I chose the Botanic Gardens on University. Let's see, basically, I love flowers and gardens. The Arboretum in Dallas has always been a draw for me. I always feel so content and relaxed in gardens like that, and it gives me a chance to think and get away for a while. Also, the Botanic Gardens here have a special Japanese garden inside which is so cool. I love Japan, and Japanese gardens are intentionally constructed to give you peace. I also love nature and growing flowers in my own garden, so the fact that there are places dedicated to preserving this type of nature in city areas in really admirable and quite nice.
Upon observation I expect to find a rather obvious sight, peaceful gardens, trails, and many middle-aged or elderly women who love flowers quite a lot. I would also expect to see some art, art classes, or yoga going on. Why? Because of my experience at the Arboretum. It's all common expectations of this type of place.
I could be a part of the target audience because I am in the audience, however, although I believe the gardens to be open for everyone, the target audience would generally be middle-aged women I believe, pertaining to the type of classes offered as I mentioned above. There's even basket weaving at the Botanic Gardens.
My experiences at the Arboretum might give me pre-conceived ideas that would definitely influence my observations. I just already have an idea in mind of how the gardens will be and look. But who doesn't when enter a place? You always have a pre-conceived idea based on whatever past experiences or word-of-mouth without even realizing it. Now, whether or not that idea is correct or not is the differentiating factor here. And to overcome these obstacles I must try my best not to rely on that pre-conceived idea although it will be lingering. I will try to open my mind to every detail while observing so that I may be as accurate as possible in this one specific place rather than lump with others similiar to it, although that may be the case in truth as well.
Congratulations!
17 years ago
Elora,
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by your topic because I've been to the Botanical Gardens numerous times while here in Fort Worth. They're quite a sight to behold as is the Japanese Garden. I look forward to hearing more about your research on any of the gardens in the BG, it's always interesting to hear what new eyes have to say. Great blogging and good luck with your research.
I thought about using the Botanical Gardens too! I decided to pick another place because I didn't think the Gardens use any kind of trickery to get people to visit. I guess that probably isn't true though. You mentioned basket weaving. The Botanical Gardens must do somesort of advertising and moodsetting to get basket weavers there.
ReplyDeletethe botanical gardens would definitly be a nice, relaxing place to write a paper, although it might be more challenging to find arguments for. but challenges are good. i've been there before and it is beautiful. There was a pretty wide variety of people there though, not just women. Your proposal sounds great and I look foreward to reading your paper!
ReplyDeleteElora,
ReplyDeleteYou've chosen an excellent place for your public space analysis. I've never been to the Botanical Gardens, but I can imagine any space of this kind to make a variety of intriguing arguments. I'm excited to see what you find.
AI