This paper presents a series of contemporary artistic methods and collective actions based on the pioneering work of the French avant-garde group Art et Action (AEA, 1919-1939). AEA actively responded to the fast-changing society of their time through their innovative ‘theatre laboratory’, an experimental artistic research environment in which actors and audience were invited to investigate together the rhythmic order of urban routines and rituals, through the re-enactment of daily urban atmospheres. Based on AEA’s methods and concepts, atelier Area aims at responding to today’s deep physical, sensorial and social transformation of the city by re-acting contemporary urban routines and rituals through public improvisations and interventions. Three concrete examples will be presented here.