The place on campus that I chose is the commons. The commons is a public space that was designed for students to pass through on their way to dining halls or the quad. It is large enough that many people can fit in the area at once so many students take advantage of the availability and hand out flyers or try to raise money for different organizations. Different groups stand there daily and try to influence other students’ into donating their spare change or grab their attention for a short moment and tell them what their organization is about. In class we have discussed how public space is used. People are allowed to act how they want in public space without being told by others that they are not allowed. Therefore, people in different organizations realize that no other student can tell them not to stand in the middle of the commons with a hand full of flyers and give them out to each passing person. This is a really effective way to get a message out and people surely take advantage of it. Although the commons was not necessarily intended for people to volunteer and promote their clubs the fact that it is a public space is reason enough for students to act like citizens.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Katie McLaughlin's Madison Space for Dr. H. 4/7
The place on campus that I chose is the commons. The commons is a public space that was designed for students to pass through on their way to dining halls or the quad. It is large enough that many people can fit in the area at once so many students take advantage of the availability and hand out flyers or try to raise money for different organizations. Different groups stand there daily and try to influence other students’ into donating their spare change or grab their attention for a short moment and tell them what their organization is about. In class we have discussed how public space is used. People are allowed to act how they want in public space without being told by others that they are not allowed. Therefore, people in different organizations realize that no other student can tell them not to stand in the middle of the commons with a hand full of flyers and give them out to each passing person. This is a really effective way to get a message out and people surely take advantage of it. Although the commons was not necessarily intended for people to volunteer and promote their clubs the fact that it is a public space is reason enough for students to act like citizens.
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I think this picture captures a place on campus, over than the quad, where people can pass through a beautifully designed public space on their way to class, the library, the quad or even the dining halls. Most of the time I see more organizations than people in the commons trying to promote students walking by to become involved. I consider the commons to be a nice distraction area when walking to class. Once you reach the top of the hill, right beside it, there is a moment of relief where you can just breathe and calmly make your way through the commons. This space is very wide and open which is perfect for organizations to get their voices heard. The availability allows students to feel free to come together at the commons and try to promote good things. I still remember during orientation week, when our group decided to place ourselves up on the grassy hill where you can watch everything that happens on the Commons. It was a defining moment for me during orientation. I definitely feel like the Commons allows students voices to be heard and also provides a peaceful walk to where you are going.
ReplyDelete-Katie LeWine's Comment for Dr. H
This picture captures well the spirit of the commons. The commons is constantly busy with the traffic of students. It is where clubs and organizations set up tables because they know that is where the most traffic will be. The commons is also a frequent stop for students on their way to eat. It can also be a place of anger or disgust, because it is a place meant for public use. When the preachers come they can anger many students, but the area is meant for contact between people.
ReplyDeleteJoseph Sarnoski for Dr. H