Of liminality: experiencing landscape in the in-between

Abstract

This research explores the potential of liminal or 'in-between' spaces to create richer experiences of landscape - both physically and metaphysically. To support this, it is guided by two key considerations. The first is the possibility of developing a typology of such experiences. This is followed by a second deliberation for an associated methodology for inventorying. The latter is targeted as a means of explicitly identifying and recording landscapes that are characteristically liminal, and/or ones that have the potential to create liminal experiences. The key objective of such inquiries is the eventual understanding as to whether or not, by highlighting the liminal characteristics of landscapes, the sense of place could be altered and be made ‘un-familiar’. What would be interesting is that when such settings are subsequently achieved, the ‘new familiar’ might allow people to see things, be it the place or the experience, anew – a kind of ‘de-familiarising’ the familiar. The research identified the need to analyse the following key definitions and theoretical positions relevant to understand liminal dimensions of landscape: metaphysical landscapes; and landscape experience. These concepts are considered key to the exploring of experiences that leap between thresholds. They are then used to drive the analysis of case studies, leading to the fine-tuning of current inventorying methods to suit the identification of liminal spaces, and the unravelling of liminal qualities in landscapes. The research is based on a detailed study of liminal dimensions found on the Rapaki Track in Canterbury’s Port Hills, directly adjacent to the city of Christchurch. Five key sites are examined in terms of their liminal dimensions and in terms of how landscape architectural interventions might further heighten these liminal qualities. This research consolidates the refinement and packages it into a user-friendly and practical toolkit. Taking the form of a set of method cards, this kit is meant to complement current inventorying methods. It can be used as another point on which current understandings of the landscape might be re-explored.