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.