This is a picture of my dorm bathroom in Ikenberry Hall. This is a space that every single resident between the two suites’ use on a daily basis. Three sinks, two toilets, and two showers, all shared by twelve JMU freshman girls. All of the bathrooms in the Village are set up in the exact same way with three sinks facing the same wall with the two adjacent toilets and showers that are split by the wall of sinks. James Madison has set up this bathroom so that it is inevitable for people to interact. Everyone one who shares it will come into contact with each other through this common area, just as the “common room” that is present in all of our suites. The sinks face the same way to invoke connection with others who are using it, you can not avoid the person right next to you brushing their teeth. This bathroom doesn’t promote segregation or individuality, but a sense of community. I believe that the designers of this residence hall had that intention in mind even though its design was largely based on functionl use. When space is tightly constructed, interaction is bound to happen which allows for people to come into contact with those who may be different. It also evokes learning, to respect and appreciate a community centered place. This bathroom allows a group of total strangers to learn how to cope with living with others, adjusting to a world of community rather than private. I know that I have grown a bond with the girl's across the bathroom because of the way it was built and designed. The bathrooms have been this way since the Village was built and I believe that it will remain this way for many years to come.
Katie McLaughlin
ReplyDeletedr. h
I live in Hanson Hall which is also in the Village so I am familiar with the layout of the bathrooms. I think you explained the layout of the bathroom very well and my bathroom definitely looks identical. However, having used the same bathroom all year I think that it is easy to avoid others when you are in it because of how the showers are set up. A person from one suite could use the shower closest to them while a person from the opposite suite could use the other shower and then leave the bathroom without communicating once. I think if the layout of the bathroom was circular than people would have to cross paths with other people using the bathroom - it would be unavoidable. As well, the toliets are only on one side of the bathroom. If you are living in the suite closest to the toliets you could go to the bathroom and leave without even making eye contact to someone brushing their teeth or taking a shower.
I really like the way you explained the layout of the bathrooms, I’ve never thought about how they were designed before. You’re right that the setup evokes conversation and social interactions. I think the social aspect related back to the JMU’s strong social and friendly feeling. We’re listed as a campus with a conscious and known for having friendly students… maybe we’re all so friendly because of how much we have to interact with each other in the dorms? Maybe not? But I think you definitely found a part of JMU’s architecture that reflects one of JMU’s primary features: social experience.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Wood
Dr. Connerley
Ben Parker
ReplyDeleteDr. Mulrooney
This bathroom does show how people would have to interact with each other in a given space. The bathroom was designed in a fashion in which the people that share it will have to interact. The picture alone is also interesting because it also shows the walls separating the toilets. I believe that this space gives privacy and does not provoke communication. There are many bathrooms like this as well going along with greenburg saying how campuses should remain the same. But they are destroying these buildings to make new ones that will be more modern.
I also live in the village and recognize the near identical style of this bathroom to my own. I agree that, although it is not the expressed purpose of the shared bathrooms, the secondary purpose of these bathrooms is to promote social interactions between its users. I have also seen these bathrooms being used for many things other than hygiene and toiletry purposes, such as a place for cutting one’s hair, dying hair, washing dishes, and smoking.
ReplyDelete-Greg Forsberg's comment for Dr. H
I also live in the village and will again next year. This picture shows the unique life of a dorm bath room and the different style of suite life. The bathroom was designed for interaction and that is exactly what is done because there is little privacy in these bathrooms. The space is small and is used to the full potential of its designers.
ReplyDeleteLawrence Petrakakos
I also live in the village and will again next year. This picture shows the unique life of a dorm bath room and the different style of suite life. The bathroom was designed for interaction and that is exactly what is done because there is little privacy in these bathrooms.This is evident with the design of the stalls which are short and uncomftable to be in when the fear of people walking by and looking over the door to see you use the bathroom. The space is small and is used to the full potential of its designers.
ReplyDeleteLawrence Petrakakos