This is a spot on campus, everyone is familiar with, it is the Festival Field on the east campus. It’s a public space that rests between ISAT and the East campus dorm. According to the ideas presented by Mattson, The East Campus field, is set up to promote interactions between JMU students. His article talks about how malls are designed to allow people congregate and interact, but it they are not free to do anything they want. This is because a mall is private space, mall owners are soley promoting peoples shopping and don’t want anything to deter that from happening. JMU’s Public space is designed to do just the opposite, people can meet and do whatever they want in this space as long as they don’t disrupt others or infringe on their right to meet enjoy the pace as well. The campus in some ways also encompasses that of a new urban community. Dorm buildings that promote interaction between residence, with food and other essential goods near by, and a lively quad that everyone can enjoy.
This is a place on campus I use to pass by without much as a glance. However, now with the warmer weather and two classes in ISAT twice a week, I have found myself enjoying this space more and more. In between classes I walk out to the theater and sit on a concrete bench to enjoy the hot sun while I study. After my classes I trek across the grass to eat lunch at Ehall. I like how Matthew incorporated Greenberg and Mattson’s ideas into his post. I have come to appreciate this space more because it one of the most green and open spaces on JMU’s campus. I believe JMU does a good job of keeping the campus green and beautiful. Something both authors would be proud of. In addition, there are ample open spaces to play sports and conjugate.
ReplyDeleteI think this spot is very comparable to the quad on east campus. While not as popular, it can be used for recreation and social gatherings, as well as quiet reflection or homework. I really like this space because of how well the amphitheater meshes into the lawn environment to create a flexible public environment.
ReplyDelete-TJ Kirk (Connerly)
This spot is definitely something that will forever define my freshman year because I lived on this side of campus, and used it on every nice day. During the nice days people could always be seen playing Frisbee, soccer or tanning. I have also seen people reading and doing work. These fields are also used for multiple philanthropy events by many organizations, such as 5ks, Relay for life and volleyball/softball tournaments.
ReplyDeleteCarly Ringwood- Professor Connerly
Candace English’s comment for Dr. H
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that the East Campus field is set up to promote interactions between JMU students. However, when you say that “people can meet and do whatever they want in this space as long as they don’t disrupt others or infringe on their right to meet…” you are being contradictory. Although there aren’t people patrolling the field, there are still certain unsaid rules that need to be abided by; public relations could step in when deemed necessary. Also, although you are correct when describing the purpose of this area, I personally have not seen many people take advantage of this particular area on campus for recreational activities but rather just pass by it on the way to and from class and meals. I loved your comparison of the dorms and a new urban community; there are definitely many similar characteristics. How would you compare the quad dorms to a new urban community?
This photograph really affects me because I live on this side of campus. The view is so beautiful. Sometimes when I’m heating up food in the kitchen I stare out the window and look at the scenery on the east side of campus and it really makes me feel very calm and collected. This space is definitely used for the interaction between students, but also JMU staff as well. I use this space to lay out and study because there is no better motivation to study then to study out on a beautiful lawn encompassed by beautiful weather. This image is very moving in the fact that it shows me how well JMU values its property. JMU ensures that its campus must be in the most tip-top shape at all times. The grass must be cut at all times and the dorms must be appealing to not only the students enrolled, but potential students as well.
ReplyDelete-Amanda Ou from Professor Connerley's class
While I never lived on East Campus, I always liked how well this part of the university infuses modernity with nature. East Campus has a very modern feel to it, and the new ECL adds to that persona. What I always admired about that part of campus was its wide open spaces- even with all the expansion going on of late, JMU has maintained its use of space wisely. The space is a perfect blending of "new" and nature, and I appreciate the fact that the JMU community values its open areas while respecting the surrounding environment.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Mabon's comment for Dr. H (4/22)
This photograph really displays what East Campus has to offer; it ties the architecture and the green space together quite well. In regards to Mattson’s essay, this definitely is a public space. Many student’s casually meet on the lawn in front of the dorms to talk about their daily lives and interact. Also, this is a place for people to express their views on “politics” around campus. Different organizations often meet and hold various events on festival lawn spreading their message across campus.
ReplyDelete-Cynthia Knott from Mulrooney's class
I have always liked the look of East Campus. The only problem that I have with it is that it does not stick with the general look of the quad. The bluestone buildings and the red roofs of the quad are a part of the campus that remains a signature look of the JMU campus. This applies to what Greenberg says in his article that college campuses are not being designed as carefully as they used to be.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked the look of East Campus. The only problem that I have with it is that it does not stick with the general look of the quad. The bluestone buildings and the red roofs of the quad are a part of the campus that remains a signature look of the JMU campus. This applies to what Greenberg says in his article that college campuses are not being designed as carefully as they used to be.
ReplyDelete-Jackie Jacobsen from Dr. Mulrooneys class
This picture of East Campus shows the newly constructed dorms, while also showing the star gazing bleachers. This picture shows how the designers of East Campus tried to include nature in the scenery with the trees planted in front of the dorm. This picture clearly explains why so many students enjoy lounging around the open space of East Campus. GAMST 200- Brandon Jones
ReplyDelete