"One can distinguish between two types of city images: the ones that are formed consciously, and the others, which emerge unintentionally... Wherever there are masses of stones together with streets lined with houses...this second type of image develops, which in itself has never been a serious subject of interest. This type of image is designed as little as nature and is similar to a landscape in that it unconsciously carries its message. Unconcerned about its appearance, it dozes through time."

- Sigfried Kracauer, "Aus dem Fenster Gesehen"

"To live means to leave traces." 

Walter Benjamin, "Paris, Capital of the Nineteenth Century"