Ground-Truthing Representations of Social Space Using Lefebvre's Conceptual Triad

Planning requires accurate representation of a planning situation to formulate appropriate intervention that protects and promotes a common good. But most representations of social space are significantly limited by the distinct purposes of discipline, expertise, and policy domain, while planning is expected to be participatory and inclusive of all kinds of interrelationship. The article presents a method, based on an interpretation of Lefebvre's conceptual triad, for building a more comprehensive understanding of planning situations that involves recognizing sociospatial differences and investigating their interrelationship. Examples from the author's teaching, research, and community service in planning demonstrate ways in which the physical, conceptual, and social aspects of planning situations are at work and accessible.