Anything that takes up space
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Understanding the Concept of "Taking Up Space"
Performance Art and Space-Making
Performance art has revolutionized the way we think about space by reanimating objects, events, and bodies, thus creating a material presence that challenges traditional philosophical aesthetics. This art form complicates our relationship with built forms by introducing what architect Daniel Libeskind calls "the space of encounter," which encompasses both physical and ethical dimensions.
Encouraging Expansive Body Movements
In the realm of movement and body interaction, the concept of "taking up space" is explored through systems like SoniSpace. This system uses movement sonification and visualization to encourage users to engage in expansive body movements, thereby altering their emotional experiences. Preliminary results indicate that users feel more comfortable with taking up space and movement in general after interacting with the system.
Social Movements and Space Occupation
The act of taking up space is also a significant feature of social movements, such as the Occupy movement. In Occupy London, the occupation of space created moments of rupture that opened up new possibilities while also highlighting the tension between these moments and the routines of everyday life. This tension underscores challenges like the unequal division of labor within the movement.
Spatial Pressure and Coercion in Literature
In literature, the concept of taking up space can be seen in Nabokov's "Cloud, Castle, Lake," which examines the spatiality of pressure and coercion. The story highlights how narrow spaces and the presence of bulky objects can displace individuals, curtailing their personal liberties and making existence impossible. This narrative reflects broader political themes, particularly in the context of Nazi Germany, where taking up space was a means of exerting control and preparing for genocide.
Presence and Lived Space in Cognitive Science
Cognitive science explores the relationship between presence and lived space, suggesting that presence is a phenomenon comprised of all available sensory knowledge. This presence, which takes the form of a disembodied sense of solidity, is not tied to any single sensory modality. Understanding how presence relates to lived space can provide insights into the formation of delusions and the nature of sensory alterations.
Material Objects and Space Occupation
Philosophers often discuss material objects as three-dimensional entities that occupy space uniquely and exclusively. These objects, which consist of matter, have size, shape, texture, and solidity. Even amorphous objects like clouds or pools of water occupy space, although their boundaries are less defined compared to more solid objects.
Dismantling White Spaces
In the context of social justice, taking up space involves challenging and dismantling white spaces at various societal levels. Efforts to transform white spaces focus on making visible the exclusionary mechanisms within these spaces and creating opportunities for BIPOC communities to take up space. This involves both geographical and institutional interventions aimed at fostering a more racially equitable society.
Conclusion
The concept of "taking up space" spans various fields, from performance art and cognitive science to social movements and literature. Whether it involves reanimating objects, encouraging body movements, or challenging societal structures, taking up space is a multifaceted phenomenon that influences our physical, emotional, and social experiences. Understanding these diverse perspectives can help us appreciate the complexities and implications of occupying space in different contexts.
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