1.6. Lefebvre’s Theory of Production of Space

Indu have adopted Lefebvre’s theory of production of space because this is one of the sociological component where Lefebvre, Henri Lefebvre talked about 3 different ontological positions of place, how it gets transformed.

In this chunk, we learn that Indu has utilized Henri Lefebvre's theory of the production of space in her research. Lefebvre’s theory posits that there are three primary ways of understanding how places are created and can change over time. This theory helps to explain the complexities involved in the spaces that refugees inhabit and how their experiences shape these spaces.

Think of a city park. It can be perceived differently by different people - children playing there perceive it as a playground, joggers see it as a running track, and city planners see it as a green space that needs maintenance. Lefebvre’s theory helps us understand these varied perspectives.

The first aspect, when he talks about the perceived space, which is the space which has been produced by the spatial practice of all the users of a space.

Perceived space refers to how different users interpret and interact with a physical space based on their experiences and routines. This could include the daily activities that occur in that space and the individual’s emotional or social connections to it. Understanding this helps researchers see how spaces become meaningful through usage.

Imagine a busy marketplace. To a vendor, it's a place of work; to a shopper, it's a place to find good deals; to children, it might just be an exciting environment filled with sounds and colors. Each user perceives the space based on their needs.

Whereas, the conceived space, it a space produced by the visionaries. Whether it is a planners or the political decision-makers or it is based on the knowledge on ideologies of the visionaries.

Conceived space is shaped by the ideas, plans, and concepts put forth by influential figures such as urban planners, architects, or policymakers. These individuals envision how spaces should function and can overlook human experiences or interactions in those spaces. This aspect of space emphasizes how theoretical frameworks often guide practical developments.

Think of a newly constructed shopping mall. The architects envisioned open spaces, a certain layout, and facilities based on their design principles. However, once built, the actual use of the space may vary significantly depending on how people choose to interact with it.

The third aspect, which is talking about the lived space as the people tend to live at a particular place that is where an invisible degree of people's attachment to a certain place.

Lived space is about the personal relationships and emotional ties that people develop with a place over time. This attachment shapes an individual's or community's identity, their behaviors, and how they interact with their environment. Understanding lived space reveals the depth of connection people have with their community and surroundings.

Consider someone’s childhood home. No matter how many improvements are made, the feelings and memories associated with that place create a profound sense of belonging. It’s not just a physical structure; it’s a center of emotional significance.

This particular theory of production of space has been widely used from different researchers varying from sociologists, planners, urban designers and even the people working in the housing segment so they have adopted this particular theory.

Lefebvre's theory is embraced by a wide range of professionals, including sociologists and urban planners, as it provides a robust framework for understanding how different spaces are produced and transformed. This theory offers insights into urban development, social dynamics, and the impact of policies on living conditions, especially among marginalized communities such as refugees.

Urban planners might use this theory to design public parks that cater to the needs of different community groups. By understanding how individuals perceive, conceive, and live in these spaces, planners can create environments that foster community interaction and cater to various cultural practices.

So, here because we are talking about the refugee context under displacement where the whole context has been reversed out and how it is programmed in time and how it has been manifested, how it has been shaped and reshaped.

The refugee experience underscores how spaces are affected by the context of displacement. This requires considering how historical, social, and emotional transformations of space occur. The interplay of forced migration, identity, and belonging highlights the evolving nature of refugee spaces over time.

In cities with large refugee populations, such as Lebanon, neighborhoods transform as new cultures blend with existing ones. Markets, schools, and homes evolve, reflecting changes brought about by the influx of refugees who bring their customs and practices, reshaping the urban landscape.

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