This photo captures the portion of the Ehlers Community Plaza that borders Godwin Field, as well as the bench on the edge of the plaza. It is located off of Champions Drive with Showker Hall and Eagle Hall on one side and Bridgeforth Stadium and Godwin Hall on the other. The plaza was designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing public space for people travelling through the area to not only walk, but also interact with others around. In contrast with a simple sidewalk, the designers intended for this area to be more than a place for travel. It is a large paved area with trees and benches which encourages people to stop and interact with those around rather than just pass through. In line with this intended use for interaction, it is also used as a meeting place for various groups, such as athletic teams.
The picture also includes a large bench on the plaza, which serves another important purpose in this space. Besides the obvious function as a seating area for people, the bench serves several other uses. First, on the right side of the picture, the corner of the sign identifying the space as the Ehlers Community Plaza can be seen. Also, along the bench are silver plaques commemorating various people who have contributed to the Building for Success program at JMU. Therefore, this bench serves a practical function as a seating area for people, an aesthetic purpose by providing a decorative border to the plaza, and lastly, a symbolic purpose by celebrating the people who have contributed to the building of the plaza. Although it is used for all three of these intended purposes, it is also used in ways not intended by the designers. For example, the far edge of the bench is scuffed from people skateboarding on the bench.
This area of campus has shaped part of my experience at JMU because I lived in Eagle Hall my freshman year, so I walked across it every day. I met various people who lived in the same dorm as I did, as well as spending time there with friends.
This venue is a great place because not only can you have classes inside Godwin, but there are also a lot of activities that go on on this field. From Rugby Games to Football Tailgates, there is a lot of activities going on all the time on Godwin Field.
ReplyDeleteI use this space a lott actually, being a Kinesiology Major, the majority of my classes take place inside Godwin Hall. When I am not in Godwin, the majority of the classes are right behind where the photographer was taken in Zane Showker Hall. So I use this walkway quite a bit when walking from class to class.
Whatg moves me is how he was able to capture so much stuff in this picture, from tthe bench, to Godwin Hall, to Godwin Field. He was able to capture so much in just one picture.
-Sean Tierney
This area is another significant space to my time here at JMU because I am a sports management major with a minor in business. I walk across the area every day and I see many people I know. The space is more than just a concrete slab, there are a few trees to provide shade and the benches provide an area for congregating before and after football games. The area to the right of this area is also a large field, instead of a parking lot. The field serves as a place for tailgating for football games or a field for GKIN classes. The designers decided not to extend the bookstore's lot all the way around to provide a green space for the students of eagle and chandler residence halls. It is an area for people to meet and exchange many ideas.
ReplyDeleteThis area has quite a lot of meaning for me personally. The Marching Royal Dukes practice behind this point of view in the courtyard in front of Eagle Hall before football games. After we finish, close to 500 people march through this area to get to the stadium. Parents are stacked on the concrete benches to the right, hoping to see their kid before the game. This area often reminds me of the excitement and energy that go into the football games in general, and what we(the MRDs) provide. On another note, it's a nice area to meet friends; the Duke Dog statue is a nice landmark.
ReplyDelete-Rich Barnes for Dr. H.