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What the Book Explores

Georges Perec’s Species of Spaces is a multifaceted exploration of the experience of spaces, both physical and conceptual. The central essay, “Species of Spaces,” meticulously catalogues and categorizes the various ways humans inhabit and perceive environments. Perec moves beyond functional descriptions of space to consider the emotional, psychological, and often overlooked aspects of how we interact with our surroundings. He examines spaces that are typically ignored or passed through without notice – stairwells, waiting rooms, transit areas – arguing that these liminal zones are rich with potential for observation and reflection. The collection also includes other pieces, such as descriptions of his apartment and explorations of memory, which further elaborate on themes of perception, classification, and the human condition. Perec isn’t merely describing space; he’s investigating the act of *thinking* about space.

Historical / Cultural Context

Published in 1974, Species of Spaces emerges from a period of significant philosophical and artistic engagement with structuralism and semiotics. Perec, a member of the *Oulipo* (Ouvroir de littérature potentielle – Workshop of Potential Literature), applied constrained writing techniques to his work, often employing mathematical formulas and rules to generate text. This approach is evident in his detailed categorizations and systematic observations. The book also reflects a broader post-war interest in phenomenology—the study of experience—and how subjective perception shapes our understanding of the world. The book’s attention to everyday, often mundane spaces can also be seen as a reaction against grand narratives and a focus on the immediate, lived experience. Perec’s work shares affinities with the New Topographics movement in photography, which similarly sought to document unremarkable landscapes with a detached and analytical gaze.

Who This Book Is For

This work is suited for readers interested in the intersection of literature, philosophy, and architecture. It appeals to those with a curiosity about how we perceive and interact with the built environment, as well as anyone fascinated by the power of observation and classification. While not explicitly academic, the book’s conceptual depth and rigorous methodology make it valuable for students and scholars in fields such as literary theory, urban studies, and cultural studies. It will also resonate with individuals who enjoy experimental writing and unconventional approaches to nonfiction.

Further Reading

• Italo Calvino, Invisible Cities: A similarly imaginative exploration of urban spaces and their symbolic meanings.
• Michel de Certeau, The Practice of Everyday Life: Examines how ordinary people navigate and reshape their environment.
• Kevin Lynch, The Image of the City: A classic work on urban perception and the mental maps people form of cities.

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