctional facilities and systems they are tasked with running.
Gonnerman, Jennifer. (2004). Life on the Outside: The Prison Odyssey of Elaine Barlett, also written by a journalist, tells the true story of Elaine Bartlett, a woman sentenced to two decades in prison for a nonviolent drug offense, and her struggles with the criminal justice system, re-entry into society, and the pursuit of a better life for herself and her children.
Hassine, Victor. (1996). Life Without Parole: Living in Prison Today (5th Edition), blends autobiography and social critique, authored by a former inmate who has since passed away. It offers a compelling personal and philosophical reflection on the experience of incarceration, life sentences, and their profound impact on both prisoners and society as a whole.
Irwin, John. (1985). The Jail, is an ethnographic study of a county jail, delving into the experiences of both inmates and staff to provide a comprehensive view of the jail environment. Irwin’s insights and interviews with inmates humanize the detainees, shedding light on the unique challenges and injustices faced by those awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences.
Jacobs, James. (1977). Stateville, is one of the earlier studies of the social organization and culture of a maximum-security prison, offering a detailed exploration of the power dynamics and inmate subcultures within the facility.
Lombardo, Lucien X. (1989). Guards Imprisoned, reviews the experiences and challenges of correctional officers, exploring the impact of working in the prison environment on their mental health and well-being.
Maruna, Shadd. (2001). Making Good: How Ex-Convicts Reform and Rebuild Their Lives, presents the results of a qualitative study of how individuals with criminal records overcome their pasts and reintegrate into society as productive citizens. It challenges negative stereotypes about ex-convicts and provides valuable insights into the factors that facilitate positive transformation.
McCleary, Richard. (1979). Dangerous Men: The Sociology of Parole, (2nd Edition), provides an ethnography of a state parole system and the impact it has on its parolees. It emphasizes how societal attitudes and institutional practices influence the reentry experiences of released prisoners.
Miller, Jerome G. (1996). Search and Destroy: African-American Males in the Criminal Justice System, examines the racial disparities within the criminal justice system and the overrepresentation of African-American males in prisons and jails.
Morris, Norval and Michael Tonry. (1990). Between Prison and Probation, reviews the history and effectiveness of intermediate sanctions, exploring alternative methods to traditional imprisonment, such as probation and community-based programs. The book offers important insights into creating more effective and balanced sentencing practices.
Oshinsky, David M. (1997). Worse than Slavery: Parchman Farm and the Ordeal of Jim Crow Justice, reviews the brutal realities of a notorious former plantation, that became a Mississippi State Penitentiary, during the era of Jim Crow segregation, drawing disturbing parallels between the prison system and slavery. The book explores the connection between the history of racial oppression and modern-day mass incarceration.
Owen, Barbara. (1998). In the Mix: Struggle and Survival in A Women’s Prison, is one of the first comprehensive examinations of the lives of incarcerated women and the challenges they face in a correctional setting, shedding light on the unique issues and gender-specific issues within the prison system.
Petersilia, Joan. (2003). When Prisoners Come: Parole and Prisoner Re-entry, focuses on the process of prisoner re-entry and the challenges faced by individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support and resources for former prisoners as they strive to rebuild their lives in order to minimize the possibility of recidivism.
Rideau, Wilbert and Ron Wikberg. (1992). Life Sentences: Rage and Survival Behind the Bars, is derived from a series of essays/articles, some of which appeared in The Angolite (the Louisiana State Penitentiary newspaper), written by two former death row inmates. In addition to providing a brief history Angola prison, these pieces offer a firsthand account of life on death row, sexual assault behind bars, prison policies, dying in prison, and the transformative power of education.
Sykes, Gresham (1958). The Society of Captives, examines the informal social dynamics and power structures within prisons, exploring how the institutional environment influences the behavior and attitudes of both inmates and staff. By analyzing the informal social codes (e.g., the Convict Code) and relationships that shape life within prison walls, Sykes provides valuable insights into the functioning of the corrections system.
To most scholars of corrections there will probably not be any surprises in this list, but for readers who are unfamiliar with the academic field of corrections, these books are worth exploring.
Clearly there are lots of other good books on corrections in the United States to consult, but this list should serve as a starting point or invitation for individuals interested in learning more about the intricacies of the American prison system, the people who are housed there, those who work behind bars, and the intricacies of policies and procedures that operate in these unique environments.
Photo credit:
Johannes Jansson/norden.org,
Title Book Pages
CC BY 2.5 dk, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25009679
Decoding the Urban Visual Landscape
/by Jeffrey Ian RossCities worldwide vary in numerous, important, and significant ways. For example, some urban environments like Delhi, India have large populations, while others don’t. Some cities, such as Los Angeles have large surface areas while others are more contained in size. One aspect of urban locations that is rarely acknowledged, however, is the notion of the urban visual landscape– how cities appear aesthetically to residents who live and work there, tourists who visit, and people who commute into the city for work, school or entertainment/relaxation.
These perceptions can be shaped by many factors like the amount of time people spend in these locations, where exactly they walk, drive, shop, reside or work, etc., the manner by which they interact with the city, the numerous experiences they have in these places, and their ability to process the visual information they are constantly bombarded with.
For instance, if someone works in Manhattan and only commutes into New York City via train (and not the subway),from New Jersey or Connecticut, their perceptions of the big Apple is more than likely different from someone who takes the subway from the outer boroughs. Similarly, if an individual confines their travels to the main thoroughfares, their perception of the urban visual landscape will gradually be shaped accordingly. However, by adopting a more exploratory approach, venturing through parks, back alleys, and other diverse environments, they are bound to develop a distinctly different and comprehensive view.
Visual landscapes take into consideration the relationships among the built environment (e.g., residences, office towers, commercial centers, etc.), the physical geography (e.g., hills, valleys, mountains, rivers, etc.), and the protected urban public spaces (e.g., parks, green spaces, etc.) including their shapes, heights, colors, and proximity to each other.
Some urban locations, like downtown Chicago, are denser, the product of urban planning, zoning, land and building costs, and serendipity. They have more buildings and structures per square foot, and thus may feel claustrophobic to observers. Other places like Phoenix, appear to be more spread out.
Density and its appearance to others, is rarely consistent throughout a city but be neighborhood specific. In Washington, DC, for instance, a variety of different urban landscapes exist among the Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest parts of the city.
Some neighborhoods, or parts of a city (e.g., Upper East Side, NYC, downtown Atlanta, etc.), because of the type of structures that have been built there, and the distinctive patterning that it has taken, appear very antiseptic or clinical. For example, urban locations like Tokyo or even downtown Atlanta that are dominated by massive concrete structures that are the epitome of brutalism and appear to be very antiseptic or clinical. Some cities like Athens or parts of NYC, Los Angeles, have a considerable amount of graffiti and street art, and other types of signs, and would appear naked if this kind of public art was not located there.
From soaring skyscrapers to relaxing parks, each element contributes uniquely to a city’s overall aesthetic impression. The colors, shapes, and spatial arrangements of these elements influence the urban visual landscape, fostering a continuum of perceptions from welcoming to hostile. To some extent the urban visual landscape may even effect street culture.
Regardless, three types of urban visual landscapes that may serve as a starting point to understand the urban visual landscape: homogenous/uniform, disorganized, and mixed. In the first instance, almost all the neighborhoods, and buildings look the same. In the second, the neighborhoods appear very disorganized with the build structures of different styles and almost haphazard in the choices, and the third includes elements of both types. Each type has its unique impact on the inhabitants’ sense of ease and belonging, shaping community dynamics and fostering distinct urban experiences. This typology serves as a foundation for further research and discussion on urban planning and design strategies.
By understanding the diversity of the urban visual landscape, urban planners, architects, and policymakers can harness the power of aesthetics to create cities that resonate with their inhabitants, foster a sense of identity, and promote positive interactions among people who live, work, study or visit these locations.
Photo Credit
Photographer: Marc Veraart
Title: Tokyo