The Architecture of Liminal Space

Liminal space is everywhere, both literally, and as a popular topic of intrigue on Reddit and other image-sharing platforms. Posting photographs of empty dilapidated spaces followed by collective reminiscing of childhood experiences and uneasy feelings is proving to be a popular activity these days. At one time or another, the liminal spaces depicted in these eerie photos seemed like a good idea, a useful solution to a problem of providing shelter for crowds in the act of movement or commerce. Architecture had specific terms for these spaces too and defined them through theories that explained their role in our culture. In this video, architectural professor Stewart Hicks presents how architects think about liminal spaces, what goes into them, why they exist, and why some architects and artists still work to produce their effect. Topics we visit include: Rem Koolhaas’ Junkspace, Exurbansim, Non-place, Supermodernism, Terrain Vauge, photographers like Bas Princen and Filip Dujardin, and 3D artists like Peter G