Alternative spaces in UC Berkeley
I remember when I first visited the UC Berkeley campus on Cal Day as an admitted freshman. I was shocked by the rich history, diversity and quirkiness of our campus. After taking in all the sights as a curious, eager incoming freshman, I knew this was the school for me. I couldn’t take my eyes off the majestic Campanile as the bell tolled and chimed magnificent tunes. I envied the relaxed and laid-back vibe of students just hanging around on Memorial Glade. I loved how closely integrated the campus was to the city of Berkeley, how seamlessly it all fit together. I could totally see myself here, grabbing boba or a bite to eat at Blondie’s pizza before class. I could not wait to start my first semester here in the fall!
Now, after spending an entire semester here, I can say with confidence that UC Berkeley has lived up to my expectations, and even surpassed them. Never did I think I would be one of the students lounging on the glade or spending all-nighters in the library! As I began to slowly immerse myself into campus life, I began to notice a trend among some areas of campus — many places were quirky, in the sense that they were being repurposed for doing something that they weren’t quite meant for, in a somewhat rebellious way. In other words, they could be considered “alternative spaces”.
Alternative spaces, as we discussed in my countercultures class, are spaces other than traditional ones, used for the exhibition of art. These spaces started to rise and gain popularity in the 1970s. The whole meaning behind this alternative space represented the idea that people could display art anywhere, and art is anything you want it to be. The bigger picture revolved around the idea of rebellion and radicalism, two movements that were very present during that time. In this sense, an alternative space can be taken out of context and can represent any space that is not traditional for what it is being used as. In this blog post I would like to honor some of the “alternative spaces” at Cal.
- Sproul Plaza
Sproul Plaza is the heart of UC Berkeley’s campus. The grand, stark, white Sproul Hall looms over the plaza, creating a sort of brightness on gloomy days. Various clubs and organizations set up booths, attempting to recruit members. Students exit the Golden Bear Cafe, ready to take on the rest of their day with a burrito and Peet’s coffee in each hand. The one thing that makes Sproul Plaza an alternative space is the protests that happen there on the daily. UC Berkeley was the birthplace of the Free Speech Movement, and the students here take pride in that. Since then, and all the way up to today, there have been various gatherings and protests for things such as Trump’s policies and the need for safe spaces for certain organizations on campus.
2. Telegraph Avenue
Telegraph Avenue is perhaps one of the most iconic streets in Berkeley. At any time of the day, Telegraph is bustling with life and energy; it is more than simply a street. Vendors spread out of the sidewalk selling colorful tie-dye shirts, jewelry, dream-catchers, and other whimsical pieces. Another man blasts soulful music as he happily works on his spray paintings right outside Bank of America. Of course, we cannot forget the man who sits outside Blondie’s screaming “Hell yeah!”. Telegraph is the gateway to campus, representing the rich culture and spirit we have as UC Berkeley students.
3. Memorial Glade
This is by far the most popular spot to be on a sunny day at UC Berkeley. When the sun is out, one can find many people relaxing on the glade. The quidditch team runs around, striving to catch the golden snitch. The tired student sleeps heavily, with not a care in the world as to who is judging him. Dogs run about happily, and people play frisbee in groups. Students chill in their hammocks by the trees, taking a moment out of their day to pause and enjoy life. Students here have taken advantage of this beautiful, verdant glade and embrace the “hippie” vibe, using the glade for various things that it was probably not intended for. The light atmosphere that the glade provides encourages students to be themselves, do what they want, and free themselves from judgment around them.
4. Moffitt Library
The 4th and 5th floors of this library were renovated this year, and they have now become the new go-to study spot on campus. Colorful chairs are scattered about this Google-esque building, with colorful glass walls that double as whiteboards, and a huge window with a prime view of the glade. Even though it is called a library, it technically isn’t, because there are no books to check out. Instead, it’s one giant study space, where students come to work, use the computers, or even take a nap in the 5th floor’s relaxation room with nap pods. Moffitt has grown to be so popular that during prime study hours, it may be impossible to find a seat!
Despite the variety of these 3 places, all of these spaces here at Cal have one thing in common — they are multipurpose and can be considered alternative spaces. It is important to honor these spaces that we have created for ourselves on campus in order to preserve and protect our individuality and freedom as students. Without these alternative spaces, we would all merge and become the same student, with nothing to hold to ourselves as our “own”. The existence of these spaces allows us to be ourselves and not worry about what others think of us. With these alternative spaces, the student body as a whole can come together as unique, individual students. In addition, this unity created by our individuality will allow us to come together in forming new spaces for future countercultural movements, one by one.
