Writing spatial relations and dynamics: Movements in urban space (Barcelona, 16th–19th century)

Abstract

In this contribution, I intend firstly to show at a theoretical level and then demonstrate in a practical way the advantages of viewing urban space from the perspective of the historical actors. Here we are more concerned with applying urban space dynamically, which means we no longer view the perceived and described spaces as something given nor do we set them in rigid maps. Moreover, our view is focused, firstly more upon the perception of movement in urban spaces, or changes in this area, and secondly, on the awareness of hierarchies in urban spaces (in dichotomies such as centre–periphery, old–new, inner–outer) and, if appropriate, hierarchical changes during the course of time. Finally, in this context, the following question arises: is it at all possible to map movements within urban space or to map the perceptions of urban spatial transformations including urban hierarchies together with any concomitant changes?