A take on Melani Dodd's book, Spatial Practices: Modes of Action and Engagement with the City
Space inherently carries layers of social, cultural, and historical influence, shaping behaviors and experiences. This perspective deepened my commitment to creating spaces that are inclusive, adaptable, and attuned to the users and their diverse needs.
Examining ancient spaces like the Greek agora and Egyptian pyramids highlights how architecture serves as both a social and political tool, demonstrating the layered concepts of conception, perception, and lived space as explored by theorists like Henri Lefebvre.
Conceived as a civic hub, the agora enabled democratic engagement and everyday social interaction. Its open layout encouraged public participation, making it a true “lived space” where political and social life harmonise.
The pyramids on the other hand were a clear monument of divine authorities. The grand scale is designed to shape the public’s perception, in a sense of awe and hierarchy, while the working class built temporary social spaces around the years long construction sites.
These examples portray the importance of designing spaces that balance intended ‘conceived’ purpose, user’s ‘perceived’ experience, and the ‘lived’ social dynamics. I aim to create environments that encourage connections and empower communities, recognising that every space can - and does- serve as a platform for social and political expression.
What makes space political is when an encounter becomes an interruption in the established order.
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