Urbanization in Dhaka

A Lefebvrian Analysis

Abstract

How to understand the patterns and practices of Urbanization in Dhaka? How do the numerous development projects in Dhaka shape spaces and lifestyles of dwellers of Dhaka? How do the acts, routines, and practices of Dhakaites in their everyday life get shaped by the spatial management in Dhaka and, in a reciprocal way, how do the Dhakaites themselves take part in this spatial management? With some interesting questions like this, a Lefebvrian analysis can reveal some useful conflicts and conjectures—significant insights on the interactions and exchanges between spaces and lives that can help us rethink the spatial construction, management, and maintenance involved in the urbanization in Dhaka. With this hypothesis as a point of departure, the present research theoretically engages Lefebvre’s spatial triad and his ideas of Abstract Spaces and Differential Spaces. Practically, it collects data on ‘the spatial constructions in Dhaka’ and their management, and maintenance. These data help identify the points of conflicts and conjectures between spaces and lives in Dhaka, and, in the process, critically examine the patterns and practices of Urbanization in Dhaka. Methodologically, the project integrates an inquiry into ideas of space to understand urbanization in Dhaka. In doing so, the paper develops a theoretical frame—Space and Differential Spaces. This framework would help analyses on Urbanization in Dhaka