Inherent in urbanity is tension, where the “weak tactics of the strong,” which lead the formal shaping of our cities are negotiated by the “strong tactics of the weak” (de Certeau, 1984), a reactive performance by its citizenry. An example is the citizen-led repurposing of urban form, where new meaning and function is assigned to a site, and in doing so, a distinct atmosphere produced. This paper explores how the socio-spatial response to this tension contributes a distinct element of a city atmosphere, while challenging the dichotomization of tangible and intangible cultural heritage. By drawing on ethnographic observation of the use of the steps in front of Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, this paper aims to conceptualize urban atmosphere as the result of this reactive process.