December 13th Social Sciences & Politics.

Today we learnt about the difference between how to perceive and conceive space, which we then linked to how it is produced and third space.  To perceive means ‘to notice or become aware of something directly through the senses.’ Whiles conceive means ‘to form an idea or plan in your mind, to imagine something.’ Linking this to architecture we can look at urban space, which requires major philosophical work, Henri Lefebvre, a social theorist, argues that space is a social product and “that capitalist societies produce abstract space, which is characterised by the dominance of mental space over the natural and social ones.” This is shown in the Cerdá plan for the expansion of Barcelona.

Cerdá plan for the expansion of Barcelona.

However, the spaces we design will design us back, for example third spaces in sociology, these places are social spaces that are not the usual social environments of the home ‘first space’ or workplace ‘second place’ they serve as a place for people to gather, relax and connect with others for example churches, cafes, public libraries, parks, stores or clubs. Ray Oldenburg coined the term in his book ‘The Great Good Place’ where he demonstrates how and why these spaces are essential to community life, value and democracy. (Oldenburg, 1999)

Diagram of Social Space

I believe it is important to understand this as with the growing cost of living and the rise of social media, society is increasingly becoming more heavily individualistic and capitalist, meaning it comes as no surprise that third spaces, which were once common, have now become increasingly more difficult to come by. (Rao & published, 2024) Especially when we can access anything on the Internet from the comfort of our homes, and this is especially impacting young people (Generation Z and Millennials.) About 9.7% of young people between the ages 16-29, report feeling lonely often or even always, which is over three times more, compared to those over 70 (9.7%) what’s worse is this number has continued to rise, especially after the coronavirus lockdown. (Office for National Statistics, 2018) This is a growing concern, as it is leading to an enlarged number of young people with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem which can stop them from wanting to do anything with their lives. (Mind, 2019) It goes without saying that young people are the future of Earth, and today has showed me the importance of creating spaces with different purposes.

References:

Schechner, Richard. (2012) Performance Studies: An Introduction, Taylor & Francis Group. 

Oldenburg, R. (1999). The great good place: cafés, coffee shops, bookstores, bars, hair salons, and other hangouts at the heart of a community. Marlowe, c1999 Published Berkeley

Rao, D., & published, T. W. U. (2024, March 26). The unfortunate, ongoing disappearance of “third places.” Theweek. https://theweek.com/culture-life/third-places-disappearing

Office for National Statistics. (2018, April 10). Loneliness - What characteristics and circumstances are associated with feeling lonely? - Office for National Statistics. Ons.gov.uk. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/articles/lonelinesswhatcharacteristicsandcircumstancesareassociatedwithfeelinglonely/2018-04-10

Mind. (2019, July). About loneliness. Mind.org.uk; Mind. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/