Photo Story: In-between Spaces

STEPS/THRESHOLD

Where there is no public furniture in civic places, sometimes the next best thing on which to sit and take a breather is steps or raised threshold. From the pedestrian to the dramatic, these stepped spaces accessible to the public are often used as a spot for respite, a temporary stop to catch one’s breath or thoughts, by oneself or with others.

1 At Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Nepal: the orange-draped statue is of Hanuman, an Indian deity prominent in Hinduism; on the steps are people selling vegetables in boxes. 2 A street scene in Mundra, Kutch, Gujarat, India where everyone, including animals, often use the threshold to sit, play or relax. 3 Dogs taking a nap at the threshold of a door in Kathmandu, Nepal.

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ALLEYS

Alleys are often where the most interesting actions take place; where things happen behind the scenes, literally, that are typically ‘hidden’ from the public thoroughfare. From the narrow to the generously allotted, they are often forgotten passageways, ignored or neglected, although creative minds have tried to counter with colourful murals and wall art.

8 Somewhere in the town centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: these knife-wielding ‘aunties’ sharpening their tools somehow seem right at home. 10 At the Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the creative and commercial come together.

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LIMINAL SPACES

More than mere physical barriers, a door or a shutter straddles the boundary between private and public domain, making them an interesting ‘interface’ with time or space. 24 Ladies waiting for their laundry at a shop lot at Jalan Tun H S Lee, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; 25 kids playing at the door within a door in Mundara, Kutch, Gujarat, India.

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WALKWAYS

Whether circumscribed by bodies of water or roads, open-air or sheltered, walkways are designated paths in between destinations. Water creates a different ambience when walking next to it—it cools and calms: 27 the National Mosque of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 28 Under a shophouse at Chifeng Street in Taipei, Taiwan, the private balcony covers the public walkway below. 30 Along old shops marked by ornamental columns at Rawang in Selangor, Malaysia.

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