Moving through a dappled world: the aesthetics of shade and shadow in place

Abstract

In addressing geography's neglect of shade and shadow, this paper explores how the dynamic play of shadow and light constitutes an integral part of everyday affective and sensory attunement to place and guides pedestrian movement. First, we identify how particular shadows are shaped by distinctive kinds of solar radiance, material forms, human visual perception and cultural representations. We then consider the different cultural ways in which shade and shadow have been interpreted across space and time, and identify diverse shadowy effects in different geographical contexts. Thereafter, we focus on particular key elements of central Melbourne's shadow aesthetics, discuss how patterns of shade guide urban choreographies, and explore how architects have imaginatively manipulated shadow.

Shadow care infrastructures: Sustaining life in post-welfare cities

“…We draw on urban cultural geographies of light and shade to recognise shadows that are not singular and solid. Rather, they are the product of multiple sources of light in a landscape that is also subject to flux and change (Edensor and Hughes, 2021). Consequently, these shadows frequently move, overlap and blend into one another.…”

“…When light is shone on phenomena – including metaphorically through disciplinary and analytical categorisations – certain features are foregrounded, while others fall into the shadows, unseen or appearing differently to how they might if light were directed toward them. Shadows can obscure and distort otherwise familiar places and objects, sometimes hiding them from view, while looking into these places can reveal properties and textures that are otherwise less visible (Edensor and Hughes, 2021). Shadow care infrastructures plays with this idea to purposefully draw focus to spaces, practices and resources that enable survival within post-welfare cities and exist both within, between or beyond dominant political and research lenses.…”

‘Dark’ cities: The role of interdisciplinary work in learning and supporting marginal city spaces

“…However, current urban discourse discusses the 'shadow' or 'dark' in a reclaiming of this metaphor to understand the ways in which cities are operating through informal or 'shadow' spaces and processes. This discourse proposes the 'shadow' or 'dark' as signalling complexity, need for attention and support, rather than a sensationalisation or demonising of what is not fully known in urban informality (see Edensor and Hughes, 2019;Merrifield, 2015;Neuwirth, 2006;Pieterse, 2011;Simone, 2004Simone, , 2016 or in a southern theory rather than strictly urban vein, see Mbembe, 2001). Yet the critique of othering and fetishisation is not easily dismissed.…”