Author: | David Seamon |
Country: | United States |
Language: | English |
Subject: | Phenomenology, geography, place studies |
Genre: | Non-fiction |
Publisher: | Routledge |
Release Date: | April 24, 2018 |
Pages: | 230 |
Isbn: | 9780815380719 |
Life Takes Place: Phenomenology, Lifeworlds, and Place Making is a book by American geographer and phenomenologist David Seamon. It was published in 2018 by Routledge. The book explores the significance of place in human existence within the context of our modern, mobile society. Through a phenomenological lens, Seamon delves into the multifaceted nature of places, emphasizing their role in gathering, activating, and interconnecting various elements of human experience. Drawing on practical examples from fields such as architecture and urban design, Seamon advocates for a holistic understanding of place that informs rigorous place-making practices, ultimately contributing to the enrichment of environmental experiences.[1]
The book explores of the relationship between life and place from a phenomenological perspective. Through a detailed analysis, Seamon introduces the concept of 'synergistic relationality' as a holistic approach to understanding the dynamic nature of place. The book outlines an interpretive methodology, drawing from Systems Theory, to examine the interconnectedness of experiences, actions, and meanings within various environments. It aims to develop a comprehensive phenomenology of place while addressing critical concerns and historical perspectives. Seamon emphasizes the embodied nature of human activities within their surroundings and advocates for a deeper understanding of place beyond rationalist approaches. Through the lens of progressive approximation, the book navigates through the complexities of place, revealing hidden structures and interconnected relationships.[2]
A major phenomenological question asked by Seamon in the book is how places change for better or worse. Are there underlying lived processes impelling ways that places are what they are and what they become? To answer this question, he identified six processes that can work in constructive or undermining ways. He defined these six processes as follows:
Michael J. Broadway praised the book and commended its intellectually stimulating exploration of the essence of geography and place. He particularly valued the author's phenomenological approach and sequential organization, which effectively build upon each chapter's content. Broadway appreciated the book's holistic perspective on place, emphasizing its relevance to human existence and well-being.
Andrew Turk wrote:
David Seamon’s latest book Life Takes Place: Phenomenology, Lifeworlds, and Place Making (2018) is very readable for those from disciplines other than the obvious ones of architecture, urban planning, geography and philosophy. The content and structure of this book provides both an introduction to the topic and a summary of key issues.Thomas Barclay Larsen praised Seamon's adept synthesis of phenomenology and humanistic geography, highlighting the value of understanding place through lived experience. He commended the book for its significant contributions to the humanistic tradition in geography, suggesting it as essential reading for students and researchers interested in exploring the dynamic relationships between people and place. Larsen wrote:
Life Takes Place aims to further emplace our thinking about the human condition, to elucidate 'the significance of places in human life and how they might be envisioned and made to strengthen human well-being.'[3]