A familiar environment not too dissimilar to the feel of my
clinical work place. If not for the neutral, earthy & strangely soothing
tones it may be quite soulless. With
doors of aubergine, mushroom walls and carpet like fine sea-grass matting, I am most impressed
by the wooden accents above the projector screen. They bring much serenity when the relentless slideshow becomes too tedious and wearisome.
Everything is so square and flush, a silent narrative on the
seriousness of what we are here to achieve. The seating manages to afford more comfort
(and humor) than one would first expect. Swings, see-saws and merry-go-rounds
were my first impression. They are such curious fixtures consisting of a retractable
arm and pivot mechanism, yet, no height adjustment. A reminder that we are
adults here and the temptation (and thrill) of chair “swinging” will not be
indulged in this environment. So pivot we shall, at the risk of “rocking the
row” and irritating peers.
Staring at the orderly lines of desk/chair engineering
genius, my eyes fall upon the carpet beneath. The continuity is punctuated by
scuff marks, where perhaps over the years, many a student has tried to tame their
restless legs or quell the urge to run. So what may have been
chair swinging now becomes silent and stealthy “scuffing”. The scars beneath
belie such a seemingly passive twitch.
So, little lecture theatre, you are as quaint as a lecture
theatre can be. Sensible and clean with just enough comfort in an otherwise
understated room. I feel you rise up to welcome and encourage me as I undertake
a mission which will ultimately give my dreams wings. This is a safe place
where I feel your warm embrace of gentle reassurance to “keep going” when times
get tough. Of course, I may perhaps, just be yanking your chain.
