Dérive

Colour Wheel of Love

Dérive is a concept in psychogeography that involves an unplanned journey through a landscape, typically urban, in which participants drop their everyday relations and "let themselves be drawn by the attractions of the terrain and the encounters they find there." The term is French for "drift."

Origins and Development

The concept of the dérive was developed by the Letterist International and later adopted by the Situationist International (SI), a revolutionary group of avant-garde artists and political theorists. The term was first coined by Guy Debord, a leading figure in the SI, in his 1956 essay "Theory of the Dérive."

Theory

The dérive is a key technique in the practice of psychogeography, which explores the effects of the geographical environment on the emotions and behavior of individuals. Unlike a casual walk, a dérive involves a conscious effort to notice and be influenced by the surroundings. It is a way to break free from the constraints of routine and the capitalist commodification of urban space.

Method

Participants in a dérive, known as "drifters," often use maps, compasses, or other tools to navigate, but they do so in a way that is deliberately random or guided by chance. The goal is to experience the city in a new way, uncover hidden aspects of the urban environment, and challenge the conventional ways of moving through and perceiving space.

Influence and Legacy

The concept of the dérive has influenced various fields, including urban studies, architecture, and art. It has been used as a method for urban exploration and as a critique of the alienation produced by modern urban life. The dérive has also inspired contemporary practices such as urban exploration and flash mobs.

Criticism

Some critics argue that the dérive is a form of escapism that does not address the underlying social and economic issues of urban environments. Others see it as a valuable tool for reclaiming public space and fostering a deeper connection to the urban landscape.

Related Concepts

• Flâneur
• Psychogeography
• Situationist International
• Urban exploration
• Guy Debord

See Also

• Letterist International
• Avant-garde
• Capitalism
• Urban studies