Peter Cannavó, visiting assistant professor of government, presented a lecture at Think Tank on Friday, Nov. 19. Cannavó's discussion, titled "Founding and Preservation: The Practice of Place," touched on both the theoretical ideas of place and how this idea of place manifests itself in everyday life. The lecture was also a summary of an upcoming book by Cannavó.
Cannavó began by describing "place" a thing or a physical entity. In more technical terms, place is a "congealing of things in one location at one time in history." Places are not contained, and they are not limited by size or shape. However, places do have some sort of boundaries; an infinite place cannot really exist.
Cannavó also explained the differences between places and spaces. "Spaces are an abstract idea, and far from a physical place." Places on the other hand, are concrete identities. Each place is part of a larger space and blends into its surroundings. Similarly, each place consists of many smaller places and spaces that make up the place. Although places are complicated entities, Cannavó claimed, they need rough spatial boundaries in order to be distinguishable.
Places are also imbedded in a time, Cannavó said, and are part of a larger story and a larger history. "Each place has a distinct and enduring character," he added.
Most importantly, however, is that places change and evolve over time; they cannot be static. They must change with their surroundings; just as people do.
Cannavó continued by explaining how concepts of space are inherently political; similarly, a place is defined by cultural dynamics, power struggles and moral entities. Places help define individuals' identities. If places are stable, then we are more likely to be stable. Conversely, if places are constantly changing, so are people. Therefore, the idea of place includes the idea of finding places and preserving places, and finding a balance between change and stability.
There is one specific element of places, Cannavó continued, that could either be regarded as a welcome development or as an issue for concern. Places seem to be fading out, Cannavó explained, as the world globalizes, internationalizes and becomes more interconnected.
Cannavó sees our current world to be in a "crisis of place." Geography is dissolving, and with the growing prevalence of sprawl and environmental degradation, there appears to be less focus on preservation and more focus on expansion and finding new places.
Think Tanks are weekly discussions organized by students, and sponsored by the Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center. The topics range widely, but often include an informal discussion led by a Hamilton College faculty member.
-- by Emily Lemanczyk '05
