Quality of space as a central challenge of governance

Polyhedral Pattern Language: Software facilitation of emergence, representation and transformation of psycho-social organization (Part #17)

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Seemingly quite dissociated from the explicit challenges of governance, there is an extensive literature on the spirit of place and psycho-social attachment to the land:

• Edward S. Casey. Getting Back into Place: toward a renewed understanding of the place-world. Indiana University Press, 1993.
• James A. Swan. The Power of Place: sacred ground in natural and human environments. Quest Books, 1991
• Y-Fu Tuan. Space and Place: the perspective of experience. University of Minnesota, 1977
• Darrell Addison Posey (Ed). Cultural and Spiritual Values of Biodiversity. London, UN Environmental Program (UNEP), Intermediate Technology, 1999.

It is quite clear that it is precisely such attachment which provides a prime focus for major conflicts, notably the unresolved cycles of violence in the Middle East focused on the symbolism of Jerusalem. Implicit, but unmentioned in that context is the epistemological significance of more poetic understandings of space, as exemplified by:

• Fernand Hallyn. The Poetic Structure of the World: Copernicus and Kepler. Zone Books, 1990
• Gaston Bachelard. The Poetics of Space. New York, Orion Press, 1958/1964

The question to be asked, as an extension of Schroeder's concern with a workplace of the mind, is the nature of the quality associated with particular enabling polyhedral configurations. The disciplines of architecture and design claim sensitivity to the appropriateness of spaces for particular functions. This is reflected in the design of parliaments, meeting rooms, think tanks and retreat centres.

Beyond the concrete however, what are the patterns that enable configurations of thought of relevance to the challenges of governance? How does a pattern language provide appropriate cognitive scaffolding for the emergence of viable strategy? How is engagement with such patterns enabled?