What does liminal space mean and what elements must they have to be considered one? I have no idea
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Liminal spaces – aside from the literal definition that they’re transitory in-between spaces – provoke an emotional response, like a sense of disorientation, loneliness and abandonment. They tend to be empty man-made places with no obvious danger but where nobody normal would want to be. For example, a corridor in a hotel, or a drained swimming pool. Bonus points if it’s lit by a single flickering light.
Is liminal related to limnology (study of lakes?) is it similar etymological root?
The memetic nature has kinda run away from us on this one. Like others are saying, it’s a “space between,” neither the one thing or another. I wouldn’t worry about a strict definition, since there isn’t one.
There are some well-defined places in your life, like your office or classroom. It’s a place for people to do something specific. There are desks, chairs, computers, books, you can walk in and immediately have an idea of why it is there, what is supposed to happen here.
There are other places that aren’t that defined. If you work in an office building with a few other companies, each company has their own space with their own personality. But if you go to the stairway to go from one to the other, it’s kind of a “no-man’s land.” The walls will be painted white, the handrails red or yellow, regardless of what colors the companies use for their logo. There are no chairs or places for people to stop and talk or do anything (except maybe smoke). The only purpose that space serves is to connect places that need connecting, it has no purpose on its own. And as such, it has kind of an empty, detached feeling that can be either comforting or unsettling. On the one hand, there are no expectations for you in that place. You’re not working yet, it might not even be clear if you’re coming or going. On the other hand, it’s also clearly not a space that’s “for” you, or for anyone specifically. It’s hard to feel at home in a space that isn’t designed to be welcoming.
When people talk about “liminal space,” that’s the vibe they’re talking about. Unless they’re architects or something.
Liminal spaces can also be temporal. The summer between high school and college. The weeks or months after a long term relationship ends. Changing jobs or careers.
Some other physical liminal spaces, completely at random: doctor waiting room; marine locks; chimneys; green rooms/locker rooms.
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