Georgia State University has a space called the Georgia State University Courtyard, or “quad.” It is also called the “Unity Plaza.” This space does not encourage unity but discourages it. This can be shown by its design. If one looks at an image of the space and the way the area is set up, there are stairs and walkways, as well as rectangular tables with chairs, but no other seats. The tables where students do sit are not set up in such a way that students feel unified. That would be better demonstrated with round tables. There are no benches provided for students, no central gathering area, no place to comfortably sit with friends or create new bonds. There are only concrete spaces that make it hard to converse with a group of more than 3. The term “Unity Plaza” does not accurately describe this space at all.
