COMMON TERRITORY [02] Sharing space between groups of people in a centralized development is not uncommon amongst traditional indigenous societies, as seen in Space & Territory: Common Territory [01]. A specifically interesting exposition of this spatial arrangement of territory is seen within the Fali of Northern Cameroon. The spatial arrangement of their developments have strong roots in anthropomorphic ideation with a strong emphasis on the reproductive organs - the division of sexes - which is intrinsic to their mythology. In addition to the spatial capitalization of the human form, the Fali also utilize arrangements mimicking the form of a tortoise and a toad (male and female respectively). Despite each spatial utilization zone having a direct connection to an anthropomorphic zone (head, trunk, upper limbs, lower limbs), these zones can be broken from the basic form to constrain to function. 091 The Fali have developed an extremely functional and monumental form of cohabitation with an emphasis on boundaries through mythological spatial planning. Sleeping quarters are divided, providing privacy and ownership to the individuals, while other functional spaces such as the kitchen, granary, storage place are shared spaces. 092
Cohabitation and common territory can be implemented in Western society following this foundational model, especially in urban or semiurban settings. Providing legitimate outdoor space between the micro dwellings allows a buffer zone for noise to reduce while also emphasizing stronger territory than found in a shared apartment unit, in which all zones are hosted under a single interior environment. Additionally, the buffer green space can become another common zone to encourage community and wellbeing within the residents. PAGE 55 | 62
