Author's Note/ Rough Draft

I chose to do my paper on a building that I know very well so that I could perhaps give the reader a more in depth understanding of its possible arguments. In addition, I had to separate myself from my experiences there in order to also provide a visitor's perspective. I wrote the paper in perspective as if the reader were entering and walking through the building, hopefully to portray what the real sensation would be like.

Unit 1: Analyzing a Public Space

            If someone was to ask a random TCU student where Erma Lowe Hall is on campus, chances are he or she would have no idea what building you were talking about. Formally known as the Ballet and Modern Dance Building, the recently renovated facility has taken on a new name and new appearance.  Named after a generous benefactress, and affectionately nicknamed ‘Erma’ by the frequent inhabitants, the building used to be Texas Christian’s first Recreational Center in the early days of the university.  It is acknowledged as one of the oldest buildings on campus and still possessed a pool that one of the three dance studios was built over. However now that the TCU’s renovation team has invaded, the facility has received much needed restoration and attention. Even though ‘Erma’ is a very different from the other TCU buildings,  hopefully now that it has joined the rank of recently renovated it will gain more awareness across campus.

            Like any other building part of the TCU campus, the exterior is made up of yellow brick and cream molding on the traditional architecture. It sits between Palko and Clark dormitory, slightly obscured by the old, majestic trees that provide canopy for TCU. Walking by, a pedestrian would not be able to tell its full of dance studios, costumes, and pianos, especially now that it is called “Erma Lowe Hall” (no offense Erma).  Upon entering, you immediately go up steps to get to an air-conditioned lobby that at first glance may look like any other TCU academic building. The walls are white and the purple that every TCU student can identify with. The lobby is separated from the hallway by a glass wall that gives the room an honest, open feel. The ceiling over the tiled walkways is exposed piping – even though the building has been finished. I’m not sure if it was unintended or an architectural decision but it adds contrast to the various circular lights that light the lobby on the other side of the glass wall.  Besides a purple couch that is against the two glass walls, the floor is carpeted with a small coffee table. To the right are three arm chairs  with convenient outlets in their sides, and three smaller square rolling chairs. These rolling chairs could be considered a curious choice for furnishing since their purpose is not obvious at first. However they can be used as foot rests or tables or seats. A large flat screen tv is on the far side of the medium sized space and to the left of it is a small kitchen with sink, cupboards, and refrigerator. This may be one of the first things a visitor may notice to be out of place in a TCU building. Why a refrigerator? The Dance Department and majoring students tend to live in Erma Lowe. Students will make lunch and dinner there because of their long schedule and minimal breaks. You’ll also find students sleeping on the lobby couch, doing homework, or stretching in positions that would seem scandalous in public.