For Space
I recently read a book called 'For Space' by Doreen Massey due to my interest in public spaces and place-making strategies. In the book she considers space as 'interaction' rather than just being structural, explaining that it is a continuous production and reconfiguration of heterogeneity in all its forms (and is therefore the opposite of that which is sterile and still.)

She also discusses how space has been divided up into 'places' as a tool for imagining and organising global space. This in turn is a refusal to acknowledge the multiplicities of space, its fractures and its dynamism.

This then leads on to a very interesting discussion around ideas of globalisation. Importantly it is pointed out that we are currently experiencing a Neo Liberal Capitalist form of globalisation led by multi-nationals. It is projected that this is the only form of globalisation that exists with the whole world following a single trajectory with some countries simply being 'behind' others. This clearly does not live up to the requirement that space is always and ever open, constantly in the process of being made.

Local Distinctiveness
I have been reading a really interesting book called 'Local Distinctiveness: Place, Particularity and Identity'.

It is published by a group called common ground who have a very comprehensive website at:  http://www.commonground.org.uk/  I came across this publication after I had been doing some serious thinking about the purpose of my work and where it is heading. After considering my interest in the random markings that surround us on our city streets, decay, the pattern of age, regeneration and modernisation, I began to think about how these interests link in with ideas to do with our sense of place.

I am uncomfortable with 'new builds', corporate areas of the city that appear to have no character' no personality. I think a good example of this can be seen when looking at the city of Liverpool. It has a richness that I think Manchester lacks and yet it is very quickly becoming more corporate as big investors move in.