VKK 757: Archiving UP's Piazza

Cat van Rooyen (001)

On entering the food court, one is overcome by different smells - tomato sauce, fried oil and the pervasive odour of smoke and old ashtrays. Chairs are clustered around tables inside the food court, and there are several small stalls selling different forms of quick, easy and affordable takeaway foods. This area, along with the coffee shop adjacent to it, is the most crowded area in the piazza. Here students gather in small cliques, in pairs and occasionally alone. Despite the group dynamics, many individuals seem to be preoccupied with the screens of their smartphones.

Inside this crowded space, one gets a sense of being absorbed by the masses. It is as if you become one with this living, breathing, writhing organism. This stands in great contrast with the outside areas where one experiences a sense of isolation and alienation. Walking through the open spaces exposes one to a sense of 'being observed' and feeling relatively vulnerable. 

The way in which the piazza 'flows' greatly influences the way in which the space is utilised. Raised, circular structures and wide-open spaces form the centre point of the space. It presents itself as the nucleus of the space and lends itself to being the centre of attention. One may imagine it to be a place where a performance may take place, or that it may serve as a podium for speeches. However, this means, that it is largely avoided in social circumstances. People tend to cluster around the edges where they feel less exposed. Perhaps the biggest drawback of the space is the management of disposable waste. The dustbins aren't very well managed and are overflowing, making the space much less inviting and welcoming.


Standing at the centre point of the piazza one becomes aware that this is a sort of a student reprieve. An oasis if you will. Surrounded by taller buildings, some stooped in historical and academic significance and others more contemporary and towering, the piazza seems to be an enclave owned by the students. Couple and groups recline on the manicured grass, under the shade of Jacaranda trees, forming a great contrast with the almost frenetic rhythm in the indoor areas. 

Despite the area missing some of the artistic touches that can be seen in other parts of the campus, it does have some charming architectural detail. The window detail on the Old Chemistry building for example, as well as the red brick that forms a pattern on the ground. Furthermore one can observe several formal, linear design elements and repetition such as the windows from the administration building or the tiles on the walkway. The radial structures allow for active group dynamics while the stadium style seating makes the space practical for spectator-events. The Jacarandas, grass and palm trees have a calming effect and create a relaxed atmosphere. So although the piazza did not appeal to me personally it does present a lot of potentials, almost like a blank canvass that begs for you to paint your own story on. 










 
 

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