Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Drackett Tower was built in 1965 and the architecture here in the dorm reflects that time period. It is named after Harry R. Drackett who was a student here and was originally built to house 870 men. The details of the building and room do not suggest that the building was originally suited for men as it is a prototype for most dorms seen around north. My common room has dented wooden furniture including the hollow doors, white cinderblock walls along with a white, woven thatch wall, a white drop panel ceiling, and hard linoleum floors. The black accessories update the look of the room with black appliances, chairs, tv and a stand. It’s a typical north campus dorm room, and I know it may seem rather stale, outdated, and disappointing for a young college student, but the room offers basic functions allowing the borders to personalize the room to their liking. And that’s just what we did. We have introduced many colorful accessories into the room. A poster above the couch sports vibrant yellows, reds, blues, greens and pinks while the poster opposite displays is a burst of bright pink. Our two lamps are pink and turquoise while a poster to the side of the lamps gives a soothing mix of blues, greens and white. The candy jar, even though low on supplies, is filled with Halloween chocolates and purple, green, orange, and black M &M’s. Our freestanding lamp has mixes of blue, lime, brown, baby blue and white on the shades. More neutral tones in the room include the beige carpet, brown ottoman, and the dark sofa and love seat which serve to ground the room and really unify all the different colors. The sofa and love seat bring a sense of modernism into the nostalgic room.
A common theme playing throughout the area is the city vibe. Pictures of New York City, Paris, Toledo, OH, and Detroit lie hanging by desks or walls. We’re fortunate to have a great view of downtown Columbus, since we’re on the 9th floor. The martini glasses on the poster and the decorative shot glasses all play into the city theme. This specific theme leads into a big picture theme of entertainment in our common room. A poster of the movie “Fight Club” hangs high above the window and pictures of famous music artists are cluttered about the desk space. A Frisbee, two beach balls and a deck of cards lie around, waiting to be used while the tv is a focal point of the room. Our two computers are a portal to another whole world of entertainment via the internet. Even a pair of pointe shoes and pictures of ballet performances are showcased, along with two old cameras, which relate the connection of entertainment to theatre and the arts. Movies, music, games, television and computer all play into the idea of entertainment. In contrast to this busy city theme is a subtle beach theme. Unfortunately, you cannot see in the photo posted to my blog the poster of the beach I have next to my desk. But, that combined with my desktop background, which is that of a beach (properly named “Azul”) provides a quick escape from the prominent entertainment and city themes, and even to our busy schedules as college students. I guess you could say the beach theme I created is a wishful escape when school stresses me out. All of the elements, common strands, and themes taking place here contribute to a relaxed, “chill”, colorful, inviting, and eclectic room. Our common room invites others in with plentiful seating and the appeal of entertainment. There are many oddities to note and conversation starters present. Everything, in some fashion, allows guests to locate similarities in style or personality from observation in the common room-I don’t think you would ever be bored in our room!
While our artistic endeavors as the residents to this space seem great, these exciting themes sometimes inhibit study, which is one of the intentions of this space. The many posters and tempting patterns could distract you from studying. So far, I have found studying rather difficult at times because I feel so relaxed here. When I should be reading about forces in statics class, I find myself sitting in front of the television watching The Office. Or I invite people in when really I should be typing a paper because this feels more like a social and hang out space. Though, we keep most everything very organized here, at least with respect to function and use of space. I suppose that could motivate me to be productive and mindful of my time. The room certainly promotes recreation and play and provides relaxation to some degree. I suppose only time can tell if this space promotes or inhibits my learning abilities!
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I couldn't help but kind of giggle while I was reading your post. I remember moving into the dorms my freshman year and how taken back I was by the crappy condition. But your right, you have to make the best of it and make it your own which I see you have done :)
ReplyDeleteI remember thinking my room would be really crappy when I moved here, and suprisingly mine is not too bad. I do however understand what you mean about dented wood furniture. I like how you went into detail about all the different modern things your room possesses and all the different bright color themes you have going on!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about being distracted when you're trying to do homework in your room because the same thing happens to me all the time! I always sit down to do homework that should only take about a half an hour, and then about an hour later I finally start.. so I definitely understand your issues with distractions!
ReplyDeleteYour room seems so pretty compared to mine! It really is a relaxing space...I think I would end up distracted also! but I get distracted at very odd things! =D
ReplyDeleteHurray for the Office!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have such a diversity of stuff in your room. My room is like that too. After a long couple hours of studying one night, we decided to take a coloring break. I drew a cat. Hey everyone, ask Jen about her fail-picture! All of our pictures are hanging on the wall, except mine, which was promoted to the outside of the main door.
The problem in my room seems to be the opposite of yours. There's not really a lot of personality in our room yet, and it's purely a functioning study space. I guess that's a good thing when it comes to getting work done, but it's not so much fun when you want to just relax and have fun. After reading your post, I think that we need a cool lamp and some posters. Thanks for helping me to see how a few little touches can really make my room feel like home!
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about my room. There is always something going on and I can never focus. Its cool that you get to live on the 9th floor. I wish I did, all I can see out of my room is the tops of trees. Loved the fight club poster reference. We have one of those in our room too.
ReplyDeleteMy room is really pathetic compared to yours. It is crowded with junk, devoid of any aesthetic ornament, and loud at all times. In my room, the thing that distracts me the most is not the feeling of relaxing, it is the gaming systems. These things are on from 8pm to around 12pm every day (along with 10 other gaming systems down the hall).
ReplyDeleteI love the "Fight Club" theme running through the posts. It makes me want to see the movie again.
ReplyDeleteGaming systems are prevalent among the male students - any girls out there find those taking up your time?
Wow, your room sounds really nice! I wish my common room had a more inviting feel, we hardly have anything in it! I wish we had more decoration like you seem to.
ReplyDeleteVery well written, your room sounds much more lively than mine. I really like how many different themes you have going on and how they all have their own purpose and work together to draw people in.
ReplyDelete