Rethinking Urban Space: GPS Drawing as a Tool to Examine Spatial Patterns and Relationships

Abstract

In a research project on the spatial behaviour of young people we implemented the idea of creating temporary artworks and messages using physical space itself as a drawing surface. We conducted GPS drawing actions with secondary school students in the city of Vienna. In small groups, students developed concepts for their pieces of GPS art during the arts class at school and were later asked to draw this idea "into the city" by walking a GPS track. The contents of their work provide a valuable insight into the perception and meaning of space from a different point of view. By using a simple GPS device as a "pen" and a cityscape as the corresponding "paper" the students interacted with space in a new way. They experienced different facets of familiar spatial settings and places and thus also rethought these spaces in a new way. The concept of creating artwork through walking was introduced by artists like Hamish