Non- Places

Today we got our second brief which is about non- places:

"“...the word ‘non-place’ designates two complementary but distinct realities: spaces formed in relation to certain ends (transport, transit, commerce, leisure), and the relations that individuals have with these spaces.” (Augé 1995:94)

In 1995, French Anthropologist, Marc Augé, introduced the term ‘non-place’ in the seminal book ‘Non-Places: Introduction to an Anthropology of Supermodernity’. Augé coined the term "non-place" to describe spaces which are more abstract in character than ‘places’. ‘Non-places’ are spaces which people travel through.

“Since non-places are there to be passed through, they are measured in units of time.” (ibid. 104).

“The distinction between places and non-places derives from the opposition between place and space.” (Augé 1995:79)

You are asked to investigate the concept of ‘non-place’ from both a personal and a social perspective. What does ‘non-place’ mean to you? What real sites can you identify that have the qualities and characteristics of a ‘non-place’? How do people interact with ‘non-place’? What atmosphere, mood, and/or sensation does it convey or communicate? How can the Artist or Designer enhance, alter, impact particular ‘non-places’ and what might it contribute to their users’ experience?"

This is what the brief stated what a non-place is: however I feel that there can be more conceptual answers as to what a non-place, I don't think it needs to be a physical place but I'll have to do more research to confirm this.