Spatial Phenomena of Mediatized Work

In Cultural and Social Sciences, space is perceived as culturally or socially constructed, as a result of communicative and social action (Funken/Löw 2003). According to the theory of mediatization (Krotz 2001, Hepp 2011), media play an important role in transforming space, space-related perceptions and actions. Digital media, along with the ongoing process of virtualization, have led to the flexibilization and dissolution of the boundaries (German 'Entgrenzung') of existent spaces and to the emergence of new spaces. In a recent study ('Mediatization of Work'), the interrelation between the mediatization of (office) work and the phenomena of space and time was explored. The overall findings of the study revealed the transformation of space in several aspects: 1. The time- and space-related independence of work leads to a flexibilization of workspace. 2. There is an extension of space in the context of virtual work: New virtual working spaces emerge and are even used in a parallel mode. 3. Global digital communication and virtual work result in the reduction of distances as they connect people from all over the world, even in the context of close collaborations. 4. New forms of (virtual) presence and co-presence emerge through processes of digital communication and information.