“60622-47: a field guide for urbanists”
The field guide style photo-book functions in more ways than one. Urban photography lends itself to be studied alongside text and/or geographic location. An index linked to this google map provides readers with an opportunity to physically follow along with the author through movement in the city. A notable quote from “60622-47” references a report published by the Home Owner’s Loan Corporation in 1939, which stated, “Many properties are built very close to sidewalks and utterly lacking in architecture or appeal except as low rental housing” … “the neighborhood is not a slum area at present, but with continuing age it may develop such characteristics”. This evaluation federally redlined the Chicago neighborhood as “undesirable”. This particular quote resonates ironically today because it describes Wicker Park, now gentrified and mostly upperclass.
The role of this field guide is to observe and respond to urban renewal’s inevitable repercussions to the way residents live, move and exist in the city and its affects on the environment itself.
