Exploring the Production of Urban Space: Differential Space in Three Post-Industrial Cities

摘要

Lefebvre's theories around space and politics have been drawn on extensively in human geography. Of particular note is the work of David Harvey (2009), and Edward Soja (1989) in extrapolating their relevance to the current state of the world. What has perhaps been missing from the literature, however, is a comprehensive exploration of Lefebvre in relation to planning and urban regeneration. By starting from Lefebvre's original theories (Lefebvre and Nicholson-Smith, 1991), Exploring the Production of Urban Space develops the implications of his spatial triad (spatial practice, spaces of representation and representations of space) and then focuses on three of Lefebvre's other types of space (abstract space, differential space and counter projects). It then applies these understandings through intricate case study analysis of three post-industrial city districts, focusing on the often unexplored concept of 'differential space'. This denotes places that are often in transition, and which prioritise human-use value over economic value. This emphasises the complexities of public and private interests on space, and asks how social struggles contribute to urban development. What results is an optimistic view of the potential for cities to adapt and evolve to changing social and political circumstances.