People & Themes

Anne Birgitta Pessi, PI: Spatially approaching sense of safety in religious communities

I find the exploration of embodied compassion, togetherness, and the role of (religious) art and architecture in group cohesion particularly intriguing. Delving into the interconnected realms of religion/religiosity and emotions is like unlocking a treasure chest for a researcher, and we are eager to be a part of this rich exploration. I am fortunate to contribute to multiple case studies, a privilege that fills me with gratitude and excitement.

What does a sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it?

I feel safe when I am surrounded by warmth – be it close, inspiring colleagues, my loved ones at home, or the gentle rays of spring sun casting their comforting glow

Henrietta Grönlund: The Case on Lutheranism – Dividing and Uniting

Together with the research team, I will develop theoretical perspectives and methodological solutions to study the feeling of security in religious spaces.

What does a sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it? For me, a feeling of safety is the absence of fear and worry, freedom. In everyday life, my sense of security is increased by a feeling of control and reduced by a sense of hurry and chaos.

Ruth Illman: Embodied Judaism and the waters of the mikveh

I study the Jewish ritual bath, the mikveh, to elucidate when, how and why Jewish women in the Nordic countries today choose to visit the ritual bath and what role the water and this particular religious space plays for them in creating a sense of belonging and recognition in times of personal transition.

What does sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it? I experience a sense of safety in groups and contexts that are open, sincere and encouraging – where no masks are needed. Admittedly, I also feel a sense of safety surrounded by water.

Ritva Palmén: Spatial-embodied analysis meets politics of belonging

The focus of my research is on implementing contemporary recognition theory to provide innovative analytical tools for examining the acts of recognition and emotions related to safety and location.

What does sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it? My feeling of safety is strongest when I am surrounded by my friends and family. I also feel safe among people who show respect for every living being and commit to recognize their specific qualities.

Meri-Anna Paloniemi: The case on Lutheranism – Art, space and the sacred

In the project, I will investigate the relationship between the Lutheran church space and the experience of safety (sense of safety). My purpose is to approach the subject through art and space use (design and architecture). I’m interested in how the safety experience can be created? In what ways does the church space affect the experience of art, especially the experience of safety?

What does sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it? The need for safety is something fundamentally human. I notice that in my life I have intuitively sought safety, away from unsafe situations and connections. A deep security experience is a platform on which to build everything else. I feel deep safety when I can be very near my loved ones, and sometimes in a beautiful place alone.

Teemu Pauha: Minority in spatial and virtual-spatial encounters

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What does sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it?

Jenni Spännäri: Art, dance and embodied spirituality

In this project, I study spatial and embodied experiences related to art. When, where and how can audience members experience sense of safety and feelings of elevation?

What does a sense of safety mean to you? When do you experience it? When I feel safe, I dare to stretch myself to the full extent of my existence. I feel safe around people I love and whom I trust.

 

CoCo Research themes