Initial Ideas

After a group brainstorm, we decided to explore the politics of space. Of course space is not only a broad topic but is also quite abstract and can mean evoke different means depending on one's perspective, so we decided to jot down initial responses to this concept of space which can be found below:

Politics of Space:

• Private into public space
• Environments shape the individual
• What can certain spaces evoke?
• Is it possible to be entirely private in a public space?
• Limitations imposed by spaces
• What expectations are imposed by spaces
• Difficult to find a place in society without
• Rules in the public space
• Creating identity

Next, we explored the political significance of space which helped us gain more clarity as to the potential directions we could take this project. 

Why it space politically important:

• Looking at the forms of power that exist within the public space, and how affects the private.
• Invisible power structures such as social norms that we all abide by.
• People base their opinions of other people of what they’re are like public, not necessarily what they’re like privately.
• People’s political views are often shaped by the spaces in which the grow up, and this in turn, affects the public.
• Exploring and understanding the link between certain spaces and people’s view on the world
• What can be done within a space? Limitations of space e.g. Court ruling allowing companies to ban staff from wearing religious symbols, limitations placed on people in deprived areas.
• Analysis of politics which focuses on the operation of power through space and place, and on the spatial structuring of inequality.

And finally we discussed how this project could look in regards to holding an intervention:

How can this idea be realised: 

• Creating two spaces, one private and one public and observing the differences in behaviour
• Setting a space for the public in which they can express a private action
• Creating a shockingly private space
• Creating a space for people to break social norms 

This provided a great starting foundation for which our ideas could flourish. Though we all have our own ideas about space and approaches to the project, it has enabled us to gain inspiration from others and given us clear indication as to what the heart of project should be. 

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