For me it’s cities. I’m absolutely fascinated by how cities work. Every street, building, alleyway, park, shop, bar etc. tells a story of how life happened there. Every single thing in the city contributes to its functioning.
I can spend hours just scrolling on Google Maps, zooming in on cities like New York, London, Tokyo, Beijing, the city I live in, you name it. Dropping myself in the street view function and just strolling around everything. I also oftentimes have Google Maps open on my second screen at work, because I find it calming in a way.
I think this all started with Star Wars and Coruscant. As a kid I was hooked the moment I saw a CITY the size of a freaking PLANET! I find there’s something comforting in knowing that everywhere around you, something is happening and you are all part of this megastructure, making it function. I don’t know how I never ended up as a city planner or something.
Same. But then also I find chaotic cities to be the most interesting. Atlanta, for example, is a hot mess of a city. But that’s what makes it interesting. It’s so huge and spread out with all these hills, short streets going nowhere, small houses etc. Something about the chaotic structure of it all is interesting.