Space & Place: An Underlying Understanding

Space & Place: An Underlying Understanding

Defining space and place requires a deeper understanding which is often misunderstood. Yi-Fu Tuan states that “What begins as undifferentiated space becomes place as we get to know it and endow it with value” (1977, p.6). As we grow and live our lives, we develop emotional and deep connections to places in the world. Depending on where someone is situated as well as their circumstance, these connections to space and place may vary between negative and positive. Some may find a deep connection to their home where they were born and raised while others may move homes often and are unable to create that connection.

In the most recent lecture, it is stated that “Humans endow space with meaning, make cognitive maps of their relations to it” (Kuttainen) An Article by Julie Beck identifies that there are other various reasons why we find these emotional connections to certain places. One simple reason is that we pay for them, therefore, we have to enjoy them. On the other hand, we can find an emotional connection through places that we may not currently be at, at that moment. Imagery, object, and memory can create these emotions, such as photos, posters, or souvenirs.

A Turtle on a Leash (2009) by Richard Pouty detailed Benjamin’s ideas as well as the concept of the flânuer. The flânuer is an architectural term to describe “those who are indirectly and unintentionally affected by a particular design they experience only in passing.” It is often that as we explore the world, there will be structures and sites that we may find unique and extraordinary. Although they may not be intentional to find, people may find a vast interest and curiosity towards these places. As time goes on people may find themselves revisiting or reminiscing and may reflect on their overall experience through things such as objects or photos.

When thinking about space and place in a virtual sense, social media can create similar emotional connections. Facebook begins as a blank, empty space for one to fill and express themselves with. Many people use Facebook for sharing things others may enjoy and sharing their personal experiences with others. Facebook, in a sense, can be considered a place people go, however, in a metaphorical rather than a literal way. You can store photos, update your current situation and Facebook even offers memories of what you were doing exactly a year ago. 

With the increasing technology in society, place and space have transformed from which was once only a physical state to an online one. A place has become much more than simply a mere building. Facebook is one of many social networks that create this ‘norm’ and encourages us to continuously post and post and post. The more time we spend on social networks like Facebook, the less we are living.

References

Beck, J. (2019). The Psychology of Home: Why Where You Live Means So Much. Retrieved from 

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2011/12/the-psychology-of-home-why-where-you-live-means-so-much/249800/ 

Kuttainen, V. (2019). BA1002: Our Spaces: Networks, Narrative and the Making of the Place; Week 6 Lecture Powerpoint. Retrieved from https://learn.jcu.edu.au

Prouty, R. (2019). A Turtle on a Leash. Retrieved from https://onewaystreet.typepad.com/one_way_street/2009/10/a-turtle-on-a-leash.html