Towards a spatial critique of ideology: architecture as a test

Abstract

The article presents the outline for the theory of ideological space. The ideological properties of space are reconsidered by the juxtaposition of Lefebvre's and Bourdieu's theories. The resultant reconciliation points towards the notion of spatial critique of ideology as well as the possibility of employing ideology for critique of space. The notion of a test (as characterized by Boltanski) is introduced to show the importance of capabilities of actors and objects in the process of critique. The article emphasizes the exceptional significance of architecture for the construction of critical positions. The architecture is described as a form of a test. In so doing, the architecture is characterized as one of the essential elements of possible social emancipation. In effect, both the social responsibilities of the architecture and its critical role are underscored.

Keywords:

• ideology
• space
• architecture
• critique
• test

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Karol Kurnicki

KAROL KURNICKI

Institute of Sociology, Jagiellonian University, Grodzka 52, 31-044 Kraków, Poland. E-mail: [email protected]

Karol Kurnicki is a PhD candidate in the Institute of Sociology of Jagiellonian University in Kraków, Poland. His main areas of interests are urban sociology, urban studies, critical sociology and applied social sciences. In his doctoral dissertation “Ideologies in a city. On the social production of urban space.” he analyses contemporary urban ideas and ideologies and their influence on local policies, economies and social practice.