In between Piedmont North A and North B, an outside area hidden behind a parking deck exists where a full spectrum of different people visit. When one approaches the designated smoke area, under the blistering hot sun an umbrella which sits on one of two tables makes me feel as if I am approaching a Oasis. I settle at one of the two tables and immediately a signature smell of tobacco permeates through the air. Beside both tables there is a small pyramid shaped ash tray with a small mound of cigarettes and loose tobacco in each, presumably where the smell is coming from. Simultaneously cars can be heard cruising down the highway; their sounds effectively melt my shoulders’ burden and carries it off to wherever the cars are going.

While questioning the objects and design of the space, revelations of the environment unveil before me. For instance, the smoke area’s location is inconspicuous, as if it was an intentional act of the school to give those who decide to smoke privacy or to obscure those people from the general public’s sight. This privacy gives off a feeling of being isolated from everything else.In addition, the location of the smoke area being above the highway, gives a scenic aspect to it. While the sounds of the cars can be stimulating, the sight of them is far greater especially at night as they zoom down the highway stringing together a parade of lights. Equally interesting there is only one umbrella, but there are two tables. . The benefit of having one umbrella as I have gathered is that it allows flexibility for one’s preference of the current weather. If someone wanted to smoke during while it was raining the umbrella would dutifully shield them while they are under it however if the sun i out;  then someone could remain in the sun as they might like heat or instead take refuge in the shade of the umbrella. Having one umbrella accommodates the many different types of people who would occupy the space.

People who do occupy the space perform a plentiful amount of different activities to my surprise. There are three females under the umbrella topped table and non of them are smoking. However, they are studiously doing an assignment and helping each other out. The trio of girls seem joyful as they occasionally bellow laughter one after the other and smile while doing their work. Slouched over the railing, There’s a guy with headphones on gazing at the high way and puffing an enormous cigar. His head rocks back and forth as he matches what i imagine to be a song’s tempo. Sitting right next to me on the sun seared table is a Georgia State employee of some area, eating their lunch and taking a break. I infer he is deep in thought because as he eats his visage remains expressionless as he stares at the sky.

Many people in the space seem internally focused but also social in some aspects. The area allows one to get lost in their own thoughts with the help of the environment and if it’s group. The trios of girls while they don’t smoke are still attracted to the location because of the privacy and low traffic of it, while still being be to be outside. The guy over the rails overlooking the highway is receiving some feeling from watching the cars go by like horses on the track that he enjoys. It is apparent he enjoys that sight significantly because if he wanted to, he could sit down and smoke instead of hunch over the rails. Working man eating his break lunch most likely enjoys the separation from the rest of the campus that the smoke area gives off. This is supported by the fact that he could have eaten in the dining hall or at another area, one that is not so secluded. This space appeals to plenty of vastly different people from the trio of students, to the two guys and even me.