The upcoming A24 film debut of “Back rooms” has sparked a surge of interest in liminal spaces as a symbol of psychological horror. These unsettling spaces highlight our brain’s sensitivity to ambiguity and transition, evoking eerie feelings similar to those experienced in narrow hotel hallways, underground hospital corridors, or empty airport terminals. By delving into the neuroscience behind these spaces, we can gain a better understanding of their impact and what they reveal about navigating change.
Trapped in liminality
In recent years, there has been a trend of abandoning shopping centers, large buildings, and entire neighborhoods in favor of constructing new structures rather than repurposing existing ones. This has given rise to a new category of liminal spaces – those stuck in a state of transition, waiting for reuse or demolition. These spaces, trapped in liminality, serve as reminders of the uncertainties we face during periods of change, especially as we transition from youth to adulthood.
Neuroscientific studies show that our brain’s systems for navigating physical spaces also play a role in organizing our memories. Liminal spaces trigger a heightened sensitivity in our brains due to the way memory is structured around change – be it in space, time, or events. Understanding how our brains process information in liminal spaces can help us navigate transitions more effectively and avoid getting stuck in a state of uncertainty.
Boundaries structure our experiences
Liminal spaces act as transitional zones that physically mark the shift between one place and another. These spaces, such as corridors, stairs, and vestibules, make up a significant portion of buildings but often lack emotional or sensory stimuli. They serve as connectors between more meaningful spaces, setting boundaries between different experiences.
Research on the Doorway effect reveals that passing through a doorway can affect our memory retention, as our brains update from one context to another. Transitions keep us alert as we navigate through liminal spaces, forcing our brains to process the differences in context. When spaces blend together, our memories tend to merge as well, blurring the boundaries between experiences.
The Back rooms capitalize on these cognitive processes to instill a sense of terror by pushing our tolerance for uncertainty to its limits. These spaces are intentionally designed to be destabilizing, with shifting environments that mirror the fluidity of our memories. Unlike brief moments spent in threshold spaces like doorways, the Back rooms prolong the sense of liminality, keeping us on edge and preventing our minds from wandering.
Context cues reduce uncertainty
During times of change, our brains attempt to predict what lies ahead by comparing the current context with stored memories. When a space lacks distinct features or contextual cues, decision-making becomes challenging. The Back rooms epitomize this sense of uncertainty, with no clear exits, global directions, or external references to help orient oneself. The absence of familiar cues leaves individuals feeling disoriented and unable to find a way out.
Persistence helps us process the transition
In a healing context, liminal spaces can serve as buffers that allow for a reflective pause during transitions. By intentionally designing spaces that support internal processing, we can navigate change more effectively. Providing opportunities for reflection and integration can help us prepare for what comes next and move through transitions with greater resilience.
Redesigning the liminal spaces in our lives
As we navigate various transitions in our lives, it’s essential to recognize the role of liminal spaces in shaping our experiences. By purposefully redesigning these spaces to limit boundary moments, increase visibility of context, and create opportunities for reflective pauses, we can navigate change with greater psychological resilience. Liminal spaces need not trap us but can instead facilitate our growth and adaptation to new circumstances.
In conclusion, understanding the impact of liminal spaces on our psychological well-being can help us navigate transitions more effectively. By embracing the uncertainties of change and leveraging the design of transitional spaces, we can move through life’s transitions with greater clarity and resilience.