To the first-time visitor and the long-time resident, Edens Quadrangle appears like the strange love-child of a medieval fortress and the Ewok Village. Towering, boxed stone-and-cement dormitories connected by outdoor passageways sit nestled in the the equally-towering forest.
The quad has long been the object of scorn by Edens residents--and not just for the not-so-pleasant aesthetics of its buildings. Its long distance from the heart of Main West Campus; its small, sterile dorm rooms; and a dearth of parking options have always irked students.
Now, Edens residents are brainstorming ideas to attract students to the quad. While their efforts are admirable and it seems the administration is willing to put its money where their mouths are, students should remain realistic and concentrate on small improvements that will go a long way.
In early discussions, one idea included the creation of financial incentives to draw students to Edens. However, if a flat room rate is in the works for the entire campus, such incentives do not seem likely. Neither does the addition of major new recreational facilities, like a gym or a bowling alley, both of which can or will likely soon be accommodated elsewhere on campus.
Smaller changes are the key to appeasing Edens residents. The elimination of overhead yellow fluorescent lights, for example, would be a big step for both aesthetics and safety. As would the opening of all exterior doors, so that residents, friends and even food delivery people can have easy access to rooms and their inhabitants. More clearly-labeled signs or a complete renaming of all the dorms would also help.
Unfortunately, little can be done to improve the small and sterile--albeit air-conditioned and nicely carpeted dorm rooms--but adding amenities to commons and study rooms are a must. Eliminating the institutional feel of these dorms should be a major focus of any improvements: As the Kilgo Quad renovations have shown, it's amazing what comfortable furniture, soft lighting and a little wood on the walls can do.
Outside, students and administrators should strive to smartly and safely create more of a quad-type environment. There is more concrete than grass and flowers, and no large central location for students to gather and enjoy a beautiful day. Changes here may require covering up the creek that runs through the quad, and such a drastic alteration of the landscape may benecessary. That said, parking around the quad should also be addressed, by both the opening of more spots in the area, and the creation of more direct staircases to Wannamaker Drive and the Chapel Drive-Campus Drive traffic circle.
It should be noted that the creation of the West-Edens Link, and in particular all of the amenities that the McClendon Tower offers, has significantly helped the experience of living in Edens. From more food and study options to game and media rooms, Edens doesn't seem quite so far from civilization anymore.
Still, there are improvements to be made--students and administrators should just keep them small, smart and directed.
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