- The Derive happens in a city. The local circumstances of the streets and pathways define the route that is chosen spontaneously.
- The Derive is performed on foot. Only like that, all the directions are available. With the low speed, an appropriate experience, and along that the integration of the environment is granted.
- The actual speed is influenced by the environment. Depending on the interests, you can spend more time at one place or pass unattractive parts faster.
- The sense and the aim of the Derive are to gain a founded knowledge of a city. How are neighborhoods separated, what makes the mood of a street and which peculiarities are recognizable?
- A Derive can start from anywhere - from an apartment, a subway station, from a store - and always follows the direction with the biggest interest.
- The decision about the direction to go may be guided by the interest for certain neighborhoods, special places like a waterfront or sights, and of course by spontaneous curiosity for the current place.
- The Derive is over, as soon as you decide to not go any further and as you abort your walk.
- The Derive may take place anytime. Of course, the actual hour will influence the mood of a street and so the route of the Derive.
- A mental picture of the city and a good sense of orientation are helpful. Using an additional city map should be avoided though, as this impairs the spontaneous decision based on the very environment.
- The Derive is usually performed alone, but it is also possible in groups. The route emerges with the participating persons and creates a subjective, respectively common experience of the city.
- The record of the Derives makes the urban-geographic patterns of a city plain. A route is only possible in a single place, the record is though a highlighting of already existing urban realities.
- Therefore, the Derive is the direct link between the city and the involved persons, an interpretation of the city by, and also a self-presentation of the city for the participants.