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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Alexis Apostolidis Madison Space for 4/7



The picture that I have taken on this bright, sunny day is of Carrier Library, which is located across from Keezel Hall and near Top Dog dining. In Greenberg’s essays he says that the library “is the head, which is framed by shoulders and outstretched arms-the colonnades and pavilions-in a characteristic gesture of welcome.” As seen by Carrier Library, this is quite the contrast. This library is not located in the center of campus; rather it is almost hidden and easily missed. It also seems that not much effort was put into the design and beauty of this building; instead it is built of glass windows and stone. Even though Carrier Library does not look like an inviting place, it does serve many purposes to students at JMU.
The Carrier Library is a quiet place where many students go to study, complete their homework, and use resources like books and computers. It is also used to meet with groups for projects and other types of assignments. I believe that the Carrier Library is a place that stands for both a symbolic and practical function. It symbolizes education and success for students. Students attend classes and learn information from their professors but the library is really the place that enforces learning where students study and do homework. The Carrier Library also serves a practical function in which it allows students to produce and achieve good grades, which leads to success. I believe that the designers intended this building to be used as a library. College campuses tend for students to have a quiet place, away from their dorms and other social interactions where they can complete their school work. The Carrier Library will definitely shape my memory over time. It is a place that I typically use every day and especially during mid-terms and finals. Spending hours upon hours in the library cramming for exams in order to get that A on that test are times I will never forget.

2 comments:

  1. The function of Carrier library on campus is of a place where students can escape the distractions everywhere else on campus. Because of this distinct function, it would make sense for JMU to have built a more modest looking entrance to the library. Having this modest architecture, you get a feeling of no extravagance. That feeling carries with you to the inside and helps create the working atmosphere and mindset so that you are able to escape all distractions and just get work done.
    -Meredith Gray

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  2. I agree with you and Meredith with what was said about this picture. The designers of Carrier could have very well known what they are doing when thinking up what we know now as our library. The sort of subtle architecture of this building can definitely imply that one will be free from distraction upon entrance into the building. The simplicity of Carrier prepares students for their "escape" from the real world and into the textbooks they have in their backpacks.

    -Frankie Wherrity

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