A Natural History of Empty Lots

The interpretation of urban design as "closed access," efficiently shunting people between their centers of consumption (i.e., their home) to centers of production (i.e., their workplaces) with very little in between available for access was interesting to think about. The psychogeographers' subversive aimless walking felt important today, since our attention is literally a product for sale and manipulated with addictive social media apps, infinite algorithmically customized news feeds, and heaps of podcasts, shows, vertical content etc. Walking today without piping advertisements into your head is similarly subversive.

The many cynical descriptions of the capitalist structures and systems that govern society resonated: probably 90% of the politicians I've interacted with would identify as an environmentalist, odd since 90% of their votes align specifically with real estate and development lobby interests.

The author's privilege as a white, well-educated, well-connected, able-bodied, straight, cis-gendered male wasn't really explored as part of how he is able to navigate urban edge lands, build his own custom empty lot eco-cabin, etc. But this was a good, meandering read that reminded me of a naturalist on a walk, following his curiosity, making unexpected observations and interpreting them through story to help others see the living world around us in a new way. I was pleased to see a call to action for engagement with local politics. I agree that that is the level where most individuals are best situated to influence change.