PLACE OBJECT SYSTEM

A method and system for providing each of a plurality of users of a computer system with a corresponding place object. Each of the place objects represent one of a variety of actual physical locations and contains one or more subplace objects and person objects which indicate the presence or absence of a person from a given place. Each of the one or more subplace objects capture a formal or functional characteristic of the particular place object in which it is contained. Each of the place objects are supported by at least one of a plurality of user selectable collaboration models thereby enabling users who have accessed the same place object to collaborate and interact with one another.