This thesis is based on an empirical approach of urban spaces, enriched with our personal reflections and research. Our main questions deal with form and usage, i.e. to what extent the configuration of a city, or a smaller area, is determined by human activities and people’s current or expected way of life. We have selected some meaningful examples in big cities, mostly in Berlin, but also in Helsinki, London, Montréal and New York. Our routes, with our status of architect and photographer, are a good means to explore and try to understand urban spaces. As a photographer and witness of situations, we keep evidence of the present, we transmit the atmosphere of a particular place which shapes its identity, we capture precious data which afterwards help us to develop our reflection and organize our arguments. As an architect we examine these situations on a given area, we analyze the underlying principles and objectives in urban and architectural achievements so that we can identify the connection between form and usage. We clearly understand that urban development projects must be malleable and open to the evolution of society. Urban routes are a good introduction to a close approach and perception of the city regarded as a space for life
