Eerie Or Nostalgic? Texas Hotel Goes Viral As ‘Liminal Space’

A photo of an Amarillo, Texas hotel was recently posted to a popular Facebook group "Liminal Spaces," garnering many likes and comments. I have to agree that the image is spot-on as a liminal space, and I'm particularly fond of it. But first, what is a liminal space, and why do they simultaneously make us feel both nostalgic and unsettled? 

This image from a Canadian building is a great example of liminal space- empty hallways always are. This is because "liminal" refers to a place that is transitional or exists as a boundary. Or, the place between "no longer" and "not yet," as you are no longer in your room and not yet in the parking lot, for example. Liminal can be used in various ways. For example, divorce can be described as liminal. It's also fair to call the week between Christmas and New Year's Day as liminal for many.

Are you still with me? Great!

Now that we've defined liminal as an abstract/temporal concept, moving to liminal as a physical space is easy. Any transitional space is technically liminal, but spaces that give us that liminal vibe are generally empty, allowing us to feel as if we are the only actors moving through them. I suspect that's part of the reason they can feel creepy for some, and introspective for others. Without people, animals, or too many distinguishing features to focus on, the space can become unanchored to reality or dreamlike, and yet they are abundantly real- we've all moved through something very like them at some point, which can also give us a pleasant nostalgic feeling. Here's another example:

This empty mall escalator is another perfect example. Escalators are inherently transitional, and if you told me I had been here before and just didn't remember it, I'd have a difficult time disproving you with no other added information.

Now, for this delicious Amarillo example.

We get the sense of transition from the mezzanine and the nostalgia comes not only from the pool itself, but the two neon floaties are chef's kiss. The emptiness adds to the unease as does the fun detail that the pool happens to be... coffin-shaped.

Remember: there is nothing wrong with a liminal space, even if it happens to make you a little uncomfortable. Life is full of transitions, and in many of them, you will walk alone. That's the beauty of it, isn't it?