Filmer l’ambiance urbaine : Les dispositifs vidéographiques à l’œuvre chez William H. Whyte dans La vie sociale des petits espaces urbains

Abstract

This article examines the potential role of video in the understanding of urban environment and, particularly, in its ability to represent the urban ambiances. As part of a study regarding videographic apparatus set to work in some urban research, we are now focusing on the work of William H. Whyte and his team, and more specifically on a research entitled The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces. This research was developed from a field work centered on a videographic recording of studied spaces. We have chosen to observe videographic apparatus set up and to pay attention to ways in which they guide our understanding of a place. More than just a visual illustration, these video recordings offer clues for understanding practices, time frames and urban ambiances, specific to a place at some point.

Keywords

• Urban Ambiances
• Videographic Apparatus
• William H. Whyte