Navigating Orkanen - Exploring the Spatal production of Malmö University
(2024) SGEM08 20241Department of Human Geography
- Abstract
- This thesis explores the application of Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the social production of space to the analysis of Malmö University more specifically Orkanen, the name of one of the two main buildings of the university. With a particular focus on how conceived, perceived, and lived spaces interact within the university’s neoliberal context. Through a combination of Schwarze’s operationalization of Lefebvre’s spatial triad, critical discourse analysis, rhythmanalysis, and auto-ethnographic inquiry, this research examines how the university's spatial design and practices reflect broader trends in neoliberal higher education. The analysis reveals that the conceived space at Malmö University, shaped by its location in Västra Hamnen and its... (More)
- This thesis explores the application of Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the social production of space to the analysis of Malmö University more specifically Orkanen, the name of one of the two main buildings of the university. With a particular focus on how conceived, perceived, and lived spaces interact within the university’s neoliberal context. Through a combination of Schwarze’s operationalization of Lefebvre’s spatial triad, critical discourse analysis, rhythmanalysis, and auto-ethnographic inquiry, this research examines how the university's spatial design and practices reflect broader trends in neoliberal higher education. The analysis reveals that the conceived space at Malmö University, shaped by its location in Västra Hamnen and its focus on market-driven educational outcomes, strongly influences the perceived space of students' daily practices. However, this alignment creates contradictions within the lived space of students, who often experience feelings of disengagement and lack of motivation. The university, while successful in creating a functional and visually appealing social arena, tends to reduce the educational experience to a transactional process, akin to a job, rather than an intellectually enriching journey.The findings suggest that while Malmö University’s spatial configuration supports its neoliberal objectives, it also generates a disconnect between students’ academic identities and their lived experiences. This thesis underscores the critical role of space in shaping not only the physical environment of a university but also the social and emotional realities of its students. By aligning Lefebvre’s theoretical framework with empirical analysis, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the spatial production of Malmö University and offers insights into the broader implications for higher education in a neoliberal age. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/9172134
- author
- Wallmark, William LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- SGEM08 20241
- year
- 2024
- type
- H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
- subject
- language
- English
- id
- 9172134
- date added to LUP
- 2024-08-28 09:36:46
- date last changed
- 2024-08-28 09:36:46
@misc{9172134,
abstract = {{This thesis explores the application of Henri Lefebvre’s theory of the social production of space to the analysis of Malmö University more specifically Orkanen, the name of one of the two main buildings of the university. With a particular focus on how conceived, perceived, and lived spaces interact within the university’s neoliberal context. Through a combination of Schwarze’s operationalization of Lefebvre’s spatial triad, critical discourse analysis, rhythmanalysis, and auto-ethnographic inquiry, this research examines how the university's spatial design and practices reflect broader trends in neoliberal higher education. The analysis reveals that the conceived space at Malmö University, shaped by its location in Västra Hamnen and its focus on market-driven educational outcomes, strongly influences the perceived space of students' daily practices. However, this alignment creates contradictions within the lived space of students, who often experience feelings of disengagement and lack of motivation. The university, while successful in creating a functional and visually appealing social arena, tends to reduce the educational experience to a transactional process, akin to a job, rather than an intellectually enriching journey.The findings suggest that while Malmö University’s spatial configuration supports its neoliberal objectives, it also generates a disconnect between students’ academic identities and their lived experiences. This thesis underscores the critical role of space in shaping not only the physical environment of a university but also the social and emotional realities of its students. By aligning Lefebvre’s theoretical framework with empirical analysis, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the spatial production of Malmö University and offers insights into the broader implications for higher education in a neoliberal age.}},
author = {{Wallmark, William}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Navigating Orkanen - Exploring the Spatal production of Malmö University}},
year = {{2024}},
}