The Production of Space by Lefebvre - Book Report/Review Example

Introduction Lefebvre, H. (1991). The Production of Space. Oxford, OX, UK: Blackwell. The production of space by Henry Lefebvre came as a conclusion of his work between 1968 and 1974. The book was written after a series of other seven books. The first publication of the book was released in 1974. Donald Smith produced he English version of the book in 1991. In writing the book, Lefebvre attempted to create an understanding of the relationship between the social relations of production and the production of space. He offers two distinct levels of space; the natural space (physical / absolute space) as well as the socially produced space (social space). He wanted to contend the notion that space is a construction of experiences and values or a social product which allows for the reproduction of the society. In this case, the society refers to the physical space. Instead, he states that the society-physical space- is reproduced through supremacy which eventually leads to capitalism through class superiority. He also wanted to establish whether language epistemologically, genetically or logically follows, the “social space”, or it was just a precondition of the social space. This paper gives a report about Lefebvre’s understanding and arguments of the “social space and “contradictory space”. Lefebvre views social space as a type of power. He argues that that if the social space is indeed a social product, then the space produced is naturally production means which essentially result into creation of new space where control and power relations exist (Stanek, 2011). By writing the book, Lefebvre contributed to our historical understanding of space as not only a physical entity but also as a means of power and control. Brief Summary The production of Space cuts across a series of disciplines, themes, targets and topics. The book is organized into seven chapters. In each chapter, almost similar issues emerge as Lefebvre tries to uncover any differential space which could deny the abstract space progress towards the homogenization of the city (Lefebvre, 1991). The book is organized into seven broad chapters. However, this report is limited to the “social space” and the “contradictory space”. The author aims at identifying the differences that exist between the various forms of spaces like the social, mental and the real spaces (Elden, 2004). The production of Space was written in an attempt to define and create the necessary concepts which could assist in combating the “abstract” space or rather the space characterized by bureaucratic politics that reinforced social homogeneity. Lefebvre (1991) argues that there is no science of space that can accept the contradictions that exists within the nature of space. He further claimed if dualities could not represent the contradictions within the nature of space if social space was to be said to constitute dualities. There could be no contradictions if space was a true space of coherence with mental reality. He also that argued thatdialectical way of thinking right from had been overtaken by time right from Heraclitus then Hegel and finally Marx. Spatial codes are seen as the constituents of practical interactions between the subjects, their surrounding and space. Also the way in which spatial codes came into existence and later disappeared is discussed. In writing the book, Lefebvre considered the actual meaning of space in relation to the daily experiences of home and city lives. The author tries to bridge the gaps that exist between the philosophy and reality. He does so by through varied contexts of the art, architecture, literature and economics. He goes further to provide a powerful solution to the unproductive theories and methods, hence embracing the modern continental philosophy. The society is likened to the body of a human being in that it cannot survive without producing or generating differences. This reference is used to describe the social space in relation to other the hydrodynamic language when referring to rhythms and flows within the space (Light, 1998). Critical Assessment The Production of Space is of great significance in that the different understanding of the meaning of space which can be traced back to the Descartes mathematical theory and also the contemporary philosophy. Readers get to understand that we are confronted by indefinite and massive amount of spaces, reflected by the numerous and distinct materials within the spaces of work, leisure and even public facilities (Hsu, 2010). Henry Lefebvre tries to remove the common understanding of space as a vague concept and revealing the social concept of space which is hidden by ideology. The illusion of “pure” and “neutral” space is being dispelled slowly and it has pervaded the western culture though it originates from philosophy. Social space symbolizes separate and distinctive traits which connect to the pure mental space. The author understood the social space as a social product. According to Lefebvre, production is an important term and the understanding of it can be based two references; Hegel and Marx. Although the Lefebvre seemed to have relied heavily on Marx, it is worthy to explore his use of Hegel since it underpins his own understanding of the “social space”. According to Lefebvre, Hegel is an important link where ideas can be converged and circulated. It is also important to know that the incorporation of Hegel into Lefebvre’s text is not uncritical because some elements are used while others are eliminated in the Hegelian perspective. Lefebvre disregards as “statist” the notion of space from the Hegelian perspective at the same time maintaining the Hegelian production (Lefebvreet al.,2003). Hegelianism holds that the historical time gives rise to the space in which the state occupies and takes control or rules over it. This notion implies that time is solidified and placed within the rationality of space. It then followed that Marx the restoration of historical time as revolutionary time. In his definition of Hegelian production, Lefebvre states that in Hegelianism, production has a cardinal role and that production is attached to the social space (Lefebvre, 1991). Though the description of philosophy of Hegel is wide, production is found within the movement or the type of action assumed by the absolute idea in its complete self-conscious realization. There is also an indication of the circulation ideas as the ideas are then reproduced. According to Lefebvre, the movement of production within Hegel is centered on the term ‘concrete universal.’ This is a concept that seemingly originates from the philosophy but it also extends beyond it. Concrete universal constitutes the relationship between the general, specific and singular (Lefebvreet al.,2009). In addition, Lefebvre claims that the Nietzschean do not preserve any feature of Hegelian perception of space as remains of historical time and a product. Also, cosmic space is composed of energy and forces which can be identified only through its impact on the space. My opinion and understanding is that the “social space”includes things produced and how they relate to each other in their coexistence. Among the forces of production, the social space has a role to play. It seems to be a product which originates from one character and it is consumed productively. The” social space” is also instrumental in the political sphere in that it facilitates the control of the society at the same time being a means of production. The social space is like institutional and ideological structures that are stationed for their unintended purpose. This is due to the act that it not only supports the production relations but also the process of producing property. It adopts the external look of impartiality, vacuum and insignificance. It also has the potentialities of works as well as re-appropriation. However, the fact that “social space” is indeed a social product is hidden by two illusions. These are the transparency and realistic illusions. “If it is true that (social) space is a (social) product, how is this fact concealed? The answer is: by a double illusion, each side of which refers back to the other, reinforces the other, and hides behind the other. These two aspects are the illusion of transparency on the one hand and the illusion of opacity, or 'realistic' illusion, on the other” (Lefebvre, 1991). Through the illusion of transparency, the space is viewed as intelligible and luminous. All that happens in social space lends incredible quality to thought thereby becoming incarnate in the senses of the world (Gottdiener, 1997). On the contrary, the illusion of opacity is founded on the simplicity of nature whereby some things are wrongly believed to have existed for longer a time than the desires and thoughts of the subject. Lefebvre argues that space is created or produced socially. As a designer, his concept is very important in that it helps me understand the importance of maximizing the available space by creating designs that breaks away from traditional aesthetics. Lefebvre’s ideas creates a basis for me to advance in my everyday design practices through production of designs that are beyond the standard ideas, while pursuing projects which are inspired by location, function and layout. This means that most of my designs will be dictated by the function(s) of that specific project. For example, if a project is intended to showcase or house something, or even meant to be occupied by a specific person, the design of such projects will be inspired by the purpose. This element of designing for every unique circumstance is the primary aim of modern architecture. From the author’s ideas about the space, I have learnt to simplicity in form is key to the success of everyday design. This means that focusing on specific elements during the design process is crucial because modern architecture is ideally free of any forms of clutter and superfluous elements. This means that the aims of all projects are clarified at designing stage and all features needed incorporated in the design. For instance, projects meant for residential purposes are expected to portray the architectural design and image of the home. Therefore, a lot of emphasis is given to the space itself, and not any detail that is irrelevant to the overall design. Unlike the ancient designs, modern designs are characterized by sufficient exposure of all the structural elements of design. The concept of ideal creation of space through social construction is important in achieving the needed exposure. For this reason, it is possible to move from a two-dimensional view to a visionary approach of the urban design. Lefebvre’s argument about the concept of space, urban revolution is the outstanding theme. As an urban designer and planner, I have leant to incorporate social space in my design practice. This is because the physical space is no longer a sufficient to grasp the needs of the modern society. The fact that every form of space must be utilized effectively implies that I should change life and society by effective planning and designing of modern architecture. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be seen from the review of the book that space homogenization can continue if the differential space is not given the opportunity to counter the abstract space. Lefebvre created the Production of Space to ignite everything so as to readdress the divisions resulting from the fragmentations of spaces both mental and real spaces with the sole purpose of creating a unified production of space. Through his epistemological shift, Lefebvre is in a position of making these observations from conception of ‘things in space’ to the ‘actual production of space’. While basing his arguments the Marxist ideas of “production”, Lefebvre acknowledges the fact that space is an ‘active moment’ that must be produced actively rather that leaving it to its own devices while demystifying the capitalists’ dynamic relationships of commoditization. However, design practice is guided by policies which vary from one place to another. As a designer, there is need to streamline design initiatives that would encourage developers and designers to follow good practice. It is vital to always have a guidance policy that incorporates all aspects of space in all design frameworks and strategies. References Elden, S. (2004).Understanding Henri Lefebvre: theory and the possible. London [u.a.], Continuum. Gottdiener, M. (1997). The social production of urban space. Austin, Tex, Univ. of Texas Press. Hsu, L. (2010). Geography and the production of space in nineteenth-century American literature.Cambridge, Cambridge University Press. Lefebvre, H. (1991). The production of space. Oxford, OX, UK, Blackwell. Lefebvre, H., Brenner, N., &Elden, S. (2009). State, space, and world: selected essays. Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press. Lefebvre, H., Elden, S., Lebas, E., &Kofman, E. (2003). Key writings. New York, Continuum. Light, A. (1998).The production of public space. Lanham [u.a.], Rowman& Littlefield. Stanek, L. (2011). Henri Lefebvre on space: architecture, urban research, and the production of theory. Minneapolis, MN, University of Minnesota Press. Read More