Several features of the BVAC lobby especially create the pervasive publicity that leads to the quietness. The space is so open and public that people feel as if they have no privacy, therefore discouraging conversation and public discourse.
1) Sound
Acoustically, the BVAC ground floor is very public. Because the space opens up to an atrium, even small sounds on the first floor can be heard in echoes up to the third level.
The audio tour below gives a feeling of how the area echoes and what types of sounds usually fill the space.
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1) The sound echo increases publicity, and discourages loud, consistent conversation due to a lack of privacy.
2) The fact that one can hear sounds from many areas of the building creates a feeling of connectedness between the floors, which increases publicity further and also facilitates inspiration.
2) Glass
1) The ground is built as an atrium, open to the walkways of each level, and on the north side large glass windows frame a room on each floor. These rooms almost seem like life-size display cases, and their contents are changed frequently (except the bottom floor’s, which is the digital arts lab). They usually contain art pieces or interactive installations. One can view them from the atrium, or they can walk directly inside them and peer out. This type of design heightens the feeling of watchability, like one is always on display.
3) SEATING
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1) These wide couches provide plentiful seating, but none of the seats face each other at proximate distance
2) There are no tables - only large footrests at the same level as the seats - meaning the people may not congregate as easily.
4) Light
1) The lamps provide better lighting on the ground floor, as the cieling is several floors above.They provides enough illumination for students to work, and the lights remain on at night so the space is always well-lit, and always public. In addition, floor-level lighting in walkways makes this space usable even at night.
2) While a yellow light could create a casual feeling, and a blue or fluorescent could create an anxious or sterile tone, the white lighting is professional yet calm - the perfect tone for alert yet quiet work.
All photos by author, 2016.