I think there is a tendency to look at a place like Palmer Commons with its austere and modernist architecture and assume that there is little activity or social interaction taking place. For some, this might even be a reason to question why I placed my installation there (Sui generis). I can offer at least a few reasons in the form of groups using same space.
UM – LEO Bargaining
Bronze Elegance Information Meeting & Practices (student group fashion show practices)
Exhibit Museum (schoolchildren lunches)
Practice For Dance Mix (student groups practicing for dance competitions)
Spring Agency Fair / Open House
Impression of India: A Look at Rural Development
Fashion Show
Robotic Surgery Course

In addition to these very diverse groups of people (that incidentally make the Windows Room a very lively place), CRLT, the bioinformatics groups, and many other organizations and individuals pass through the location every day. Palmer Commons is situated between the Central and Medical Campuses and is passed by many on their way to State Street. Palmer Commons was also fairly easy to arrange as an exhibition location–in part because few see it as an opportunity. We like to think sometimes that the older and more culturally-charged areas are more open. I’m not sure this is true. Drawing on lessons from plant ecology, sometimes the newly disturbed areas make it easier to colonize and sow ideas for the future. I especially enjoy that the schoolchildren visiting the Exhibit Museum use the space for their lunches. This led me to take them much more into consideration as I was making the work. I’ll try to get some video and audio of what it is like when a hundred or so 8-11 year olds swarm into the space.