Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Red Rocks

After a VERY long blogging hiatus, I am returning with a response to our #clmooc Do Now of the week:

Let's go public! As part of the new Make Cycle #5: Stories and Spaces, we want to see, hear, and learn about public spaces that mean something to you (both physical and virtual). Weigh in on our Do Now prompt: What do you believe is the role of public spaces? What is a public space that you find inspires creativity, reflection, or even social action? How might you express yourself publicly in that space?


One of the perks of living in Colorado is that there are many beautiful public spaces. Ranging from national parks to outdoor malls, I’m proud to be from a state that can boast of gorgeous landscapes and unique locations. Earlier this summer, I attended a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater and saw Ben Folds and Ingrid Michaelson perform (see images below). Of the public spaces I’ve experienced recently, Red Rocks immediately comes to mind as a hub of creativity because it celebrates music and film through countless concerts and movie showings. The space also inspires reflection through activities such as “yoga on the rocks” where community members can reflect and connect to nature in the scenic space. The park is also open to simply hike through, allowing the public to explore and view the park and its natural surroundings.

Depending on the occasion, people here express themselves in a variety of ways. The park opens opportunities for people in the space to be athletic, tired, calm, excited, crazy, dressed down, dressed up…among many other states of being, depending on the context of the event in which they are expressing themselves. Interesting, as the venue itself-- the stoic red rocks, views of downtown Denver, and the surrounding nature—never changes.


This public space fosters community, celebration, and exploration. It allows for people to join together in a common interest and to celebrate the nature around them. It demonstrates that a public space is a way to foster pride in community, and to embrace community. Community, community, community. It seems, then, that community is key to public spaces…in my humble opinion of course. 




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