4.2.2. Perceived 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.

A place is defined not just by its geographical location marked by latitude and longitude, but also by its physical features such as hills, architecture, coastal configurations, and other natural settings. The significance of a place is deeply connected to the meanings and values that people and communities assign to it, thereby forming a part of their identity. This means that a place becomes a part of who they are—it's not just a location; it's a space filled with emotions and social constructs.

Consider how your hometown feels to you. It’s not merely a series of coordinates on a map; it’s where you have your memories, friends, and a sense of belonging. When you think of home, you don't just think of the buildings, but of the experiences that shape your understanding of that space.

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.

Many geographers argue that places are not just physical locations but are socially constructed. Doreen Massey emphasizes that our concepts of space and place are shaped by the society and are actively created through our interactions. This means that how we understand and relate to a place can change over time and is influenced by cultural, social, and political factors.

Think of a park in your city. It might serve as a play area for children, a gathering place for community events, or a peaceful retreat for individuals. The way people view and use that park varies based on their upbringing and current societal norms, showing how our interactions construct the meaning of that space.

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 highlights how human beings create attachments and a sense of belonging even in the absence of other people. For instance, in the movie 'Cast Away', Tom Hanks’ character, stranded on an uninhabited island, develops a relationship with a volleyball named Wilson. This exemplifies how people can form emotional connections with objects, which serve not just practical needs but also emotional ones.

Think about how people can feel attached to a childhood toy. It isn’t just a piece of plastic—it represents comfort, memories, and a connection to one’s past. Just like Wilson represented companionship for the character in the film, a toy can symbolize love and security for a child.

So here what I want to say here is, a man is attached with a lot of emotions, its values, 4 years that ball has given him a sense of being. That is where Sack talks about places cannot exist without us, but equally important we cannot exist without places.

The attachment to places is often filled with personal emotions and values. For instance, over the four years on the island, Wilson provided the character with a sense of purpose and companionship. The quote from Sack reinforces the idea that our existence is tied to the places we inhabit. They provide us with identity, belonging, and emotional stability.

Consider a family home that has been passed down through generations. The walls may be old, and the structure may need repairs, yet the emotions tied to family dinners, celebrations, and shared memories make it a priceless space for that family. That house offers not only physical shelter but also emotional comfort.

The post-disaster context is always seen as a very immediate need for both the beneficiaries and the providers. The providers for them it is a great need because they have to give a helping hand for the people who lost their houses for them there is an immediate requirement that they need to shelter their families for that kind of pressurized situation.

In post-disaster scenarios, the focus shifts quickly to meeting basic needs for shelter among those who have lost their homes. The urgency of this situation creates a complex dynamic between service providers and those affected. While immediate assistance is crucial for survival, it is also essential to consider the long-term emotional and social needs of these individuals.

After a natural disaster, organizations often rush to build temporary shelters for those displaced. While these shelters may meet the immediate need for safety, they might not account for the emotional and social connections that make a house feel like home. For instance, a family who grew up together in a neighborhood may feel lost in a nondescript tent city, highlighting the importance of understanding and rebuilding the emotional fabric of their community.

So, when we talk about the theoretical understanding of the place and space, one of the important understanding one has to look at the Henry Lefebvre works the production of space. He says the space is a social product, and it offers a theoretical assemblages and tactics in which power, architecture, and also their associated agencies alter and potentially dissolve the centrality of space in the depoliticized arena of post-disaster recovery.

In discussing theoretical perspectives, Lefebvre proposes that space is not just an empty area; it is shaped by social interactions and power dynamics. His work emphasizes how different forces—such as politics, power, and architecture—affect how we understand and utilize space, especially in the context of post-disaster recovery.

Imagine a city after a major flood. The local government may decide to redesign the city based on new 'safer' concepts, but this might ignore the traditions and community values of those who lived there. The decisions made by those in power can fundamentally change the meanings attached to space for its residents.

--