The picture seen here is of my second home, East Campus Library. I chose this building because of its position relative to the rest of East Campus. East Campus in general can be thought of as a seperate campus. This is because it has every building needed for a self sustained campus. What I found interesting about the East Campus Library is that it is somewhat hidden in the corner of campus. As we have learned through analyzing many different campus layouts, is that the libraries of most campuses serve as its focal point. This can be seen in traditional layout of UVA's old part of campus. The Library serves as the head of campus, and other residence halls and classrooms branch out in a way that emulates the arcitechtural physiology of a human body. In ECL's case however, the Library is not even visible from the main lawn on campus. It seems that the middle green on East Campus is surrounded by every important building except the library. I beleive that the location of ECL should be where Festival is. Festival is by no means the focal point of East Campus, however it seems to be framed in the way that highlights it as the center of East Campus. As far as public space is concerned, I see the library as a very public space, with the exception of what is expected of people in the library. People that come to the library include both JMU students as well as locals, Blue Ridge Community College students, and even the occasional homeless person. As far as serving the purpose of public exchange of ideas and information, it does not serve this purpose well. This however is simply due to the fact of the purpose of the library; a place to concentrate on work uninterrupted. It would be frowned upon to stage a protest for example in this area. This building can be seen as representative of JMU's overall campus, with random building sites. The town overall has been increasingly dotted with random JMU buildings. East Campus is a great example of campus sprawl. The lack of available land forced JMU to spread across the highway. If Jmu is to continue the seemingly random expansion, it is important to take steps to make it more navigatable.
I agree that the location of ECL is not very strategically placed at all. As someone who lives on East campus I can attest to the fact that ECL is not conveniently placed for anyone. It was clearly meant to be a library for science majors and those who live on that side of campus however when walking from my dorm I always think that it would be better placed either where Festival is now or at least where the new Bio building is being built. I do love the inside of the building though; it creates a great atmosphere for studying and the first floor is great for getting coffee in between classes or for working on group projects.
ReplyDeleteThe previous comment was made by Kelsey DeFord! Professor Connerly's class!
DeleteWhen I look at this picture I also see myself referring to it as my second home. I think that there are many other uses for ECL. Besides it being used for studying, doing work, meeting with groups, etc, I think it is also a place where someone can escape. Sometimes when I feel like I don't want to be at home I go to the library, even if I don't have a lot of work. I can just sit in the quiet either reading or web surfing and it feels so peaceful. When I see this picture I feel that sense of serenity.
Delete-Adriana Figueroa
Annunciata Corey, Dr. Connerley's GAMST 200:
ReplyDeleteI actually use ECL as a place to meet with classmates to work on group projects or for the occasional study group. While I do not typically study in libraries, ECL provides a place that can accommodate many people much better than my apartment could. I agree with the photographer that ECL does not always serve its original purpose to be a place where ideas and knowledge are shared. I know that many people go just to get a drink from the Java City inside.
The photographer mentioned that it would not be acceptable for a group of people to lobby in ECL, but it should be noted that it has been done, e.g. the Dec. 2009 ECL Rave. I think this must count as a viable option for how the space could be used, especially since the race had quite the turnout thanks in large part to social media.
I do not really feel “moved” by this image, as I try to spend as little time as possible at ECL. I only go there when I have to meet with groups or check out a hold for a class assignment because I, too, “live” on East Campus.
Not only is this a "public" space on campus, it is also very private in the sense that everyone is in their own world and studying to themselves, yet surrounded by many people. There can also be studying in s tudy rooms where you can converse with others, back into their "public". I would disagree that ECl is not in the "hidden corner" of campus, because of the constant sprawling that JMU is facing I believe it will constantly changing its "space" on campus.
DeleteNot only is this a "public" space on campus, it is also very private in the sense that everyone is in their own world and studying to themselves, yet surrounded by many people. There can also be studying in s tudy rooms where you can converse with others, back into their "public". I would disagree that ECl is not in the "hidden corner" of campus, because of the constant sprawling that JMU is facing I believe it will constantly changing its "space" on campus.
Delete-Catherine Harris
I can definitely see East Campus Library as a second home as well. Because I live off campus and most of my classes are in HHS due to my major, I find myself on East Campus and ECL quite often. This library has become a getaway for me as well when I want to be alone for a while. It is a great place to go and think, listen to music, study, sleep, and sometimes even socialize on the first floor or in the group study rooms. I agree that the library is located in a small niche that can sometimes be overlooked. I think this adds more character to the library by making it more private and more like an escape than a place for public gatherings.
DeleteI can definitely see East Campus Library as a second home as well. Because I live off campus and most of my classes are in HHS due to my major, I find myself on East Campus and ECL quite often. This library has become a getaway for me as well when I want to be alone for a while. It is a great place to go and think, listen to music, study, sleep, and sometimes even socialize on the first floor or in the group study rooms. I agree that the library is located in a small niche that can sometimes be overlooked. I think this adds more character to the library by making it more private and more like an escape than a place for public gatherings.
ReplyDeleteCarlyn Parr
GAMST 200
Dr. H