Applying Fleming’s Rules for an Ideal Community Space to Thompson Arena
Of the six aforementioned characteristics, Thompson Arena fulfills the first four for an ideal community space. By prioritizing size, density, security and publicity, Thompson Arena provides an opportunity for good public discourse to occur. The implications lead to better diverse communities with functional social systems where everyone feels included.
Summary of Fleming’s Ideal Public Space (Infographic: Karen Cao)
Size
The size of Thompson Arena is large enough to seat 3,500 people plus room for 1,000 standees, all encircling an ice sheet 200 feet long by 85 feet wide. Crowds of more than 4,000 regularly attend the hockey games and the atmosphere is electrifying on weekends when Dartmouth hosts an Ivly League rival. Because the community space is so large, there are more opportunities for fans to practice good public discourse. If the people take advantage of the larger size, there are more chances to meet diverse people and practice good public discourse in an big environment.
Density
There is little space between all 3,500 seats in the arena. In fact, the seat itself is a long flat bench with distinct ridges only in the backing. Because there is less emphasis on separation between people, the bench creates the impression that there is a high density in each row, and thus a greater chance for dynamic social encounters. People will sit in close contact with others who may not share the same view as them, prompting good public discourse.
Thompson Arena’s Seating Arrangement (Photo: Karen Cao)
Security
At the front door, there are ticket masters who check for Dartmouth-issued IDs if one is a Dartmouth student or pre-purchased tickets from Hanover residents. In fact, on busy game days, some supporters may not even be able to get into the arena. The purpose of security is to facilitate organization within this space. By locking certain doors of the arena and positioning guards within the only entrances, Thompson Arena regulates what is allowed to happen in its space. Fortunately, security does not promote discrimination (racial, gender, socioeconomic) as heavily as it did in the past and thus members of all diverse groups may enter the arena and practice good public discourse.
Publicity
Thompson Arena serves as an open, criticizable, public space in which people’s words and actions will have social benefits and consequences. Because the game is in a public space, as opposed to a private TV viewing, conversation between people leads to a wider range of views. People cannot simply speak by impulse, but must be conscientious of their thoughts and actions.