The shot here is a wide view of the gym inside of Godwin Hall. The gym is interesting due to the fact that it is specific purpose in its design, yet it is multi-purpose in actuality. This leads to some interesting ideas on the nature of space, who gets to use it, and who is responsible for legitimizing space.
The nature of this space, in terms of the apparent use is that it is a basketball court. That is the obvious and intentional use of this space, yet it is also used for events. In just the past few weeks, "Circles" and annual breakdancing show was held here, a workshop for sports for disabled persons, and a class sponsored fashion show. All of this would seem to be prototypical example of Pratt's "Art of the Contact Zone."
Or is it?
Why all these events seemingly fall under the "Contact Zone" ethos of using space for something than its original intention, it was also sanctioned and approved by someone in a position of authority. It raises the question if that makes it a contact zone act, or it subservience to the authority who offers the space in the first place.
- Jeff Wade
I can imagine other uses for this space than the author mentioned because I play fraternity league floor hockey in this space. What moves me about this space are the memories I have from playing hockey on it with friends that have graduated, the overtime winning playoff games and the loss I experienced in the championship game both years.~Brett Baldino
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