Trow Lounge

The area that I observed was at Kalamazoo College, in the Trowbridge Hall lounge(s) on the first floor. Its purpose is for residents and students alike to lounge around in a social setting or even study together. I made my observations on Sunday from 8:45 to 9:30. This is usually a heavy studying time since classes are on the next day.

The Trowbridge lounges give a homely feel, with the dim lighting and rocking chairs. One of the most prominent features of the lounges are the numerous rocking chairs in each lounge. There are four in the main lounge, eight in the piano area, and two each in the respective lounges. The availability is crucial for the lounges since students are allowed to walk in and out. There is a variety of seating options, with rocking chairs, table chairs, and sofas. During the observation, there were four people inside of the main lounge, two people at the table, one person on the couch, and one playing the piano. As time progressed, three people left, and three others actually came in to replenish the room. There was one other person inside one of the side lounges. In each of the lounges, there is wooden floor panels. The steps that lead into the main lounge look like they are made of marble. The sound level differed as time went on. When I first walked in, I could hear the piano being played softly. After, I was able to hear the two students discuss their studies. After, there were visitors that came to greet their friend and then left. Later on, the group of three students conversed at high volume. I would guess that the building of the room would need wood, metal, marble, concrete, and electrical wiring.

This area projects the image of being inviting and open to the residents. It is a social gathering area where people can hang out. Even people can play the piano if bored. In the surroundings, the people usually speak with "inside" voices so that they do not interrupt other people studying. In non-studying instances, people speak normally, or gather around the piano.The most interesting fact about this place that although there are numerous lights, they are all low voltage, so that it keeps the dimmed atmosphere.