Marc Auge defines a Non-place as a space where humans remain largely anonymous and transient - airports, motorways, hotel rooms. Spaces that do not hold enough significance to be considered Places. Consider airports that fit the definition of a Non-place perfectly. I do not remember anything about airports. In fact, I sleep really well when I'm in an airport or on a plane. The Non-placeness of airports has been furthered by Airpods and noise-canceling headphones.
I began wearing headphones in spaces at least a decade ago and it only struck me while reading this that I’m an active participant in converting places to non-places.
Now I always wear headphones in the airport (logical) but also in the park or at the café (maybe less so).
This may also be why wearing headphones around the house can be comforting - I’m actively converting a high energy place (with a one-year old in constant action) into a narrative desert (giving myself a chance to take a breather).
I began wearing headphones in spaces at least a decade ago and it only struck me while reading this that I’m an active participant in converting places to non-places.
Now I always wear headphones in the airport (logical) but also in the park or at the café (maybe less so).
This may also be why wearing headphones around the house can be comforting - I’m actively converting a high energy place (with a one-year old in constant action) into a narrative desert (giving myself a chance to take a breather).
Beautiful piece!