Moriah McMicheal
September 28, 2009
Does Form Follow Function
8:30-9:20
Every person has different needs that must be met when attending a college. Those needs can consist of many things. Take studying for example, students need a place to study, good lighting and a noise level that is tolerable for their specific liking and comfort. They also need access to tools that can help them in a specific subject. Some like a place that looks a certain way. Some like small areas where as some like large areas, it all really depends on the individual person. Yakima Valley Community College is a college where those who desire to better educate their minds without judgment on their race, language or even academic standing are encouraged to attend. YVCC was built to accommodate many different types of needs of many different individuals. The Glenn Anthon building is one of the more well known buildings. It is one that many students start out in because it holds the more general college courses such as Math, English, History and Social Science. This building does a wonderful job of accommodating all of the various needs of students as I listed above. I would say that in the Glenn Anthon building form definitely follows function.
Studying, one of the most important activities you will engage in during college as well as the one you will probably be doing most often. There are different aspects to studying that must be met before a student can be successful in their studying habits. These different aspects include lighting which in the Glenn Anthon building there are many vast windows that let in a great deal of sunlight, there are also numerous light fixtures hanging from the ceiling that also provide great lighting. Another aspect of studying would be room to study, which once again the Glenn Anthon building provides. The Glenn Anthon building is a two storied building and each floor is equipped with many table and chairs to sit and get work done as well couches to relax on or study depending on your individual need. The chairs and couches are not hard wood chairs or old couches they are nice and very comfortable which once again satisfies another one of the students needs.
The look of the building is also a very important characteristic. If a building does not make you feel a certain way you will not want to remain in that building. For instance if a building is cold and dark and reminds you somewhat of a prison why would you want to stay and study there? You wouldn’t. The Glenn Anthon Building is a beautiful building from the instant you walk up to the building you can see that there was a lot of thought put into the design of it. The outside of the building looks sophisticated as a college building should. The inside of the building is not much different. The stunning artwork and remarkable architectural design of the staircase and high ceilings really makes you want to be there.
Every college student some point in their college experience is going to need help. Whether it be with math, English, history or any other subject. The Glenn Anthon Building houses two of the most important resources a college student may want when in search of help, The Math Center and The Writing Center. These two centers are located properly in the Glenn Anthon Building because the math and writing classes are located in the lower level halls of this building. The Math and Writing Center are there to help students in their time of need. They provide textbooks, computers, tutors as well as a place to study.
There are a few things that could be better with this building such as the handicap accessibility, even though there is an elevator and the main entrance doors are automatic which makes it easier for a student or staff with a handicap easier to enter the faculty office, class rooms and math and writing center are not which would make it difficult for them to enter on their own.
Overall the Glenn Anthon Building is a beautiful building designed and equipped to fulfill many different needs for students whether it is for a place to study, get help or just enjoy to artwork. The Glenn Anthon is a building that does exactly what it is supposed to do and that is to satisfy students individual needs.