Forms of the Balcony as Heterotopias

Abstract

In my paper, I argue that some forms or instances of the balcony can be considered heterotopias. Drawing upon Foucault`s (1967) “heterotopology”, I approach the ways in which balconies entail multi-layered encodings of meaning in places that are both openings and also “conceal curious exclusions” (Foucault, 1967/2008, p. 21). Firstly, I review Foucault’s groundwork and several theoretical developments regarding heterotopias. Next, I use Geertz’s (1973) “thick description” in order to offer a brief account of three forms of the balcony, which could be placed within Foucault’s systematic description of heterotopias.