Thursday, February 4, 2010

Case Study: Community


Cloyne Court Hotel (Berkeley, California)


  • Student housing Coop located on the University of California at Berkeley
  • Opened 1904 by John Galen Howard
  • Originally designed with 32 suites, each with its own stairway
  • Fireproof walls and doors, which allowed the hotel to house refugees from the 1923 Berkeley fire
  • Was owned as a hotel by James and Margaret Pierce for 42 years
  • Used by university professors at one time
  • 1946-USCA (University Students Cooperative Association) bought the house
  • 1972-62 female students moved in making it Co-ed
  • 1976-renovations allowed it to house 151 students
  • Called the "Animal House" because of parties and drug use
  • National Historic register #92001718

    Community aspects:
  • 14 balconies overlook the courtyard, which allows residents to interact outside of private space
  • Went from a hotel to a home for faculty and their families to a student coop
  • Rivalries with surrounding fraternities (Beta Theta Pi)
  • Muraled walls created by members
  • Members promote individualism and self-expression
  • Hold community service days
  • Members of the Coop manage the community collectively
  • The "U" shape structure encloses the residents from the rest of the campus
  • Hold shows and concerts the bring the community togetherSources:

Carolina Theatre-Greensboro (Greensboro, NC)

  • Opened 1927 as a 2,200 vaudeville theater
  • At the time, considered to be the best between D.C. and Atlanta
  • Holds films, performances, musicians, ballet, seminars, meetings, receptions and other public events
  • On the National Resister of Historic Places
  • popularity started to diminish in the 1960's due to suburban theaters
  • United Arts Council raised money multiple times to keep the structure aliveCommunity Aspects:
  • Interior designed in Greek fashion to give a fantastical experience
  • Cost is affordable bringing people from all walks of life together
  • "Going to the theater signifies participation in social life of the city" (Associates, 24)
  • People arrive early and stay late in order to socialize, snack, and observe
  • Builds up the neighborhood by bringing people to nearby businesses
  • During the silent era, the audience would have sing-alongs
  • Attracts 65,000 people downtown each year
  • Exterior lighting-"At night provides unexpected warmth, a welcome haven in the dark city" (Specter Chapter 7)
  • Stadium, balcony, and orchestra seating allows everyone to a good view, unifying the audience
Sources:


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