space as meaning

Introduction

  • The work "Species of Spaces and Other Pieces" by Georges Perec is a detailed examination of various aspects and forms of space. This section of the text encapsulates themes related to the interaction of human existence within different spaces, from personal to societal frameworks.

Copyright Notice

  • Copyright Details: The material is copyrighted and intended solely for University of Brighton students in the specified course. It can be accessed and printed under specific terms:

    • Students are allowed to download and print copies for personal use.

    • All copies must be destroyed or deleted upon request by the University.

    • Redistribution is not permitted without consent from the copyright holder.

Title and Author Information

  • Title: Species of Spaces / Espèces d'espaces

  • Author: Georges Perec

  • Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd, New edition, 2008

Overview of Spaces

  • The text lists various interpretations of the word space, emphasizing its diverse meanings:

    • Open space

    • Enclosed space

    • Outer space

    • Projective space

    • Public spaces like parks and urban corridors

    • Conceptual spaces such as time-space continuum

    • Specific uses with metaphoric representations (e.g., space odyssey, space invaders)

Foreword

  • Concept of Space:

    • The focus is on the surrounding spaces rather than the void itself. Perec discusses:

    • The lack of physical presence before human intervention, identifying space as an essential component of our environment.

    • A distinction between vast, abstract spaces (interplanetary, intergalactic) and more immediate, tangible spaces (towns, parks, urban environments).

    • The nature of human habitation within spaces, suggesting that living involves navigating transitions between various forms of space.

Historical Context and Evolution of Space

  • Historical Reflection:

    • Reflects upon a time when the concept of space as we know it today did not exist.

    • Emphasizes the multiplicity and fragmentation of spaces:

    • Cities evolve and grow (e.g., Paris vs. Pontoise).

    • The fictional demarcation of spaces (illustrated with the metaphor of a hexagon representing France).

    • There are new concepts arising constantly, leading to diverse spaces for different functions and uses.

Theatrical Representation of Space

  • Act Narratives:

    • A series of whimsical dialogues depicting the idea of nothingness across various acts, serving as a creative exploration of space:

    • Act One: Acknowledges emptiness in all directions.

    • Act Two: Introduces a physical element (a tent) in an otherwise empty space.

    • Act Three: Adds an action (polishing boots) to the scene, highlighting interactions within the space.

Structural Analysis and Internal Organization of Space

  • The text captures the intricacies of space using a cumulative layered narrative as an illustration:

    • Illustrative Sequence:

    • A description leads from a broad street to increasingly detailed elements, creating a sense of depth and connection.

    • Each layer contributes to understanding individual spaces and their interconnectedness within the larger framework of the urban or natural environment.

Writing as Space

  • The Act of Writing:

    • Discusses writing as a means to occupy and inhabit space:

    • Physical Space of a Page: Measurement dimensions with exploration of how it relates to human experience and documentation.

    • Written Traces: Suggests that events leave traces across various writing mediums (e.g., notepaper, diaries, tickets).

    • Visualization of Errors and Creativity: Highlights the act of creating meaning through structuring texts—left to right, top to bottom—affecting the perception of space.

Conceptualizing Spaces through Language

  • Linguistic Representation: Perec describes the use of language to document spaces:

    • Language as an Inventory of Places: The act of naming contributes to the existence of spaces, encapsulating physical attributes through description (e.g., coastal features, landscapes).

    • Imaginative Space: The verbal evocation of places creates a cognitive map that fills the mind's eye even when physical absence exists.

    • The scenes described conjure physical imagery, allowing readers to visualize and emotionally respond to the presented spaces.

Conclusion

  • The theme of space in Perec’s work provides a profound lens through which human experience, geography, and the written word interrelate, presenting a richly layered understanding of how we navigate and interpret the environments around us.