Miller Hall, Collaboration Space : “Fish Bowl”

• Step No.2: Observe

• No.3: Now, please do enjoy

As I walk into Miller Hall, I could smell fresh air from the rain and got confused to see it was raining inside but outside? It made me turn my head again to assure myself I wasn’t dreamy and imagining matters, but after observing again, I hear and see as the raindrops bounces its ways on the plants from the misty grey sky. It is almost entirely made with glass, the section right around it, is an open space and yet again surrounding it is closed classrooms. It reminds me of the concept I designed in drafting class. Minimalist idea, light and interactive. The house in the center has an outdoor-indoor garden, therefore; you can enjoy outdoors while being inside from the comfort of your house.

I personally had no replica experience each time when I visited, it could be due to the time of the day and on what purpose I was making the visit.

8:00 am, on a Monday, I had a very difficult time waking up and wanted to reward myself with a coffee. I see baristas with their cheerful greetings, big smiles while working hard. I also see students studying and reading, and had to wonder why they choose Miller Hall, Collaborative space. One of my interviewee, told me: “It’s a convenient place to grab quick snacks to sit and eat right before class.”
 Midnoon, my classmates wanted to grab a coffee somewhere. They told me that the Miller Hall has a nickname and it is “Fish Bowl”. 
3:50 pm, after work at 6:30 am and after finishing my third and last class of the day, I am worn out. My roommate texts me to meet her in the Collaborative space, so we can go home together. As I walk in, I see people holding interview, friends hanging out, peers tutoring each other, and my roommate finishing up her last math problems. So there was I, waiting on the phone with a drink purchased from the Miller Market. I start to look around more, it’s rather calm than morning and midnoon, with an airy light and soothing atmosphere. I notice the art installations, the classrooms you are able to see through the glass, and the way the sun shines its way through.
 6.20 pm, it’s pitch dark outside, my friend invited me to join her for a Talk Time in the Miller building, we pass by the “Fish Bowl” and it struck me, something is not “right”. No daylight shining, chatter of people nor studying, dim lightning, it is just utter silent.

The space consists of two main elements, Miller Market and its minimalist architecture design. It attracts people who are in a rush, wants to chat and have quick bite. On the other side, people who wants to enjoy calm, breathable, and different environment. When they clash together, it is as though they are creating a harmony of high and low pitch sounds.

Although, this place allowed it to be coexistent by becoming the middle ground, it does not mean will satisfy everybody. Which means it is not private or public, quiet nor social, hence people who wants to chat can’t necessarily enjoy their stay. A student who wants to study for midterms might not choose Miller Hall, Collaborative space either due to its ability to be too flexible.

Nonetheless, Collaborative Space still holds its popularity among students compared to “Harry Potter” room in the library. Surrounded by books all around and with its high ceiling, it has high pressure to remain quiet and the most important of all, you can’t eat.

You can’t make a first impression twice, I believe the same concept applies to a certain place as well. When we visit a place for the first time, we notice almost about everything and it is fascinating.

… If you ever walk by the north side of Western Washington University, within the heart of Red Square, rests a majestic and venerable building labeled as Miller Hall. The building from the outside, might not grasp your attention with its aged brick architecture, however; it will definitely give you its first impression for the second time when you enter.

Citation:
“Miller Hall — “Fish Bowl”” Emily Muller, Personal interview. Feb. 2016.
“Miller Hall — “Fish Bowl”” Maddy Gehr, Personal interview. Feb. 2016.
“Q. Where Is the Wilson Library Reading Room?” — Ask Us! Answer Service. Western Washington University, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2016.