Adam Baker: Lane--Tensions of Space and Place

Lane discusses the existence of tension between space and place that revolves around the ideas of topos and chora. Topos, which refers to the more physical qualities of the setting, is useful in analyzing feelings toward space. While expansive spaces are often viewed as offering more freedom and opportunity, they may cause a fear of being lost in some individuals. Chora refers to the more emotional qualities generated by a particular setting, and is useful in analyzing feelings toward place. Like the division of feelings for space, specific place may either result in comfort of belonging or feelings of constriction by the place. These differing views of space and place bring about many of the tensions that occur in American society and religion. Personally, it makes sense that individuals have different perceptions of space and place, especially if they have differing backgrounds. For instance a person raised in the city may embrace the opportunity to experience the wide open deserts of the southwest, while someone from that area may balk at the idea of being forced into a city with numerous buildings, little openness, and thousands more people per square mile.