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03 ESSAY
Essay
with the teacher at the open end. This creates a more intimate atmosphere
in which people are more likely and thus encouraged to engage and
debate. The trigger for this can be a closer proximity to the teacher, or
because inactivity is much more obvious when working in smaller groups.
Quingjui and Maliki (2013, p634) stress that like the neighborhood, the
campus must be regarded as a life space which should contribute to
the students well-being, or to the contrary, can generate dissatisfaction
and stress. Research on the impact of on-campus living satisfaction on
student development has consistently shown that students chances
of persisting to graduation are greatly improved by living on campus
and having a positive living and learning experience (Muslim, Karim, &
Abdullah, 2012).
Next to being an important life space, the campus is also a source
of identity. One study found that national undergraduate students
show higher attachment and identity to campus than international
students (Quingjiu & Maliki, 2013). Though the research only focused
on undergraduate students, it is likely that a similar study on graduate
students would result in the same conclusion.
Besides there being an urban design template, it could also be argued
that there is an architectural design template for traditional campuses.
The Gothic style of Harvard and Cambridge together form the
apotheosis of campus architecture, even inspiring collegiate Gothic as
a new architectural style (Bryn Mawr College, 2001). The architecture is
characterized by arched windows, the use of brick and the sometimes
theatrical size of spaces.
HARRY POTTER ARCHITECTURE
The architecture is described in the books, but is much more apparent
in the movies. The first movies were shot on location, and staged in the
great gothic cathedrals of the 12th-19th century in the United Kingdom.
There were even some Victorian elements added. In the later movies, the
architecture consists of only renderings and set constructions. Production
designer Stuart Craig states about the latest movie Harry Potter and
the Deathly Hallows: Part two that There were so many periods, styles,
and changes that we could use. The whole movie was a great show in
the history of Gothic architecture (Stamp, 2011). No perfect location
existed, resulting in a composition of different cathedrals and abbeys
and throughout the movie series, the architectural styles vary (Saltzman,
2014).
One of the main architectural elements in Harry Potter is the grand
staircase (Rowling, 1997). This is the main staircase of the building, and
what makes it special is that these magic stairs move. They turn and
connect to different floors. The ever changing character of these stairs
create a significant opportunity to encourage interaction. When the stairs
move when youre on it, you end up on a different floor or in a different
hallway, which can lead to spontaneous encounters.
There is a total of seven secret passage ways out of Hogwarts. Some of
these are hidden behind statues, and others require magic to be found.
An example is the main kitchen, of which the door is hidden behind a
painting of a fruit basket (Rowling, 1997). This secrecy and sneaking
around is one of the main themes in the Harry Potter series. Not only
exciting this secret can also lead to an increased place attachment.
by Evelien Florijn
APPLICATION TO MARINBURG
Marinburg in its current situation already shows clear resemblance to
the Harvard and Cambridge campus and architectural styles. Albeit the
scale difference and though technically being one building, the floorplan
of the complex is spread in a park-like green environment. Splitting the
complex into different building parts would increase the campus layout,
as students will be able to walk around all buildings. More similarities
can be found when looking at the facades of Marinburg. They are
also characterized by arched windows and the use of brick. The main
entrances are emphasized by somewhat theatrical stairways. The chapel
of Marinburg can be used as one of the main halls or lecture rooms, as
can been seen at Harvard.
Harvard
Marinburg
Pictures by Evelien Florijn
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The elements derived from the Harry Potter series can create a more
playful and dynamic atmosphere. Properly designed routings and the
implementation of hotspots can be used to promote interaction and
encourage spontaneous meetings. Secret routes, only used by students
can contribute to place-attachment. Creating a large central hall where
events can take place, would not only follow the Harvard example, but
also the Great Hall at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. This would be
a place where students can study, relax and have dinner.
Quingjiu, S., & Maliki, N. Z. (2013). Place Attachment and Place Identity:
Undergraduate Students Place Bonding On Campus. Procedia Social
and Behavioral Sciences, 632-639.
03 ESSAY