You know, when you’ve been around for a while, you start to realize that life is not just a simple black-and-white kind of thing. There’s this whole messy, confusing, and uncertain side to it that makes things interesting. It’s like there’s a whole spectrum of shades of grey that we have to navigate through. And that’s probably why liminal spaces have become so captivating to people, especially in recent times. It’s like they embody this idea of being in-between, where things are not clearly defined but filled with intrigue and potential. It’s fascinating how something so ambiguous can resonate with us on a deeper level.
Are you scratching your head at the unfamiliar term? Don’t fret! Let me break it down for you. You see, the word “liminal” has its roots in the fancy Latin language. It actually comes from the word “limen” which means threshold. So when we talk about something being liminal, we’re talking about that in-between space, like standing right on the edge of a doorframe before entering a room. It’s kind of like that hazy area where things are transitioning, not quite here nor there. Pretty neat, huh?
According to Tara Ogle, the director of architecture for Page & Turnbull, liminal spaces in the physical sense are those in-between places. These areas can be found in boundary zones, such as the spaces bridging indoor and outdoor environments, public and private domains, or simply the shifting from here to there. Ogle describes them as transient spaces specifically designed for the purpose of moving from one location to another. Examples of these liminal spaces include lobbies, hallways, and thresholds, which effectively connect different areas within a building. Ogle shared this insightful explanation via email, emphasizing the significance of these spaces in the architectural realm.
During times of change and transition, people often find themselves in what can be considered emotional “spaces” known as liminal spaces. These spaces exist between two significant points in one’s life experience, much like standing at the threshold of a new phase. This could take the form of an individualistic liminal space, such as a woman contemplating a divorce and uncertain about what path to take. On a wider scale, we have collectively entered a global liminal space with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In both cases, these liminal spaces create a sense of uncertainty, as individuals navigate through the limbo between what was and what will be.
Dr. Timothy Carson, a professor at the University of Missouri specializing in liminal studies, describes the pandemic as a period of involuntary social liminality. In this time and space, uncertainty and ambiguity prevail, stripping away familiar markers and leaving the future undefined. Such situations breed disorientation, as Dr. Carson points out. This disorientation resonates with many individuals who have experienced it but lacked the vocabulary to articulate it. According to Dr. Carson, countless people have exclaimed, “Ah! That’s exactly what I’ve been going through! I just couldn’t put it into words!”
In recent times, the concept of liminal spaces has grown to encompass vacant areas such as deserted shopping malls, passageways, and waiting rooms. These spaces, according to Ogle, exist in a transitional state, straddling between being used and left abandoned, the past and the present. They are like a bridge, shifting from one identity to another. While both definitions of liminal spaces hold relevance, Ogle believes that the latter definition holds particular significance at this moment. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture, on the cusp of embracing new ways of living, working, and inhabiting spaces, ushering in a time of considerable change and uncertainty.
You can easily stumble upon real-life liminal spaces in everyday places like staircases, doorways, and corridors. They share similar characteristics with emotional liminal spaces as they serve as transitional zones. Functionality usually takes precedence over aesthetics in these physical spaces, but they still have the power to stir up emotions within us.
Have you ever noticed how you feel when you come across those in-between spaces, like abandoned buildings or empty hallways? It’s like a mix of confusion, discomfort, and maybe even a little bit of fear. Well, there’s actually a reason for that. You see, these spaces are known as liminal spaces, and they’re often connected with times of change and transition. And let’s face it, change can be a bit unsettling for some of us. When you step into a liminal space, you might also feel a bit disoriented, like you’ve lost your sense of place. That’s because these areas don’t have clear signs or symbols that tell you who they belong to or what their purpose is. It’s like being in a kind of no man’s land.
The concept of liminality, even though its precise meaning is not completely defined, is often perceived as something that causes seclusion by popular culture. A prime example of this perception can be found in the immensely popular Reddit community called r/LiminalSpace, boasting over 581,000 active members. Interestingly, this community has set strict guidelines for what can be shared, explicitly stating that any submissions containing “individuals, creatures, and beings” are strictly prohibited. According to their understanding, liminal spaces must be completely devoid of human presence to be considered as such. It is worth noting, however, that the community also acknowledges that “liminal” does not necessarily equate to something eerie or spooky.
Although it may seem that any empty place can be classified as a liminal space, this is not always the case. Let’s take a person’s home as an example. For the resident, their home is a familiar and regular space that they continuously navigate, carefully observing its details and addressing any necessary repairs or cleaning. In contrast, shared spaces such as airport bathrooms or hallways are not typically areas where people spend a considerable amount of time. Consequently, lingering in these spaces can feel rebellious or out of the ordinary. This intentional focus on the “in between” areas, which are often overlooked, is arguably what adds an intriguing quality to liminality.
As our world becomes more and more digital, we are witnessing the rise of liminal spaces on gaming platforms. According to Carson, these gaming back rooms capture the feeling of being adrift beneath the surface, aimlessly wandering, and sensing a looming threat without fully understanding its origins. Interestingly, liminal spaces can also be found in hotels and roadways, which serve as mere transitional points along our journeys to different destinations.
Liminal spaces, in all their enigmatic glory, affect individuals in various ways. Typically, these images evoke sensations of discomfort or ambiguity among people. Yet, despite the disorienting nature of liminal spaces, why is there an overwhelming desire for individuals to actively search and indulge in these images and artwork? It begs the question: if these spaces leave folks feeling disconnected, why the captivating allure?
According to Smith, there has been a growing fascination with liminal spaces in architecture lately. This increased interest can be linked to the pandemic and the overall uncertainty people are facing, which has made them more attuned to transitional areas and the feelings they invoke. Liminal spaces are now being regarded as spots with immense possibilities, where individuals can ponder over their experiences and interact with their environment in fresh and impactful manners.
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So, the good news is that we’re not avoiding our issues, isn’t that great?
According to Jon Dewaal, the creator of Liminal Space, emotional liminal spaces, such as health problems or losing a job, are quite prevalent and can have varying degrees of impact on a person’s life. These experiences, although potentially challenging, do not necessarily have to be detrimental to one’s mental well-being. In fact, Dewaal advises individuals to embrace these moments and see them as opportunities for personal growth. He suggests that by approaching these situations with an open mind and a sense of curiosity, even if they make us uncomfortable, we can unlock the potential for self-transformation.