4.2.3. Lived Space

Which is normally referred with a geographical location by the Latitude and longitude, and it also reflects through its material form and which is a physical features, whether is a hill architecture, whether it is the coastal architecture, whether it is through its natural settings and the built environments. More importantly, the place is associated with the meanings and the values that the people or the communities invest in them so this is where the identity comes in.

This chunk highlights that place can be understood through latitude and longitude, which defines its geographical location. However, places are not just about coordinates; they encompass physical features like architecture and natural settings. Importantly, each place is imbued with meanings and values by the people who inhabit it, contributing to their sense of identity.

Consider how a hometown can evoke feelings of belonging or nostalgia for an individual. For example, a local park where people play and gather not only is a physical location but also represents community values, memories, and personal connections. Thus, the park holds significance that goes beyond its physical presence.

So many geographers talk about place is a social construct, Doreen Massey talks about it is a social construct, and we actively make places and our ideas of place are products of the society in which we live.

This chunk introduces the concept that places are not inherently meaningful but are created by social interactions and cultural contexts. Influential geographer Doreen Massey emphasizes that our perceptions and ideas of place stem from the society around us, suggesting that our understanding of space is shaped by our interactions and experiences in these environments.

Think about how cities are designed and the cultural significance they hold. For instance, a bustling marketplace represents not just a location but a vibrant communal space where people interact, trade, and share experiences. The marketplace evolves through the relationships and activities that occur there.

A small example for the students to understand I hope many of you have seen the movie of Cast Away, where Tom Hanks played a role of a Korea person and he met with an accident in the flight while in the Korea flight. And he is a lonely survivor he finds himself in an island which an untouched island no one ever been to that island and the whole story is all about how he lives in that place for 4 years.

In this chunk, the speaker uses the movie 'Cast Away' as an illustration of lived space. The protagonist, stranded on an uninhabited island, has to create a sense of place for himself over four years. This situation encapsulates how individuals form a deep emotional connection to their surroundings, impacting their identity and experiences.

This scenario is similar to someone adapting to a new city after moving away from home. Over time, they might establish routines, explore local hangouts, and build relationships, thus transforming the new city into a place of comfort and belonging, much like Tom Hanks' character did with the island.

Here he talks about, he cares about Wilson, he talks about Wilson, he talks with Wilson, he shares his pain, anger everything with him. So here whatever it is not just only for the food or the shelter it is how a man makes a sense of belonging with other individual though it is not a living being but he still makes some attachment.

This chunk emphasizes the emotional bonds we can develop with inanimate objects and spaces. In the film, the character Tom Hanks forms an attachment to a volleyball he names 'Wilson', indicating that our relationships with places and objects go beyond their physical utility, allowing us to find companionship and comfort even in isolation.

An analogy can be drawn with a child's attachment to a teddy bear. Just like Tom Hanks found solace in Wilson during his solitude, a child might turn to their teddy bear for comfort, sharing thoughts and feelings with it, thereby creating a sense of belonging and security.

Like some of the post-disaster experience which where my journey have started. There is Latur earthquake on the right-hand side recovery and the Gujarat earthquake geodesic domes. The post-disaster context is always seen a very immediate need for both the beneficiaries and the providers.

This chunk shifts the focus to how disasters impact our understanding of space. It suggests that after disasters, there is typically a scramble for immediate shelter and recovery. The urgency surrounding post-disaster recovery highlights how spaces can be reconstructed or modified to address immediate needs, often overlooking deeper community and emotional connections to these places.

After a natural disaster, survivors might accept temporary housing arrangements that don’t fit their needs, similar to a family temporarily moving into a cramped apartment after losing their home. This highlights the struggle between urgent physical needs and the desire for a space that feels comfortable and supportive.

Now despite of having so many housing solutions but why people are able to reject it? what is something beyond a house beyond the building it is far beyond the question is far beyond it.

Here, the speaker raises a critical question about the rejection of housing solutions following disasters. It points out that after a tragedy, people often turn down available housing options, which indicates that their needs are not solely based on physical structures but also on deeper social and emotional needs.

Consider how after a hurricane, some families might refuse government-provided housing because it is too far from their workplace or social networks. They don't just need a 'roof over their heads' but a home that integrates into their drastically changed lives, relationships, and community ties.

So that is where I can just briefly talk about what Lefebvre talks about. Lefebvre talks about 3 aspects, one is conceived space, lived space, perceived space.

In this chunk, the speaker introduces the ideas of Henri Lefebvre, who categorized space into three forms: conceived, lived, and perceived. Each type represents a different lens through which we can analyze space: conceived relates to the planning and intellectualization of space, perceived refers to the reality of daily activities and interactions with space, and lived space refers to our emotional and intuitive connections with places.

Think of a college. It is conceived in terms of its architectural design (conceived space), perceived as a place where students and faculty interact daily (perceived space), and lived as a space filled with memories, friendships, and emotional experiences that define a person's college life (lived space).

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