THE CROSSROADS

With pathways coming from a massive forest to the East, and Western Washington Universities beautiful campus to the North, that are surrounded by scattered trees, sculptures, and a rock stacking pit in the middle. This place I call the crossroads is definitely a sort of converging point on Western’s campus, with the possibility of many different types of interactions for both regulars and visitors of this stunning campus.

As a student majoring in biology, I notice the natural and physical aspects first and then ask myself why they are there, and how they affect the area as a whole. As you observe this area on the southern end of Western Washington Universities campus as a whole, it is a crossroads of many different paths going different ways to different destinations, in a sense making it a destination itself. Surrounding these paths is lush healthy green grass with scattered human planted trees throughout. There are many elements of this place that make it worth while to stop and observe, which were probably put there purposely by the landscapers, as they too realized that there would be many people walking by to reach many different places. There is also a road that runs along to the south of the area, as people drive by they notice this area which represents Western in a way.

The first major element I noticed was the rock stacking pit in the middle, which creates a interactive aspect to the area, and allows people to express their sense of art and design by stacking rocks. The possibilities are actually quite vast for what you could build with these smooth rocks and gravity as your only adhesive. You might think that there is no way you could create a masterpiece with rocks, but as stated on Teamsandtastic.com, a website showcasing professional rock stacking, “A load of rocks light enough to fit in a rental car can be enough to constantly maintain a fun & unique performance art for hours.” This pit inspires creativity which is a core element of WWU, and the area just seems like it fits in with the rest of the campus, which is full of interactive sculptures, and stunning landscaping. While there is a road running directly to the south, and a very large building full of computers to the north, these elements do not take away from the beauty of this place, and in a sense enhance it with the immense contrast between loud and modern aspects of the road and technology building, and the serine and primitive aspects of stacking rocks in a hilly grassy field.

If you are lucky enough to visit this place, and you try and create a masterpiece in the rock pit, you might need some inspiration. If you look up and to the left you will see a cylindrical building/sculpture that was built by stacking flat rocks itself. This shows what is possible with rock stacking and might give you that extra little push to keep trying. Then if you look to your right, you will see a white abstract sculpture which could inspire even more creativity. As Socrates once said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” look around you, examine things, ask why, and it will inspire you. These two elements are very large and eye catching, as you walk by they make you want to stop and further investigate what, and why.

With so many different elements that come together in one area smaller than a football field, it is a prime place for interactions of different kinds. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of the word “interaction” is, “reciprocal action, effect, or influence.” meaning for there to be an interaction there must be at least two factors, one reacting to the other, in this case people with people, and people with the place itself. Joseph Akintaju, an author on ShoppersBase.com states, “Not only is social interaction good for your health, but it can also extend your life, according to some researchers” social interactions are a key component in any healthy life, and a place like this, which in a sense almost forces it upon visitors because of the interactive aspects and the crossing of paths, is great for that. I recommend this spot for relaxation, thinking and studying, along with events and social gatherings. The design and layout are very well thought out and intentional. It makes it seem like it belongs, and isn’t just a random element thrown in because they had extra budget. Whether you already attend Western regularly, or you are planning to visit for your first time, this place I call the crossroads is defiantly a place you should check out.