Philosophy of space and dwelling

The course explores the relationship between space and power through the works of Michel Foucault, Henri Lefebvre, and the Situationists. Beginning with Foucault’s analysis of the historical construction of power and its spatial forms, the course delves into Lefebvre’s theory of the production of space, highlighting the social, economic, and political dynamics shaping the city. Finally, it examines the Situationist critique of the modern and contemporary city, focusing on practices of urban reappropriation and transformation.

The course aims to explore the concept of space from a historical-philosophical perspective. It seeks to highlight the historical-cultural and political processes at play in the experience and production of space and to show the interweaving of knowledge, power, and architecture. The course aims to provide critical tools for understanding and interpreting contemporary spatiality through a combination of lectures, presentations, and debates.

In presence

The lectures will be alternated with student presentations. The presentations will be done by groups of two people who will prepare a text based on the bibliography provided during the previous lesson. They will last 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of debate. Active participation during the debate will be positively evaluated.

The presentation during the course is mandatory to access the oral exam, which will consist of submitting a paper (two weeks before the exam date) related to the topics of the presentation, along with some questions regarding it and the course topics.