Perceived space
From Geography
The concept perceived space is thought by Henri Lefebvre. The perceived space is the first dimension in the production of space. It is followed by the conceived space and lived space. Perceived space is caused by the shortcomings of earlier conceptions (for instance Marxism). There was a lack of spatial space, space as a given. Henri Lefebre said that space is inherently social. And that you can not seperate space from social productions (Kramsch, October 2 2012). The production of space is the social production of the spaces within social life takes place(Johnston, Gregory, Pratt, Watts, 2000). The perceived space represents 'the practical basis of the perception of the outside world' (Lefebvre, 1991).
Perceived space is similar to the terms; physical space, abstract space, surfaces, materialism and visual. It is also the same as the spatial term 'spatial practice', from Lefebvre as well. Spatial practice holds the collection of spatial sets characteristic on a particular location in a society. In the production of social space it is the fundamental movement. The experience in the perceived space will be mediated through the conceived space expectations into the lived space. The three spaces have a high degree of cohesion. (Lefebvre, 1991)
Perceived space is equal to 'Firstspace' [1]. The term derives from the writings of Edward Soja (Thirdspace Journeys to Los Angeles and Other Real-and-Imagined Places, 1996).
References:
Johnston, R.J., Gregory, D., Pratt, G. Watts, M., The dictionary of Human Geography ( Blackwell Publishing, Oxford 4th edition 2000)
Lefebvre, H., The production of space ( Basil Blackwell, english translation of 'La production de l'espace', 1991)
Published by Meryl Burger
Edited by Lotte den Boogert, 22 October 2012
