The Production of Space

Anyone interested in political or academic Marxism or in joining their organizing efforts with solid theory should get this book. As a student of post-Marxism, poststructuralism, and Lacanian psychoanalytic theory (from Althusser to Zizek I guess you could say), I can a appreciate Lefebvre's solid body of theory. Unlike many other theorists (Baudrillard, for example), Lefebvre connects his theory to direct, concrete practice in the real world and skewers other academics who are prone to oblivious abstraction. Some theories cheaply "apply" their theories to examples, but Lefebvre actually has an object in mind (capitalist space and revolutionary space) when outlining his considerable argument, which he compares to Marx's project in Capital. Whereas Marx uncovered the "secret of the commodity" and all of the implications of its denuding, Lefebvre's task is to describe, as precisely as possible, the theoretical and pragmatic aspects of the production of (social) space, not as a mere empty container to be filled with content, but something that is made by society. The result is a compelling toolbox for analyzing the spaces around us.Most summaries of Lefebvre emphasize perceived (visual) space, conceived (abstract) space, and lived (concrete, physical, actual) space. There are other schemata that are important in the whole argument. For example, there are induced/minimal and produced/maximal differences within a system of spatial practice. Similar patterns apply to more "contradictions within space." This all sounds a bit abstract but I am only outlining a few of the broad terms that might give a brief hint at the larger scope for anyone looking to do more research on this.

for those exploring the complexity of context (of human settlements) as a basis for design, Lefebvre's philosophical work is the foundation for later writers such as Edward Soja and many others. it is like reading Fritjof Capra's "Turning Point" prior to investigating creative systems and sustainability (a politically over-used term). this work reintroduces the connections between and among the key forces that influence urban form, meaning and structure: the influences of culture, space and time/history--very powerful reminders that we as designers cannot "design" without understanding the complexity of the urban matrix.

Great! Satisfied!

Gift for my son

Was a gift but was told it was a great book and to rate it five stars

philosophy is the bridge between math and architecture. nice book of hard work.

thanks!

Although there are some (many, with some qualification) brilliant ideas in this book, I found that the density is not justified.It goes into the classification of a book that must have sounded more brilliant in French.Simone d' Beauvoir's the Second Sex is at least four stars in that category.Not recommended for aspiring philosophers, although on the other hand it might be useful to someone very patient.Unlike John Dewey, it is not impossible to find brilliance here. It just won't necessarily pay off for generating your own ideas.

Lefebvre delves into the realm of space, describes it, contextualised it, and opens one's eyes to the realm of representational space and representations of space through multiple lenses of analysis and insight. It is one dense tome, but gosh it's worth the ride. Strap in, find a quiet moment, and dive into space, time, (pure) Marxist thought and explore philosophical avenues that invite new ideas 50 years on. Loved it; didn't want the journey to end.

This book was essential to my MFA thesis. I still have no idea what is about. My advisor loves it.

상태좋고 괜찮았습니다. 열심히 읽겠습니다本の状態は良かったです。

The book reached me in very short time. The print quality is okay. The book was in good condition. .

impec