“Place” and “space”, what are the distinctions between the two? I think Michael gave us his own perspective.
In his explanation, “a place is the order in accord with which elements are distributed in relationships of coexistence”. It is like “an instantaneous configuration of positions”, which also “implies an indication of stability”. Nevertheless, space lacks this kind of “stability”. A space exists when “one takes into consideration vectors of direction, velocities, and time variables”. In contradistinction to place, space is more like a “practiced place”. In other words, a place is a space with special meanings or emotions. Only surrounded by unique stories can a space be transformed into a place.
Endow a space with meanings can transform it into a place and vice versa. Take several former residences of celebrities as examples. These houses are originally ordinary. However, people living there brought these spaces spirits and history, which made them into places. If the history fades away, these places would be plain again. It is also the same case in our daily lives. If we spend a wonderful time with our friends in any space, then this space will be a unique place for us, which is filled with precious memories.
Also, this kind of transformation is vital for preservation and city life. The first term is easy to understand. If a space has collective memories for the citizens, then this space will become a public place for all and will acquire common protection as well. As for city life, this transformation has to be connected with life comfort. A city is not only a place to work, sleep or satisfy necessities, but also a place to enjoy lives. We cannot merely make a living there. As a consequence, this transformation brings varieties to the city and gives citizens changeable lives as what they like.
To sum up, space and place are both important not only in our daily lives but in other fields. This special transformation is of great significance in human society.
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Your reflection is well-structured. Your note on the importance of transforming space into place for city life is interesting. It would be great if you could give examples in cities that you have dwelled in to illustrate this point more vividly. How has film, starting from the very beginning, become an active transforming of city space into place?