Henri Lefebvre Theory of Space and Social Production Philosophy: A Critical Interpretation
Through an analysis of Lefebvre’s writings, this study identifies the relationship between his theory on space and its social production and the spatial dimensions of urban space. The study is concerned with Lefebvre theory of space and how it relates to the production of space in our society. This is considered through three linked studies of the production, urban planning, architecture, and legal guideline of space. The study used a secondary source of data from relevant literature. The study looked at the social production of space and Henry Lefebvre’s theory, the meaning of space and the appreciative of space, and how it is socially built. The study considered space as a political and social product and it examined the inadequacy of Lefebvre’s theory. The study concluded that the physical and psychological integration of various socio-cultural, economic, and technical systems should satisfy a profound need for mechanisms and systems through which upcoming planning can be harmonized and oriented towards human principles and values. The need to incorporate public participation into planning processes and integrating the concept of accountability into planning is essential for the production of space. Finally, the study suggested that there is a need for policy makers to plan and carry out sustainable urban development policies that promote environmentally balanced, socially just, and social order.
Keywords: Henri Lefebvre, Theory of Space, Social Production.
