[Last modified: October, 16 2024 02:11 PM]
During my 45-minute participant observation, I selected the area around Gordon Square as my field site. This choice was based on its unique environmental characteristics: one side is adjacent to academic buildings, where there is heavy foot traffic, and the other side consists of a quiet garden filled with greenery. This combination of environments made it an ideal place to observe diverse social behaviors, especially those of the student population and their daily interactions.
Near the academic buildings, foot traffic was relatively dense, and people walked with hurried steps. I observed many students walking in pairs or small groups, but rarely in large groups. Most people engaged in conversation while walking, especially those accompanied by friends, and their voices were noticeably louder, likely due to the noisy environment along the roadside. In contrast, individuals walking alone tended to use headphones, seemingly creating a private, enclosed space through the use of technology in an otherwise busy environment.
This led me to reflect on the impact of the physical environment on human behavior. The noise and fast pace appeared to demand more focused forms of interaction, or, alternatively, the use of headphones to isolate oneself from the surrounding clamor. People adapted to this fast-paced, noisy environment by controlling their social interactions, which demonstrates a flexible response to space and situational demands.
In contrast, the central garden of Gordon Square presented a markedly more tranquil environment, filled with plants and greenery. The peaceful atmosphere encouraged people to relax and slow down. I noticed that pedestrians generally walked at a slower pace, and some even stopped to enjoy a brief moment of calm. Conversations in this area were also quieter, which seemed to reflect the serene environment.
This part of my observation deepened my understanding of the “thickness and detail of everyday life.” Even in what might appear to be an ordinary setting, environmental changes had a significant influence on people’s behaviors. I also observed that individuals spent longer periods of time dining in this environment. The greenery and quiet atmosphere of the garden encouraged people to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Along the road near the garden, I could smell the scent of food, likely from nearby food vendors or shops. This olfactory element added another layer to the sensory experience, further enriching the social behaviors observed in this area. Many students purchased food here and shared meals with friends. This aligns with the concept of “embodied learning” mentioned in the lecture, illustrating how individuals engage with their surroundings not only through sight and sound but also through other senses such as smell.
People in Gordon Square adjusted their behavioral patterns according to the different spaces they occupied, adapting to the surrounding environment. Through this participant observation, I became more aware of how different physical environments—such as the noisy street and the quiet garden—shape human behavior, social interactions, and sensory experiences.