Threshold spaces are simply areas of entry - any foyer, reception, hallway or entryway is a threshold space. These spaces are often the first and most profound communication we make about our life, our company, or our institution. As we enter a new space, a psycho-visual 'impression' is formed - it takes 1.6 milliseconds for the eye to move rapidly from one object to another. Overall, it takes less than 3 seconds for a visitor to arrive at an opinion about the space they have entered. Entering a new space has a profound subliminal effect on every visitor, but have we created the effect intended? What happens when we move from one space to another, to what is our eye drawn, who do we meet, how are we greeted, what lies on the table in front of us? And what does all this say? How can these spaces go further in engaging the visitor in their subconscious and unconscious responses? What does it mean, philosophically, psychologically, to cross thresholds from one space to another?

Our work with these spaces includes CCTV 'spatial behaviour mapping', the creation of sensor-based interactive artworks and immersive video installation. These works explore the concepts of 'perception/reception', 'the space looks back', 'image rehearsal', 'memory forms', 'lines and form in visual recognition', 'judgement forming', 'expectation and preconception', 'the postural echo', 'timelines of entry', 'the art of greeting', 'the assumption of the receptionist', and 'the visual laws of averages'. These all relate back to the activities within the mind and emotions of a visitor, as they enter a new space.

Alongside this, threshold 10 are developing a body of artistic and scientific research into the psychological and behavioural impact of threshold spaces. Taking as its starting point an in depth artistic analysis of the many visual interventions traditionally used within threshold spaces, our research work then draws upon the science of visual spatial cognition, verbal and non-verbal greeting rituals, the philosophy of spaces, behavioural science and environmental psychology.

threshold 10 is a creative partnership between public art innovators Alexander Hamilton and Richard Ashrowan, including a wide range of contributors from the scientific and artistic research community.