HospitalitéS. L’urgence politique et l’appauvrissement des concepts

The sonic framing of place: Microsociology, urban atmospheres and quiet hour shopping

“…This inclusion or exclusion may be said to stem from the fact sound renders social situations, and the spaces in which they take place, more or less hospitable. As Joan Stavo-Debauge (2018: 165) proposes: ‘“Hospitality” refers here not only to a personal virtue, but more generally to a quality of environments, situations, ambiances, objects, spaces, buildings, or institutions.’…”

“…But the notion of a hospitable or inhospitable space is relevant to a range of subjectivities, bodies and situations. It suggests, amongst other things, hospitality is about more than material resources and inclusive designs; rather, ‘[u]rban space must support people in their activities by facilitating their stay’ (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 173). In this respect, and contra the underlying bias of much social and cultural theory towards the innate goodness of things that are open , making places hospitable might actually ‘require moments, procedures and mechanisms that involve closure ’ (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 166).…”

“…Thus, while freedom to engage in activity and not being imprisoned are desirable states, so is feeling sheltered . Hospitable spaces need to provide ‘shelter’ for diverse social actors (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 173–4). Shelter is predicated on the principle that ‘generally speaking, a building’s purpose is to protect its occupants and allow them to enjoy its insulating properties (thermal, sound, or visual)’ (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 174).…”

“…Hospitable spaces need to provide ‘shelter’ for diverse social actors (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 173–4). Shelter is predicated on the principle that ‘generally speaking, a building’s purpose is to protect its occupants and allow them to enjoy its insulating properties (thermal, sound, or visual)’ (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 174). Needless to say, notions of physical or sensory comfort aren’t based on ‘innate human traits’ as it took ‘considerable time, effort, institutional support and resources’ for certain notions of thermal, acoustic or visual comfort to become naturalized (Healy, 2014: 36).…”

“…The home is the quintessential place where we experience hospitality and offer hospitality to others. It is where we enjoy the comfort of the familiar and make ourselves at home with ease and where we welcome our visitors and guests (Stavo-Debauge, 2018: 166).…”