Research into existing spaces.
Following the conversations in the first workshop of the unit, I would like to acknowledge and thank fellow PGCert student Gem Smith for suggesting that I should look at the LCC Library, and in particular the whiteboard installed there in an attempt to generate a better sense of belonging for students.
Gem also kindly emailed me some pictures that she took, two examples below:
Gem’s suggestion inspired me to research the LCC library. This then inspired me to research other spaces that attempted to create a welcoming environment in the use of architecture, objects, signage, and space.
Some of the images are below.
The use of spaces to generate a sense of belonging has been informed by my research into ‘Third Place theory’. A theory first posited by Ray Oldenburg.
Oldenburg’s text inspired me to research the existing spaces that exist in the LCF East Bank building that are designed to generate a sense of wellbeing. This led me to the ‘wellbeing Room’.
I found the wellbeing room to be quite depressing.
The image below is of the space that I propose to utilise in my action research project. As you can see in the image, it does not currently have a use, other than an unofficial storage space for rails. There is a sink and desk space in this area which are not used and which I believe have great potential.