Encountering Gilles Deleuze in Another Place

Abstract

Inspired by Deleuze and Foucault, I develop a cartographic methodology of tracing as a new analytical frame with greater insight for spatial planning practice. Working with Foucauldian genealogy and Deleuzean pragmatics, investigation of materialities, in addition to expressivities, facilitates not only exploration of the force relations of power, knowledge and subjectivation, but also of the variable roles which the elements of an assemblage may play and the processes in which they become involved. A tracing methodology investigates how something came to be. Analysing the force relations between elements, the processes and conditions of possibility of the relations, associations and encounters between actants, structures and events affords greater insight into actuality. I apply the methodology to the empirical case of Antony Gormley's installation, Another Place, on Crosby beach, north-west England, investigating how the iron men became configured in a series of encounters between those who desired Another Place to remain and those who opposed it. I conclude that a tracing methodology offers greater understanding of the politics of power in connection with broader political, social and economic structures and conditions of possibility.

Notes

An actant, after Greimas (1966) and Latour (1996), implies either a human or non-human entity. The term conjoins actors and agency.

For Deleuze, striation implies ordering, categorization, regulation. Striated cloth, for example, comprises elements woven together systematically. Smooth implies without border or distinction, chaotic. Smooth cloth, such as felt, comprises elements matted together.

Formerly the South Sefton Partnership.

See also the four stakeholder “areas of concern” identified by Peel and Lloyd (2007): health and safety, conservation, economic potential and cultural benefits.

The three Regional Development Agencies—NWDA, ONE and Yorkshire Forward.

Circumstances vary according to the planning authority, but generally applications must be non-controversial, relatively small scale, not on a sensitive site and unlikely to attract much public interest.

See Sharp et al. (2005) and Chang (2008).

But am unable to conclusively verify.

Claire Curtis Thomas did not stand in the 2010 General Election following irregularities with her expenses claims. Debi Jones came second behind the Labour candidate, Bill Esterson.