This is a view of the Quad from the grass, with Wilson Hall in the background. It is on the west side of campus in the middle of the Bluestone area. This space is used differently depending on the season and weather. In the cold winter months, this space is used briefly by many as they rush to class huddled in their coats and scarves. During the warmer months, though, this space is used quite differently. Students come out to lay out in the sun and socialize and can be seen doing various activities such as playing Frisbee, throwing footballs, smoking hookah, reading books, studying, or just talking with their friends. A sense of unity and joy surrounds the area. The designers of the campus most likely intended for this space to be used in just this fashion. Some may think that this space could be improved for student use if there were more benches or other furniture to sit down at. Personally, I feel like this would just add unnecessary clutter; the space is perfect as it is. This space is already extremely sustainable and environmentally friendly because it is simply a field of grass and sidewalks. Not much energy is used in the up keeping of this space, compared to other spaces with more technology. I will look back on this space with some of my best memories at JMU. Whenever I spend long periods of time there, I am warm, comfortable, and happy. You can sense that everyone else feels the same way too, and it creates a sense of positive unity with fellow students that I don’t experience to such a degree except when on the Quad. Margaret King.
The Quad is a great place to sit and hang out with friends. I also think it is awesome how it's an unspoken rule that everyone congregates in the Quad when it's nice out to lay out, smoke hookah, or play frisbee. No matter where you live on or off campus, you are almost always guaranteed to find a few of your friends around the Quad when the weather is nice.
ReplyDelete~Amanda Walker for Professor Connerley
I really like this picture because although many people chose the Quad as their space to photograph, I believe this photo truly captures what I like most about this particular space. A lot of the other pictures taken of the Quad kind of only show the landscape and aesthetic aspect provided by the nature surrounding it. This picture really struck me because it doesn’t show the entire landscape but instead the people using the landscape. All of the people sitting in the grass or playing in the open area is what really makes the Quad something enjoyable to look at. It’s a beautiful space, but how people use it is what makes it even more beautiful. Whenever I walk by on a warm day its comforting to see so many people and activities going on that it makes me feel like I’m at a fair or festival. It sort of provides a change in mood and atmosphere and makes me think of summer, which makes me happy. I definitely feel the same way you do about the Quad; I too am comfortable and happy when I walk by and its probably one of the most attractive elements of JMU.
ReplyDelete-Eileen Sechler. Professor Connerley
Kevin Alders's Madison Space for Dr. H
ReplyDeleteFor many people this is a place to just socialize and relax, but I live in Bluestone on the quad so this is like my home. One reason why I like living on the quad so much is because this is space were friends and I often go and play catch. It is also a space that I can use to go relieve stress. After a long day it’s a great spot to go unwind and enjoy time with friends. Therefore, this is a great spot to socialize and spend your time at JMU.
-Kevin Alders
This picture of the quad really captured what it is used for. In this picture, it has many people sitting and enjoying each other’s company. This space is a public place that can be used for many different purposes but always brings people together. In the post, it describes how this place hasn’t been changed by technology or been build up to make something completely different. In class, we talked about how many public spaces are becoming private or changing. This picture of the quad reminds us that it is a place of community and will not be changed. (comment by Molly Kelliher Dr. H's class)
ReplyDeleteEric Cain,
ReplyDeleteThe quad is the main focus of the campus.The original layout of the school consisted of this area being the central location.It often is overlooked but the James Madison groundkeepers do in excellent job of maintaining the lawn.Without their work (paid by taxpayers) the quad wouldn't be the same.By having nice landscaping on campus it portrays that the university is neat and organized.Without these members, JMU public areas would not be the same.