I am currently sitting at The Purple Onion Cafe studying. I look around to people-watch, and can tell it is a social as well as an academic atmosphere. There are tables and chairs here for customers to sit and study. Big comfy chairs are here as well for people to socialize, hold group meetings, or for groups to work on large projects. The walls inside the cafe are mostly green and brown. Both of these colors represent nature and give off a tranquil, soothing, and relaxed feel to this atmosphere. That kind of vibe in the environment encourages students to concentrate and get their work done.
Most of the customers are students of the University of MN. From these students, most of them are studying and some are socializing. The students and their study materials, such as laptops, textbooks, books, notebooks, and calculators are the signifiers and the signified is that this cafe is a place for students to gather and study. The Purple Onion is socially constructed to be a common and popular place for students to study. Although it is not university affiliated, its location is close enough to campus where students can go to get homework done.
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ReplyDeleteIt's cool how these atmospheres are so dependent on the people who live around the area. In a different location, the Purple Onion may be used by commuters going in and out more than students lounging and studying. I'm sure the interior of the cafe would be designed in a much different manner also.
ReplyDeletePeople like this place because it provides an elegant and comfy environment. I personally think the people sitting inside provide a great component of the atmosphere. Culture is much like the atmosphere. It's the people in the culture that make a difference.
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