FROM RHYTHM TO SPACE OF FLOWS, SPACE
This slide deck, authored by Dr. Fatma Güneri and presented at the ISTC International Colloquium (June 2021), explores the theoretical transition from Henri Lefebvre’s notion of “rhythm” to Manuel Castells’ concepts of “space of flows” and “space of places.” It begins by defining rhythm as temporary, often opposing elements and distinguishes structural (repetitive, mechanical, quantitative) from non‑structural (different, organic, qualitative) rhythms. The deck then introduces the spatio‑temporal perspective, emphasizing the fusion of space and time in dynamic urban processes. Two empirical case studies illustrate the application of these ideas: (1) a tourism‑time‑influence study supervised by Güneri, and (2) a longitudinal analysis of workplace‑visit frequencies in France during the COVID‑19 pandemic, presented as a detailed time‑series table. The core theoretical section contrasts Castells’ “space of flows” – a movement‑generated, real‑time, digitally mediated space – with “space of places,” which remains tied to community‑specific, physically anchored rhythms. Additional reflections address how material objects should be considered in terms of their interfaces rather than their substance, and the deck concludes with Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s flow theory, linking optimal psychological experience to control over inner information. The presentation ends with acknowledgments.
Topics
Lefebvre’s Rhythm: Definition and Structural vs. Non‑Structural Criteria
Introduces Henri Lefebvre’s concept of rhythm as temporary, opposing elements and outlines a table distinguishing structural (repetition, mechanic, quantitative) from non‑structural (different, organic, qualitative) rhythms.
Spatio‑Temporal Fusion: From Rhythm to Dynamic Urban Space
Defines spatio‑temporal as the simultaneous consideration of space and time, describing how energy emerges from movement and how this applies to cities.
Empirical Study 1 – Time Influence in Tourism (Iris Tournigand)
Presents a research project supervised by Güneri that investigates how temporal rhythms affect tourism behavior, accompanied by a video link.
Empirical Study 2 – Workplace Visit Frequency During the Pandemic
Shows a longitudinal dataset (Feb 2020 – May 2021) tracking the change in workplace visitation rates in France, illustrating the impact of pandemic‑related rhythms on spatial practices.
Castells’ Space of Flows vs. Space of Places
Explains Manuel Castells’ distinction: the space of flows is created by dynamic movement and real‑time digital interconnections, whereas the space of places remains anchored to community‑specific, physically situated rhythms.
Material Objects as Interfaces in a Flow‑Based World
Quotes Stalder to shift the focus from what objects are made of to what they interface with, highlighting the re‑conceptualization of materiality in networked spaces.
Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Theory and Its Relation to Rhythmic Space
Summarizes Csikszentmihalyi’s definition of flow as optimal experience achieved through control of inner information, linking psychological flow to the broader discussion of rhythmic and spatial dynamics.