3.1. Perceived Space

So, in this work, 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.

Henri Lefebvre's theory of production of space emphasizes that space is not just a physical entity; it's shaped by social interactions and cultural practices. Lefebvre identifies three main aspects of space: perceived space, conceived space, and lived space. In this context, Indu Shaji uses Lefebvre's theory to explore how places are created and transformed through the experiences and practices of people, particularly in refugee contexts.

Imagine a public park that is designed with beautiful sculptures and perfectly manicured lawns. The 'conceived space' is how the planners envision it, while the 'perceived space' is how families use it for picnics, children play, and communities gather. The park's true essence emerges from how people interact with it daily.

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.

The concept of perceived space refers to the reality of a place as experienced by its users. It encompasses how different groups of people interact with and utilize a space based on their practices, cultural backgrounds, and everyday activities. For example, how a neighborhood is used—like a playground for children or a market for shopping—shapes its perceived essence and identity.

Consider a small town square. During the day, it serves as a marketplace with vendors selling fresh produce, but in the evenings, it becomes a gathering place for teens. Its perceived space changes based on the time of day and the people who use it.

Whereas, the conceived space is a space produced by the visionaries... 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.

Conceived space represents the ideal or planned vision of a place created by planners, designers, or authorities. It may not align with the actual experiences of those living in that space. On the other hand, lived space embodies the social realities—emotional and physical connections—that people develop towards their environments. This connection can reflect their daily habits, cultural practices, and history.

Think about a university campus. The conceived space might include architectural designs of stunning buildings meant to inspire learning. Yet, the lived space is observed in students hanging out in specific areas, studying on benches, or forming friendships over coffee in the student center. Their experiences shape the campus's character beyond its architectural plans.

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.

In refugee contexts, the application of Lefebvre's theory helps to understand how displaced individuals and groups reconstruct their identities and community ties in new environments. The experiences of refugees illustrate how perceived space can drastically change due to displacement, necessitating a re-evaluation of how communities develop their sense of place in unfamiliar surroundings.

Consider a refugee camp. Initially, the camp may be just a collection of tents—an administrative conception of space. However, as refugees begin to make it their home, they create shared spaces for community events, markets, and schools, transforming it into a perceived space rich with culture and identity that reflects their lived experiences.

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