Introduction. Urban Space as an Interpretative Gaze

This is the introductory chapter of a volume designed to introduce readers to the interactions and crossovers between culture and the city. The volume in fact intends to investigate urbanity as a cultural form on the basis of a broader and geographically representative collection of case studies. In particular it offers a stimulating range of inter-disciplinary perspectives showing that urban space manifests itself as an interpretative gaze, anchored in human life not just as something to look at but as a cultural form to live in socially. The essay illustrate the real and imaginary ways that we interact with the cities through the portal of the arts. The author seek to expand and enhance our understanding of how Art, Architecture, Music, Fashion, Film and Media critically engage with urban space and actively contribute to the creation of original cityscapes thus revealing various cultural models of development.