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ijsselmeer13's review
Although this book wasn't particularly mind-blowing because I had already learned many of the major concepts in anthropology courses I have taken, The Hidden Dimension is an interesting discussion of how cultural experiences and perceptions of space should be considered in architectural planning or in everyday interactions with others.
Since this book was first published over 50 years ago, I'm interested to see what observations have changed since then. Taking the original publication date into account was definitely important, and I found myself dismayed by the emphasis on gender roles, vague generalizations about cultural differences (though thankfully this came with somewhat of a disclaimer), and the assumption that all Americans are a dominant white middle class population (denying additional groups of people space in the identity of being U.S. 'American,' due to othering language). Moreover, although the several chapters that focused on studies with animals were somewhat interesting, I found the direct comparisons between them and human populations to be demeaning, as they did not account for the complex role that cultural differences play into city planning, population growth, and misunderstandings between groups of people, even if unintentional.
Since this book was first published over 50 years ago, I'm interested to see what observations have changed since then. Taking the original publication date into account was definitely important, and I found myself dismayed by the emphasis on gender roles, vague generalizations about cultural differences (though thankfully this came with somewhat of a disclaimer), and the assumption that all Americans are a dominant white middle class population (denying additional groups of people space in the identity of being U.S. 'American,' due to othering language). Moreover, although the several chapters that focused on studies with animals were somewhat interesting, I found the direct comparisons between them and human populations to be demeaning, as they did not account for the complex role that cultural differences play into city planning, population growth, and misunderstandings between groups of people, even if unintentional.
prcr's review
4.0
Hall's essay about how culture influences our use and interpretation of space, our relationship and communication with others, and even our self-awareness is brought to a whole new level in light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
There are important insights for urban planners and decision makers that even after almost 60 years, are surprisingly more pressing than ever - perhaps because we've been failing to address them so far.
The main criticism that I have regarding the book, besides the crude generalizations of whole populational groups based solely on their geographical distribution, is how much of Hall's premises are backed up by little more than personal anecdotal evidence. At an abstract level, the broad theoretical principles do make sense, however, more fine-grained conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.
There are important insights for urban planners and decision makers that even after almost 60 years, are surprisingly more pressing than ever - perhaps because we've been failing to address them so far.
The main criticism that I have regarding the book, besides the crude generalizations of whole populational groups based solely on their geographical distribution, is how much of Hall's premises are backed up by little more than personal anecdotal evidence. At an abstract level, the broad theoretical principles do make sense, however, more fine-grained conclusions should be taken with a grain of salt.
emilyrose_xx's review
2.0
I guess it was alright. Had to read most of it for uni, again, only adding it cause it stopped me from reading better stuff haha.
braaandon's review
3.0
A thought-provoking book about how people experience public spaces, with a not-so-secret agenda against the Detroit automobile industry.
arkwen452's review
4.0
At the risk of sounding a bit generic here, I liked the socialization theories Hall presented in The Hidden Dimension. Moreover, I appreciate his in-depth details and examinations in regards to how individuals seem to process and behave based off of the different facets of their innate culture. It was a fascinating, insightful and informative read.
irenestlouis's review against another edition
1.0
Ok... so usually I don’t rate non-fiction, theoretical books. But I’ve read this one for my big end of studies project. One of my teachers recommends it to me for the topic I want to work with... And it didn’t help me. I mean... I only took note of 2 things out of the whole book and the last one was page 83 out of 244...
elsayles's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
readable about how people handle space (lines, waiting rooms, outside).
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