Communicative Constructions and the Refiguration of Spaces: Theoretical Approaches and Empirical Studies

Description

Through a variety of empirical studies, this volume offers fresh insights into the manner in which different forms of communicative action transform urban space. With attention to the methodological questions that arise from the attempt to study such changes empirically, it offers new theoretical foundations for understanding the social construction and reconstruction of spaces through communicative action. Seeing communicative action as the basic element in the social construction of reality and conceptualizing communication not only in terms of the use of language and texts, but as involving any kind of objectification, such as technologies, bodies and non-verbal signs, it considers the roles of both direct and mediatized (or digitized) communication. An examination of the conceptualization of the communicative (re-)construction of spaces and the means by which this change might be empirically investigated, this book demonstrates the fruitfulness of the notion of refiguration as a means by which to understand the transformation of contemporary societies. As such, it will appeal to sociologists, social theorists, and geographers with interests in social construction and urban space. Cover Half Title Series Information Title Page Copyright Page Table of Contents List of Contributors I Introduction 1 Introduction: Communicative Constructions and the Refiguration of Spaces Introduction From the Objectively Given to (Communicatively) Constructed Space: Milestones of Spatial Theory The Concept of this Volume Notes References Part II Theoretical and Methodological Approaches 2 From the Constitution to the Communicative Construction of Space Introduction Space and Sociology From Dualism to Duality of Space From Constitution to Communicative Construction Subjectivation, Knowledge, and Mediatization Digitalization and Synthetic Situation The Refiguration of Space Notes References 3 The Symbolic Construction of Spaces: Perspectives From a Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse Introduction Social Constructivism Discourses The Sociology of Knowledge Approach to Discourse Heuristics of Analysis Methodology The Discursive Construction of Spaces Notes References 4 Digital Media, Data Infrastructures, and Space: The Refiguration of Society in Times of Deep Mediatization Introduction The Domain Specificity of (Deep) Mediatization Figurations, Communications, and Media A Figurational Perspective On Society Transformation as Refiguration Conclusion Notes References 5 Cities, Regions, and Landscapes as Augmented Realities: Refiguration of Space(s) Through Digital Information Technologies Introduction Concepts and Their Spatial Dimensions Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality: Merging Actual and Media Spaces Virtual, Actual, and Real: The Media Character of Mixed Reality Technology Digital and Analogue Augmented Reality as a Socio-Technological Refiguration of Spatial Experiences and Behavior Conclusion: Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality in Spatial Theory Socio-technological Dimensions of Mixed Reality Symbolic Dimensions of Mixed Reality Practices of Mixing Realities in Spaces Notes References 6 The Theoretical Concept of the Communicative (Re)construction of Spaces Introduction Theoretical Foundations The Communicative Construction of Space: From Subjective Interpretations of Space to Socially Shared Space Space-related Action and Interpretation By Individual Subjects The Communicative Construction of Intersubjectively Shared and Institutionalized Space Within a Social Context The Communicative Reconstruction of Space: On Spatial Transformation Processes Spatial Transformations as Communicative Reconstructions of Space: Individual Societal Actors and Groups of Actors Spatial Transformations as Communicative Reconstructions of Space: Networks and Governance Constellations Spatial Transformations as Communicative Reconstructions of Space: Public Spheres and (Media) Discourses Final Remarks: Methodological Implications of the Approach of Communicative (Re)constructions of Space Notes References 7 Eliciting Space: Methodological Considerations in Analyzing Communicatively Constructed Spaces Introduction Eliciting By Talking Narrative Interview: The Willy, for Example Focus Groups: Imaginary Placing Eliciting Space By Drawing Mental Mapping: Spaces of Researching Mapping Analysis: Personal Spaces in an Open Space Collaborative Mapping Elicitation: Accessing an Art Institution Conclusion Notes References Part III Empirical Studies 8 Digital Urban Planning and Urban Planners’ Mediatized Construction of Spaces Introduction Methodological Approach Digitalization Processes and Changes in Planning Practice and Spatial Constructions: An Overview Altered Spatial Constructions I: Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Layers Altered Spatial Constructions II: Computer-Aided Design and Perspectivation From the Mouse and Keyboard Summary and Conclusions Note References 9 Centers of Coordination Refigured?: Control of Synthetic Space Introduction Control Rooms What Is a Control Room? Existing Studies On Control Rooms From Mono- to Polyfunctional Centers Theoretical Perspective Work in Monofunctional and Polyfunctional Centers Example 1: Work in Monofunctional Centers Work in Polyfunctional Centers: Algorithmic Control and Integration of Functions Example 2: Algorithmic Control in a Polyfunctional Center Example 3: Organizational Integration in a Polyfunctional Center Conclusion Notes References 10 Architectures of Asylum: Negotiating Home-Making Through Concrete Spatial Strategies Introduction The Communicative Power of Spatial Practices: A Theoretical Framework Context and Key Actors Spatial Negotiations Conclusions Notes References 11 Over the Counter: Configuration and Refiguration of Ticket-Sales Conversation Through... Introduction Architecture for Interaction: Configuring Interaction Through Architecture What the “Counter” Affords Social Interaction: Architecture Analysis From an Interactionist Point of View Getting Your Turn and Getting Served: Social Interaction and Its Configuration and Refiguration... Getting Your Turn at the Counter: How Architecture Configures the Opening of Social Interaction Getting Served at the Counter: Changing Architectures for Interaction and Changing Social Practices Conclusion Notes References 12 Innovation and Communication: Spatial Pioneers and the Negotiation of New Ideas Introduction Spatial Pioneers and the Communicative Construction of Social Innovation Robert Zimmermann: Spatial Pioneer in Berlin-Moabit Spatial Visions and Motives of Commitment: Having a Village in the City Ingenious Solutions for a Better Quality of Life: Zimmermann’s Reference to Innovation Forms of Action: “What I Am Best at Is Starting Businesses” Spatial Innovation Impulses of a Spatial Pioneer in Group Contexts Social Recognition, Trust, and Central Group Position: Robert Zimmermann in the Citizens’ Association of Moabit Between Competition for Power and Creative Competence: Zimmermann’s Commitment in the Josefspassage Residents’ Committee Conclusion Notes References 13 Talking About Hip Places: Imaginaries and Power Among East German Reinventions of Urban Culture Introduction The Schiffbauergasse Development Project: Urban Governance Within a Heterogeneous... Unsettled Conditions: Place-Based Imaginaries and Power Place-related Imaginaries Within a Context of Antagonistically Pre-Structured... Methodology Definitions of Place and Imaginaries Group #1 – Creative Artists Group #2 – Entrepreneurs Group #3 – Political Planning Organizations Group #4 – Intermediaries Synoptic Interpretation: Definitions of Place, Imaginaries, Power, and Communication Conclusions Notes References 14 A Systemic Model of Communication in Spatial Planning Introduction City and Region: Place and Reason for Communication Spatial Planning Is Part of Social Practice Planning Needs to Be Based On Communication and Participation Spatial Planning Needs an Appropriate Model of Communication Space in the Systemic Model of Communication Communicative Spatial Planning: Potential of the Systemic Model of Communication Making Stakeholders Meet; Mobilizing Resources and Support for Urban Development Shedding Light On Conflicts; Preparing Solutions Joining Professional and Local Expertise Finding a Common Language: Words and Images Conclusion Notes References Index