Undercity - Tom Burkland

UNDERCITY from Andrew Wonder on Vimeo.

After the sun goes down in New York City, Steve Duncan, a 32 year old Ph.D. student of Urban History at the University of California, explores parts of the city that most people are not even aware of.  From dodging speeding subway cars and deadly third-rails to see abandoned subway stations, to treading through waist-deep runoff in New York City's sewer system, and even climbing to the top of the Williamsburg Bridge; one can say that Duncan has a familiarity with the city that only a handful of people share.  I'm sure many of you have come across this video at some point in the past.  It tends to make frequent appearances on Facebook news feeds and Stumbleupon; and rightfully so, this roughly 30 minute video is unusual, exciting, and at times, somewhat disgusting.

I revisited this video after coming across it a while back and have found that it touches on many of the topics we have covered recently.  Duncan's exploration of the "Undercity" at times can be extremely dangerous and illegal.  Seeing him sneak around subway stations, parks, and bridges equipped with a backpack full of tools reminded me the readings and discussion of graffiti and guerilla gardening.  I would imagine that members of both groups would be able to find parallels between what they do and what Duncan does.  Additionally, Duncan explores Amtrak tunnels in which homeless individuals have resided in the past.  I saw a strong connection with this to our discussion in class about the displacement of the urban poor.  "Back in the 80's when the line was abandoned, there were a few... kind of "communities" - different areas- each with upwards of 50 people.  So there were a few hundred people living down there.  And then when Giuliani [came into office], trying to clean up the city, most of them were kicked out." - Steve Duncan/Undercity 14:20

NYTimes - The Wilderness Below Your Feet
NPR - Into The Tunnels: Exploring The Underside Of NYC

-Tom