What is the setting in the opening chapters of the novel, Woman on the Edge of Time?

The opening chapters of the novel take place in Connie's shabby, run-down apartment in the barrio in New York City. The apartment is the setting for the violent confrontation between Connie, Geraldo and Dolly which results in Connie being sent to Bellevue. It's also the setting for Connie's conversation with Luciente, in which she's told that Luciente is from the future. The apartment is a setting for juxtaposed scenes of despair and hope.