Case Study 3: Rhythms During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Pinar Sefkatli

This study explores togetherness in Amsterdam Zuidoost during the COVID-19 pandemic by focusing on the changing rhythms of ordinary urban activities. While the pandemic disrupted togetherness in many ways, it also revealed a mismatch between the urban residents’ experiences and the city governments’ perceptions. To articulate togetherness for pandemic preparedness, we explore a conceptual framework that is qualitatively informed but can be significant for quantitative data analysis based on city rhythms. Building on the notion of spheres by Peter Sloterdijk, we conceptualise “rhythm spheres”, which define the spatio-temporal characteristics to articulate daily urban life and community activities. The three rhythm spheres explored in this study are rhythm spheres of bubbles (intimate), foams (network-based) and globes (formal). The results show various ways the pandemic regulations caused transitions between the different rhythm spheres. Describing how rhythm spheres emerge from the spatio-temporal characteristics of everyday activities allows a better definition of togetherness during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating the potential to introduce new policies for pandemic preparedness.