This paper uses Henri Lefebvre’s (1991) spatial triad model in
arguing how principles employed in the development of abstract spaces in
developing societies are in disagreement with lived spaces, thereby causing
social turbulence seen in the form of conflict, violence, social resentment, and
social divide. The paper argues that it is crucial to investigate the
communication flows of any given spatial order to discover the ‘exclusionary
logics’ embedded in the development of socio-spatial structures. The paper
posits the concept of spatial violence, which helps understand how both space
and communication are central to social (in)stability, and that spatial
development of a social landscape may not necessarily mean development. It
emphasizes that communication is inherent to space and spatial flows or
patterns, and that it is a decisive force in formulating the subtle and nuanced
effects of spatial (re)structuring of a given social order. In arguing that lack of
democratic dialogue and participation in the planning and execution of spatial
development forms a monopolised geography of communication, the paper
concludes that it is imperative to consider the relationship between social,
spatial, and communicational flows to ensure maximum participatory
measures in spatial restructuring, in order to minimise harm to the social
fabric.