We have to understand a place or space beyond them simply being a location because we need to take into account their socio-cultural or historical contexts. A place or a space is only unique and the memories and meaning of that place preserved when the people who visit that place see it as more than just a location. A place cannot simply be regarded as a location as long as people go there and events take place. Not considering them beyond a location means we are wiping out or ignoring the memories and meaning of that place. For example, a

Continue readingReading Response: Michel de Certeau

While reading the whole paragraphs, I was quite surprised to know how the definition of “place” and “space” can be different. Before the reading, I recognized the place and space as almost the same concept. Michel de Certeau defines a place as an instantaneous configuration of positions and space as composed intersections of mobile elements. He also added his point of view for the word “space”, by saying that “space is practiced place”. This means that the boundaries of place is bigger than space when we draw Venn diagram with the two. “Practiced place” can be a confusing meaning but

Continue readingReading Response: MICHEL de CERTEAU

It is interesting to see how Michel changes a place into a practiced space. I recall many personal experiences when I read this article. Western District Public Cargo Working Area is a multidimensional space. On the one hand, it is a working area; On the other hand, it is a popular place where people can enjoy the sea and sunset. Human activities turn the place into space, and surprisingly, different interpretations can co-exist together. If I separate myself from the space I am in, I will gain unique experiences. When I walk on the promenade, I always do so. It

Continue reading[Reading Response]: Michel de Certeau

de Certeau provides keywords and discusses them in sets and talks about the relationship between the two. This blog will mainly focus on space and place. de Certeau defines a place to be an instantaneous configuration of positions. It is an indication or coordinates of a specific location. I believe a place to be 2-dimensional like a point on a map. In contrast, space considers vectors, velocities, and time, making it a 3-dimensional area with action occurring in it. de Certeau says that “space is a practiced place” meaning space is a place where something occurs under certain factors. Two types of

Continue reading[Reading Response: Michel de Certeau]

In the whole passage, I’m impressed by his definition of the concept of “place” and “space”, which refers to coexistence of elements and mobility of elements respectively. In my opinion, “space” is less valuable than “place” as similar concept also mentioned by de Certeau, since space can be changed from time to time due to environmental or man-made changes. However, in comparison, “place” consists of and built on from “space”, which makes “place” something more treasurable. From my perspective, we can only call a place a “place” when it has specific meanings, no matter something functional or historical.  Take the

Continue readingReading response: Michael de Certeau

What is the relationship between space and place? Map represent a true world？ How narration links the place and space?   After I read the reading material and the tutorial , these three questions come to my mind. I want share some of my view. First, I think the relationship between space and place is coexistence. Place is defined by the human activities and gives it a functional meaning. Places like school, home or workplace are not only functional, but also contains many spaces which are undefined. When we are doing something in that place, the undefined space will be

Continue readingReading Response: Michel de Certeau

With the cities around the world expanding and population growing rapidly, and some even evolve into “megacities”. Cities are as congested as ever. Roads and pedestrian pathways are crowded with vehicles and people which requires solution from the built environment professionals. Elevated and underground pathways are solutions that designer and urban planner came up with in the late 20th century. Different cities came up with different style of these pathways but Hong Kong has a very unique mega -structure of elevated walkways. They create a whole extra street-level, like a “double-decker street” which are fascinating even for me, who travel

Continue readingReading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James