While the quad is clearly the most cliche area of JMU's campus, it is none the less the most important. However, this is not by accident. As is evident by the amount of time and money spent maintaining the quad through landscaping and renovations, the administration of this university clearly values the initial impact the quad has on its students; and more importantly potential students. This is also one of the most versatile areas of campus, as it can be used for aesthetic features discussed above but also as the symbol of our university and the practical function of providing an area to congregate. JMU's use and emphasis on the quad counters Greenberg's essay. Despite the expansion of our campus the quad is still undeniably the focal point of the university. The expansion is just a necessity to accommodate modern enrollment rates. This is clearly proven by the amount of JMU students who use the quad regardless of where they live on campus, or where their classes are. While other locations have emerged for congregation (the commons, TDU, etc) the quad still remains the primary area of use for this purpose. Currently the quad also remains the primary imagery of our campus, and the primary location to be. Whether this will remain the same as the Master Plan continues, or if Greenberg will be right and campus will lose its meaning is something that will have to be watched as the plan progresses.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Harris Lipscomb's Madison Space for 4/7/10
While the quad is clearly the most cliche area of JMU's campus, it is none the less the most important. However, this is not by accident. As is evident by the amount of time and money spent maintaining the quad through landscaping and renovations, the administration of this university clearly values the initial impact the quad has on its students; and more importantly potential students. This is also one of the most versatile areas of campus, as it can be used for aesthetic features discussed above but also as the symbol of our university and the practical function of providing an area to congregate. JMU's use and emphasis on the quad counters Greenberg's essay. Despite the expansion of our campus the quad is still undeniably the focal point of the university. The expansion is just a necessity to accommodate modern enrollment rates. This is clearly proven by the amount of JMU students who use the quad regardless of where they live on campus, or where their classes are. While other locations have emerged for congregation (the commons, TDU, etc) the quad still remains the primary area of use for this purpose. Currently the quad also remains the primary imagery of our campus, and the primary location to be. Whether this will remain the same as the Master Plan continues, or if Greenberg will be right and campus will lose its meaning is something that will have to be watched as the plan progresses.
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I think it is awesome that, despite the fact that the university is expanding, the quad is still basically the same as it was 100 years ago. The $90 million project going up across South Main Street is a perfect example of the expansion. It is a new performing arts center that will undoubtedly revolutionize the activity with the university, particularly in the music department that is already booming. Despite all of this, the building retains the same look as the rest of the Bluestone buildings as well as the nostalgic JMU "feel" of the quad. Props to the person who posted this picture!
ReplyDeleteDaniel Warren
Dr. Connerley
4/22