Finding a space in the city

Our reading group takes a turn this spring towards urban studies - How can we and do we live in cities? For the initial session our approach will be a bit different from how we've gone about things before. We'll discuss a couple of texts and see how each might inform the other, or not as the case may be.

The first text is by Henri Lefebvre, 'From Absolute Space to Abstract Space' in The Production of Space. Lefebvre (1901-1991) argued that space is produced by society and social relations and different spatial practices arise at different times according to social conditions. His argument is firmly rooted in the Marxist tradition but has provided a framework for thinking about cities and space beyond that discourse.

The second text is taken from the current vision produced by Boris Johnson's London mayoralty, The London Plan. We will read Chapter 7, 'London's Living Places and Spaces' and reflect on what kind of places and spaces are explicit and implicit in the plan.

Preliminary Reading

LeFebrve, Henri, The Production of Space (Chapter 4, 'From Absolute Space to Abstract Space').
Online: http://selforganizedseminar.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/lefebvre_production_space.pdf

Physical: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Production-Space-Henri-Lefebvre/dp/0631181776http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Production-Space-Henri-Lefebvre/9780631181774

Greater London Authority, The London Plan (Chapter 7, 'London's Living Places and Spaces')
Online, chapter 7 only is at: thttp://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/LP2011%20Chapter%207.pdf

The entire plan can be found here: http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/London%20Plan%2022%20July%202011.rtf

As ever, you're strongly encouraged to have a look at the reading in advance so that you can make a full contribution to the discussion.