Species of Spaces and Other Pieces - Reading
Written by Georges Perec, Species of Spaces and Other Pieces is a literary piece that discusses the idea of spaces and places. That is the idea of a space and what defines it, be that of physical form or within the imagination.
For example, one of the sections creates an idea of a city or a town by listing numerous subjects within. This ultimately would lead the reader to imagine this place in their minds, thus creating an imaginary space which is filled with everything you could imagine you would find in a real city. Whilst this example is realistic, it is also stated that concepts can be combined to form somewhat-realistic ideas about spaces. An example used in the text refer to the idea that there could be “...Metro corridors that are at the same time public parks”, toying with the concept of imagination and dreaming; depicting real subjects in unreal environments, confined to the space of our imaginations.
Later in the text there is a section written about bedrooms and beds; the idea that a bed is your and others in the same home are considered guest beds or spare beds; the idea that a bedroom is the one room that every person can relate to having, the room where you sleep or rest, where you dream etc. Perec goes on to discuss how he can accurately recall the bedrooms he has been in throughout his life and on his journeys, as they are a simple place of rest and mind that allow you to fully take in the environment; the space.
This book gets into the core foundations of what is considered a ‘space’, looking at it in all its different forms. More-so those that don't necessarily get considered usually, i.e imagination, ideas and bedrooms.