My work redesigning University Union Plaza at California Polytechnic State University in my studio class LA402 has continued to progress throughout the quarter. In my title, Vibe of Community Creativity, my vision for this space is to inject a vivacious (jumping/ cheerful) atmosphere in the UU Plaza that evokes the imagination of all. Thus, I aim to create a better social environment. To accomplish this goal, I will incorporate into my design an open space for public art shows that will hold twenty people therefore enhancing the vibe of creativity on campus. Also, I will build a fountain for fish viewing with friends that allows ten people to sit at one time. The soothing sounds of fountains can enhance cognitive function and reduce stress. Cal Poly is not an easy school, if stress is not managed properly, our students could suffer from “depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, exhaustion, and fatigue syndromes” (Wolf, 2018).
I’m digging through the PPN Professional Links. Green Cities: Good Health appeals to me. After the industrial revolution, hardscape, especially concrete, began to dominate our cities. According to Green Cities: Good Health, shoppers will spend more time in the place if there is lots of greenery (Wolf, 2018). This idea of injecting a vivacious atmosphere inspired three layout concepts based on the movement of dancing. First, the waltz has a more rigid form which will be my rectangular layout. Second, salsa is very fluid which will be the curvilinear form. Third, a circular layout closely resembles aerial dancing as the dancers rotate around with ropes in the air. In my circular theme, I substitute existing brick pavings with shrubs, trees, seatings, and green sculptures. I also bring the outdoors inside and vice versa to make boundaries with greenery more seamless. The eating area I plan to make will seat twenty people and provide them with a private setting. The site users will have greater mental health when they are relaxed and restore their mind (Wolf, 2018). The new design pathway will also require visitors to meander around and have a greater exposure of the site. Therefore, this approach provides more physical exercise for Cal Poly students and creates more mental fatigue recovery time from their stressful studying.
References
Wolf, K. (2018, August 16). Livable Cities. Retrieved from http://depts.washington.edu/hhwb/
Design Influence 