A crowd-funded initiative called Genre De Vie has created a documentary about the social effects and the place of the bicycle in the modern city.

The organisers say: “In the past few years a growing number of cities worldwide have been (re)discovering the use of the bicycle. Sustainability plays a large role in the motivation behind the revival of the bicycle and takes on different challenges, placing itself in a new and relevant social position. The question then remains whether or not the revitalisation and new positioning of the bicycle could contribute to the livability of society.

Documentary makers Sven Prince and Jorrit Spoelstra, Image/Brooks England

“The documentary Genre De Vie researches the present effects of this form of transport and the lifestyle that is attached to it though research into already existing initiatives that play a crucial role in the revitalisation of the bicycle.

“By taking a global perspective the documentary makers form a clear view on the transformation of cities and urban living. Concentrating also on the effects of the bicycle, from a socio-cultural standing point, within which the individual is central.”

Genre de Vie from Photo Booth Works on Vimeo.

Genre De Vie

The well known geographer Vidal de la Blanche introduced the concept of ‘genre de vie’ (way of life) in the beginning of the 20th century. During this period the dominant view was that the greatest factor in determining lifestyle was ones natural surroundings. Videl added to this popular theory by stating that the personal meaning of one’s surroundings could be quite diverse, hence the reactions to ones surrounding can differ from person to person. Vidal was not a great believer of the social whole but was a front runner in the idea that people have a unique and individual relationship and reaction to the same surroundings.

Architecture & Design Team

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