Deleuze and Guattari explore the term “space” by using a dichotomy between smooth and striated space. In this section of “A Thousand Plateaus,” the authors examine the difference of these two terms by drawing comparisons between nomadic and sedentary objects and bodies. While smooth and striated space are two individual concepts these “two spaces in fact exist only in mixture: smooth space is constantly being translated, transversed into a striated space; striated space is constantly being reversed, returned to a smooth space” (p. 474). In order to understand the concept of space, one must remember that they can change quickly as they interact with or acted upon.
Perhaps the easiest way to understand the analogy provided in chapter 14, is felt and woven fabric. Felt is made by pressing woolen fiber together to create a material of any shape or size. Felt would represent smooth space and woven fabric would represent a striated space. A woven fabric has three characterizes that make it striated space. First, fabric is made using two elements that run perpendicular two each other. Second, each element has a specific function, one is fixed in position while the other moves to create the weave of the fabric and third, while fabric can have infinite length it cannot have infinite width (p. 475).
Smooth space often is found between striated space “but being ‘between’ also means that smooth space is controlled by these two flanks, which limit it, oppose its development” (p 384). The authors use the example of the forest and now the nomads will use the forest and will create farms. While the forest represents smooth space as the nomad changes the environment it shifts to striated space.
Smooth and striated space is in direct opposition with each other. While some spaces like the desert or sea are smooth space that doesn’t mean that everything within the space is also smooth. “It is possible to live striated on the deserts, steppes, or seas; it is possible to live smooth even in the cities, to be an urban nomad” (p. 482). With these three concepts it is easy to see how the concept of space is fluid and takes shape based on outside actions.
very nice summaries, adam. you made this exercise look easy. almost too easy. . . :-)
ReplyDeletehopefully, in class we can apply these concepts to a concrete example, especially an example where we can see how spaces are acted upon. i'm glad you made that point at the end of your post.
Adam, you are a tech-writer with serious style. Thank you for a highly accessible primer on D&G's definition(s)of space.
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