Chora (spatial concept)

Chora is a term from philosophy, originally introduced by Plato and later developed by Aristotle, describing a fundamental space or receptacle that underpins the formation of physical reality. It’s considered an abstract, pre-material container that holds and gives form to other things, acting as a kind of underlying "field" or "matrix" where creation and change can occur. In contemporary discussions, especially in architecture or urban studies, chora can refer to the dynamic, pre-existing spatial context that influences how spaces are experienced and constructed. It emphasizes the relational and underlying aspects of space beyond mere physical dimensions.