Observation

Brenda Ferone Engl 101 Sec8 November 23, 2009 **Cafeteria: More than just eating **  

 When thinking of a cafeteria, a dining hall comes to mind where people eat while engaging in conversation. This is not always the case in the cafeteria at Umass Boston. I chose the main cafeteria inside the campus center to base my observation on. Whenever I have a break between classes, I usually go the cafeteria and get a quick snack or meet up with friends and have casual conversation. Umass Boston is located in the greater Boston community. It is surrounded by the beautiful harbor and other area schools. My first observation was done between 8:00am and 9:50a.m. I sat at a two person table along the large windows. The first that caught my attention was the view from the windows directed toward Boston Harbor. It was a beautiful sunny day so my eyes were connected to the harbor. The way the sun hits the water, gives off a shimmer affect that catches your eyes instantly. For a moment I forgot I was in school. This is not what I picture when I think of a school cafeteria. As, I looked around, I seen that minimal people were eating, but a rather large majority of people were studying or doing work. I noticed that there were two to three people at most sitting at a six person table. The tables and seats are made from a well finished wood and other smooth material. These tables are spaced out about a foot away from each other. Every few feet, I would find another small group of people sitting at the tables. I heard soft whispers amongst those having conversation and the sound of those typing on their keyboards. The aroma of coffee was filled throughout the cafeteria with a hint of the scent of bacon, pancakes (breakfast foods), being eaten. As I was writing my observations, I felt how smooth the tables were and how hard and uncomfortable the seats became after an hour. My second observation took place a couple of days later between 1:00p.m and 2:00p.m. This time the atmosphere was the total opposite. I still sat at two person tables along the large windows but this time my eyes were not drawn to the harbor, but to the ceiling lights. Since it was a cloudy, rainy day outside, the cafeteria was illuminated by hundreds of these unique lights. They looked contemporary and modern. These lights are made up of five ring/cylinder shape objects. Each cylinder is a different size then the previous one, and the light bulb is within these rings, which makes the light very bright. My eyes were also drawn to the large amounts of people crowded at each table. This time a majority of them were eating and very few were attempting homework / reading. This would most likely be because the sound in the cafeteria was elevated from the morning. I heard loud chatter, cell phones ringing, food being prepared, etc. the aroma this time was pasta, chicken, fries (more lunch foods). I could smell more easily because there was so much food surrounding me that it was easier to pick up scents.  I observed the noticeable difference of the cafeteria in the a.m. and p.m. In the a.m. it was much quieter. I think it is because students were trying to get work done before their next class or cram in some last minute studying. In the afternoon is when most have a large appetite. This is why nearly everyone in the cafeteria was eating something and just engaging in conversation. However, the food would not have been there if it was not for the workers. Upon entering the café, there are many different food stations where you can select a meal. Behind these stations are workers (usually middle aged and wearing white shirts), who prepare food or serve you. They always greet people and ask how they are or wish them a good day, while serving them. They are the ones who make the cafeteria just a pleasing experience (besides the view).

I believe Umass Boston did a great job designing the café. They used beige paint (which is a very neutral and calming color) the covers the walls. The large windows are there to take your focus away from the school atmosphere. They cafeteria is that one place in Umass Boston that shifts your focus from school work to relaxation. It is not a typical cafeteria with horrid food and unpleasant people. The ceiling lights are up to date and fashionable. The cafeteria can be either a hangout spot to eat and interact with others (p.m.), or a more peaceful environment to get work done (a.m.) without feeling trapped in a library type place. A concept that I believe connects between the readings and my observation is utopia. A utopia is a perfect world with no flaws where everyone is happy. I believe in a way the cafeteria tries to recreate this idea. Everything is simple, yet detailed. No one thinks of a cafeteria as an unhappy place, but rather than an upbeat area to connect with others (or food). Also, I think with the large windows painting a beautiful view of the harbor, it takes away from the area you are in and makes you feel elsewhere more peaceful.