I am at the Georgia State University Library. The building has five floors, but I am on the second- the busiest floor, as it has many resources for students to make use of. I am sitting against the wall next to a table facing the array of computer stations. All the computers are facing the same way. The rolling chairs that go with each computer, however, are all facing different directions, as many people have been moving in and out of them. There is a laptop kiosk that has a few spaces empty where students have checked out laptops.                                                                                           The objects I’ve observed in this space are here for students to make use of them. The computers are for typing essays on and researching information. The chairs and tables are for study groups to sit and study material and work on classwork and homework together. There is a laptop kiosk here for students who don’t have their own laptop and want to borrow one. None of these objects belong to the students, however, so most students know to handle everything with care. Since this is a work environment, most students know that it is custom to keep their voice down and be courteous of the others working around them.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               In this space, there are students. Many, many students. Georgia State is known for its diversity, so there are all different kinds of people here. There are Asian students, and there are black students. There are white students and there are mixed students. They are all typing on the workstation computers the library has here, or on their own that they brought. Some of them have a bottled drink or a snack within arms length of them that they reach for every other minute or so.                                                                                                                                                                                     I assumed all these students were here at the library because they obviously had classwork that they needed to get done. They came to the library to do so. A couple of kids had their own laptops, and I assumed THEY were at the library so they were in a quieter work environment where they would be more focused. I know that I’m like that. Or, another reason could be because their residence hall or their own home doesn’t have WiFi. The students at the workstations know that these are not their personal computers, so they handle them with care and look at them with curiosity. They sit sluggishly, like they are tired, but these chairs and desks do not belong to them either, so they don’t put their feet on the tables or bother the person next to them, since they’re working too.

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.

This space is like most other fast food stops. The scent of food roams around the place. Many people are coming in and out or taking advantage of the seats that are limited because of the constant flow of customers. There is either one person at a booth or a small group. Your ears hear an enormous amount of chatter from both sides of the counter. Sitting on the chairs beside the door along with many others waiting for their orders to be called; with windows behind you to see a small view. The door always opens and closes and lines for the two spots where you can order. The Waffle House always seems to be busy.

The high seats and booths indicate a spot to enjoy the meal. While waiting for a to-go order the chairs by the door are an option to sit although there is nothing that says you can stand. The windows let in sunlight and give you something to watch instead of just closed walls. The counter separates the customers from the employees.

Students and workers occupy the space frequently. Businessman wearing suits or uniform enter but don’t stay as much as students, some have cases and don’t have the time to sit. Students with their backpacks mostly do come either alone or with a friend or two. The ones that are alone order their food and leave or sit at a booth and unwind, taking out their laptops and try to get some work done while they eat. The group that sits you can hear their conversations and laughs they share, it must be a very good time. Behind the counter, the employees never stand in one spot everyone shifts around all you hear from them are orders. The ones that are not busy cooking all the incoming meals have small conversations with the customers trying to share a smile while they wait for their meal.

The people occupy the space not just for something to eat. It is a place to unwind and have fun with others. If you’re in a hurry, they try to help make it as convenient as possible, and work can get done here. It fits the needs of individuals and why many occupy the space. People feel comfortable to come here it is like a home to some and provides values that make people continuously want to come back.

Im approaching the 4 way stop light at Auburn Avenue. I look to my left at spot a small park at the corner with a statue in the middle. The statue isnt rusted but not necessarily shining either. I notice 3 men sitting next to some boxes in the welted grass with old ragged dingy clothing. They notice me looking and i hurry and cut my eyes straight not daring to engage in conversation. I hate standing here because it always smells like old garbage and ammonia. I stand waiting for the light to turn green for pedestrians and watch people with book bags j walking and hear cars honking.

I suppose those 3 men I spotted were sitting on that old brownish grass because they are homeless. I remember seeing them before while walking to class. The students I see J walking nonchalantly are either trying to rush to class and play it off or simply are impatient people. I wont fail to mention that I also J Walk with for no reason. This isnt an area where you just relax, its a passing point, sort of like a checkpoint. Everyone has to walk past Auburn Avenue at some point. The area expresses a passive tone, people are just trying to get through to their destination.

I see a man in the park with his puppy pit bull. The owner gazes in space uninterested as people approach his chubby adorable puppy with oohs and ahhhs. I see people sitting in the streetcar station. A woman is digging through her purse; she has on a really lose fitting sweatsuit and some sneakers. Accommodating her is a old white man. He has on no shirt and some ripped dirty jeans. I can tell the way the lady is frantically digging through her purse she is uncomfortable.

At the top of Auburn Avenue I always see the same types of people, college students and homeless people. I assume college students because of the rushed vibe they give off and everyone wears a bookbag. The homeless people arent hard to point out and ill just leave that as it is. Us college students always pass Auburn Av because we have to to get to classes and other places. The homeless people choose to occupy that area because it is a pubic park near empathetic college students who always have an extra dollar.

Entering the Library, there are rows and rows of desk with computers sitting on top of them. On my left are medium size rocking chairs where occupants sit and rest creating a sense of community and unity. The space is vast in size expanding to five floors surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. The color of vanilla cream is spreaded across all the walls. The windows were bare without any blinds to hide the sunlight from coming through. Surrounding me is a diverse group of students.

On the first floor, they are computer desk where each student can sit and use the computers. The students who accompany these desk are usually doing work for school. In the left corner there is a coffee shop called Saxby’s. Dressed in earth tones, it gives off a homey feeling with the cinnamon and vanilla ascending up your nostrils as you walk through the door. This is a place where students can receive a cup of coffee. Those who visit Saxby’s are individuals who love coffee and needs their daily cup.  Walking towards the back, a chocolate colored sizable desk sits on my right. This desk is for students who has checked out a book and needs to return it. In the back section are desk where students sit and write notes or work on their own computers. Students who sit here likes their space and wants to sit in isolation from the others.

  As I make my way to the second floor, I noticed an immense number of cubbies sitting close to one another. With an inch of room to walk through it’s a tight knit place. Lined with bold blackness the cubbies contain a 21.5-inch space grey desktop computer that has a pitch black rolling chair to match. The back part of the second floor is different from the first. Consisting of individual rooms where occupants go in and study by themselves are have study session with others, the second floor has a chill and relax atmosphere. Soft plush couches linger next to the wide opening windows that breaths in sunlight. There are also wooden round tables that consists of four chairs. Occupants congregate here to study with another or to work by oneself.

  The fourth floor oozes silence. Walking out that cubicle size elevator you are instantly hit with the sound of silence. Mac and Dell computers sit on wooden desk in the left area. This space mainly consists of rows and rows of books. Between each row, you see an occupant working on their laptop of lying down enjoying quiet time to their self. On the back wall, is another set of individual room containing a round table and four vinyl black chairs. There is a dry erase board where students can use to their desire if wanted or needed.

  Occupants who comes to this library and here to work, socialize, relax or find a book. The library is a place for community where the occupants feel safe and free to occupy here.  They value the fact that they have a place to come and work. The people in this space are all shapes and races. The library is another world inside this one.

The bright lights shining on top of the store reads “Foot Locker”. As you enter the multiple racks filled with an abundance of shoes catch your eye. Also there is a variety of athletic wear that bears the marks of famous athletes. Additionally, the mood is set by the upbeat music in the background as you shop for the perfect outfit.

In order for shoppers to understand the true meaning of “Foot Locker”, they must know where it is, and begin to shop there. The racks of shoes and their differing style are necessary to satisfy those that need a specific shoe. The athletic wear can change with different seasons, but Foot Locker accommodates since it can have such a variety. The shoes and the clothing are implemented strategically within the store in order to help the shopper find the perfect outfit. The music aids in the mood in order to uplift the whole experience of shopping at “Foot Locker”.

The cashier, and the workers in Foot Locker wear their symbolic black and white stripped shirts in order to seem like referees at a sporting event. The savvy shoppers fill the store in order to find deals on their favorite shoe, or find a perfect shirt to go with their new shoes. They ask the workers if they have the shoes in their size, and wait patiently. This becomes a cycle that seemed to never end.

The shoppers in Foot Locker are extremely diversified. Some athletes come in order to accommodate their apatite for athletic wear. The workers choose to work there since they too must appreciate the need for shoes, and being athletic. Also families tend to come to find deals such as “buy one get one half off”, which helps in saving money and satisfying their kids.

As I enter the space I look around and see tables and chairs all around. The interior is spotless I can almost see my refection in the tile floors. The windows are large with no blinds so the sunlight enters with abundance. The playroom in the distance is full of children. I see customers and employees all around.

The objects in the space helps draw people to it. The tables and chairs let customers know where they can sit and how many people can sit. They open windows let them feel comfortable and at home as they eat in daylight. The playroom lets parents take a break from their kids as they order the food and get situated.

The workers in the space all have a smile on their face as they take orders, clean up, and bring food to the guests. Every time a customer walks in they all chat “Hello, welcome to Chick-fil-A”. The customers have their arms folded or eyes on their phones as they wait in line to reach a cashier. A young boy cries as he tries to pull away from his mom so he can go to the play room even tough she said no already. A man’s daughter keeps asking for a sandwich even though her father says she can only get kids meals. The customers who are already seated chat and eat lemonade, fries, and an entree.

The people in the space occupy it because they want to eat. The employees are very mannerly and make them feel at home. They value good customer service and fresh food. The people in the space are all different shapes, sizes, and colors but they all love Chick-fil-A.

When I enter the doors of the Student Center East here at Georgia state, there is nothing but excitement that flows through my veins. The main lobby here is filled extremely comfortable chairs and tables to sit at. The courtyard food court is humongous and gives a great view of the entire food court and you can see restaurants such as Pasta Mia and Chick Fil A. The state ballroom is filled with countless students waiting patiently. I spot tons of Georgia state students on their computers working and reading books.

The main lobby is an extremely comfy place for Georgia state students which allows them to relax or study after class with friends. Next, is the courtyard food court which provides students a convenient and clean spot to have a fantastic and exquisite lunch or dinner like a boiling hot plate of spaghetti, they could even go to a snack machine and get a crunchy bag of chips that really hits the spot followed by a nice cold coke or even water. The student center makes it crystal clear that this is a place where they can come and focus heavily on their academics and relax and hang out with their friends after a long day of classes or grab a quick bite to eat.  It persuades students that this is a safe and organized place to visit and spend quality time here with their friends.

The students in the main lobby are sitting down in comfy chairs as they are extremely focused and working on their computers as they drink from their cup of coffee. Outside of the ballroom is a Georgia state financial aid officer dressed in a black suit calling in students to come and wait patiently to see financial aid officers to discuss their financial aid.  In the courtyard food court, there are tons of hungry students whose stomachs are growling with anger as they patiently wait for steaming hot pasta from Pasta Mia, and they are some students already eating and enjoying a mouthwatering sandwich from Chick Fil A. In addition to that, there are extremely energized front desk attendants dressed in their blue Georgia state work attire exchanging tickets for cash for anxious students to go to the football and soccer games here at Georgia state.

The students here are extremely motivated and are always willing to go above and beyond for their academics. Also, the helpful financial aid officers here value helping their students to make sure they can afford attaining their higher education at Georgia state. With dozens of cooperative workers in the courtyard food court, they are always striving to serve their customers with excellent customer service as well as preparing delicious food to serve their valued customers.