[Reading Response: Michel de Certeau]

In this article, de Certeau gives us definitions and comparisons between ‘space’ and ‘place’ as well as ‘map’ and ‘tour’. It noted that place is describing the order of elements that are distributed in relationships of coexistence, while space is consist of movements of mobile elements. Deeper, space is a practiced place, giving me a new view of ‘existence is spatial’. I was wondering why would these connect to tour and map? Actually, similarities could be found in distinguishing ‘map’ and ‘tour’, the tour includes the interactions with live beings, such as ‘you turn left’ and ‘you’ll see’ compared with

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Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

This passage talks about the difference between place and space and analyses the deep meaning of these two words from different angles. First of all, place, to sum it up, is a static region composed of multiple elements and space is to think about space vectors, space velocities, is a dynamic three-dimensional thing. Space is the thing that presents as the objective existence of the positional differences between all objects on display. Because space is everywhere in real life, as long as the film is still “realistic”, everything in the film is in space. In the shooting of movies, place

Continue readingReading Response: Michel de Certeau

Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

This article discusses the relationship and difference between space and place. Simply from the definition, the place is more geographic which is a 2-D plane while space is likely to be a 3-D concept. The place is more static, and space seems closely related to movements that require other elements such as time flow, vectors of directions, and velocities. Space is a practiced place, and place gives space meanings and values. The movement of pedestrians transforms the place into space. Combined with the reality of our everyday lives, ‘being there’ and operations’ shows the opposition between ‘place’ and ‘space’. The

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Reading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James

This chapter has introduced the development of the multilevel city. I appreciate this concept because it can help relieve the problem of insufficient land in Hong Kong. The three-dimensional urban design has been a prerequisite element in city planning nowadays. Footbridges and tunnels can connect buildings and facilities. However, it may also create a problem of discrimination at the social level. As stated in the reading, “downtown streets belong to the poor, the homeless, and the politically disenfranchised” (p261). Hong Kong is a successful multilevel city as all lands in Hong Kong are owned by the government and it does

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Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

“Space” and “Place” “Space” is location, physical space and physical geography. It has taken consideration of vector of direction, velocities, and time variables. Hence, it is made up of mobile element intersections. “Space” is meaningless and has no meaning or value. It’s like a blank canvas, it is nothing and everything at the same time. “Place” has meaning and value, and it has a context. It serves a purpose. It is comprised of both tangible and intangible elements. “Place” is like the painting on the canvas, it gives “space” a meaning and values. It is the culturally imposed meaning assigned to

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Reading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James

The article mainly focused on the pedestrian highways, including the sky-way in the urban areas. In order to enrich the city infrastructure due to the structuralism, enhance people to transport from skyscraper to skyscraper without going outside, the important sky-way appeared quickly and were built in every corner of the cities. The multilevel metropoils  were created and the citizens are allowed to transport horizontally in a short time. The enhanced urban economy during the city contribution promotes not only the business communication, but also introduces a new way of transportation. As the article mentioned, the original and traditional way is

Continue readingReading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James

Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

After reading this article, I can clearly differentiate ‘place’ and ‘space’. A place is defined as the order in accord with which elements are distributed in relationships of coexistence… an instantaneous configuration of positions (that implies) an indication of stability. A space is defined as existing by the consideration of vectors of direction, velocities and time variables. For example, the street geometrically defined is transformed into space by walkers. These two concepts are interchangeable. Stories transform places into spaces or spaces into places. Anyone can define both of them because not everyone has the same experience at that specific point. Maps

Continue readingReading Response: Michel de Certeau

Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

In the reading, de Certeau posed very intriguing discussions regarding space and place.  As a student of architectural studies, I have a deep interest in discovering spatial qualities and what experiences those qualities bring to people.  De Certeau specifically gave attention to how “having stories” and “being there” impacts a space; a space consists of higher mobility and the unique experience of oneself contributes to how a space is formed.  For instance, let’s say there is a place that is a round room, yet this doesn’t make it a space.  It is a space to users when they are present

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Reading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James

Yoos and James illustrated the importance and architectural idea in the article by reviewing the history of grade-separated pedestrian systems. Although they have several names such as skyways, skywalks, and footbridges, the ability to concentrate “transit, commerce, and real estate value” never changed. As mentioned in Gruen’s idea, he attempted to create a social center with multiple functions, including exhibiting local art and culture and shops providing necessities. This goal can be achieved by building adaptable components (e.g., pedestrian bridges and plazas), which illustrates the effectiveness and significance of pedestrian systems in promoting the quality of human life. My travel

Continue readingReading Response: Jennifer Yoos and Vincent James

Reading Response: Michel de Certeau

“Space and Place” and “Map and Tour” To articulate the relationship between Space and Place by merely expressing one is stable and the other is mobile is a bit ambiguous because geographically these two are nailed in a solid spot. To illustrate place is mobile we need to consider the intersection of mobile element in present or of a particular time in which represented an ensemble of different occupational activities, happening or happened, in that place. For example, the third floor of HKU main library is a place for people to nurture their mind or sitting on the chair leisurely

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