As midterm season is thrust upon us and panicked students flock to study spots around the city, the question of where to settle is invariably asked. With the Law Library extending its opening hours—I fear there’s no need, the top spot is already filled.
This may sound controversial, but the superior study space will always be that brutalist structure which casts a shadow over the landscape of George Square. Its ominous grey lettering makes no pretence at fostering a space of joy and inspiration. The Main Library.
My three defenses for placing what to the naked eye appears to be an oppressive think tank above the many architecturally sublime spaces available to students are convenience, community, and productivity.
First, on convenience, The Main Library in many ways can be seen as the pulsating heart of George Square. A diverse space which allows all students to flourish. From the desperate who choose the airtight basement to those with power complexes who settle for the chair-desk fusions available on 6th, allowing them to admire the square to its fullest capacity.
A building of confusion and paradox, creatures of nostalgia can enjoy those archaic signs above each desk reminding you to stay safe during the pandemic and that face coverings are indeed mandatory. The building is conveniently accommodating to all.
With the law library still pathetically closing at 5PM on a Sunday, those night owls who prefer to nap at 2AM on clinical white desks need not despair, the Main Library is only just warming up and will accommodate your needs.
What of the communal smoking area? It’s notably absent from Law, as the pristine lawn cannot, understandably, accommodate it. However, those grey concrete slabs, charmingly characteristic of the space outside of the Main Library, can perhaps be considered the building blocks of community for those who linger outside.
Lastly and most vitally, we come to productivity, the open plan space allows one to awkwardly make eye contact with those opposite noticing their drive or panic, spurring you on to match their drive, or indeed to avoid their panic. With no space wasted for antiquarian aestheticism combined with the harsh glare of led lighting, one cannot be distracted by the idea that they are in some Hogwarts-esque utopia—just man and laptop.
Whilst second-year Maths student, Charlie claims “I’m sick of the imposters that show up just for midterms; it should be reserved for those who genuinely hold the main library in their heart.” I believe it is time people realise the Main Library is the place to be all year round, even if only to motivate those who lazily amble around at 12PM to find a seat as a midterm induced final resort.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student
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In Defence of the Main Library
As midterm season is thrust upon us and panicked students flock to study spots around the city, the question of where to settle is invariably asked. With the Law Library extending its opening hours—I fear there’s no need, the top spot is already filled.
This may sound controversial, but the superior study space will always be that brutalist structure which casts a shadow over the landscape of George Square. Its ominous grey lettering makes no pretence at fostering a space of joy and inspiration. The Main Library.
My three defenses for placing what to the naked eye appears to be an oppressive think tank above the many architecturally sublime spaces available to students are convenience, community, and productivity.
First, on convenience, The Main Library in many ways can be seen as the pulsating heart of George Square. A diverse space which allows all students to flourish. From the desperate who choose the airtight basement to those with power complexes who settle for the chair-desk fusions available on 6th, allowing them to admire the square to its fullest capacity.
A building of confusion and paradox, creatures of nostalgia can enjoy those archaic signs above each desk reminding you to stay safe during the pandemic and that face coverings are indeed mandatory. The building is conveniently accommodating to all.
With the law library still pathetically closing at 5PM on a Sunday, those night owls who prefer to nap at 2AM on clinical white desks need not despair, the Main Library is only just warming up and will accommodate your needs.
What of the communal smoking area? It’s notably absent from Law, as the pristine lawn cannot, understandably, accommodate it. However, those grey concrete slabs, charmingly characteristic of the space outside of the Main Library, can perhaps be considered the building blocks of community for those who linger outside.
Lastly and most vitally, we come to productivity, the open plan space allows one to awkwardly make eye contact with those opposite noticing their drive or panic, spurring you on to match their drive, or indeed to avoid their panic. With no space wasted for antiquarian aestheticism combined with the harsh glare of led lighting, one cannot be distracted by the idea that they are in some Hogwarts-esque utopia—just man and laptop.
Whilst second-year Maths student, Charlie claims “I’m sick of the imposters that show up just for midterms; it should be reserved for those who genuinely hold the main library in their heart.” I believe it is time people realise the Main Library is the place to be all year round, even if only to motivate those who lazily amble around at 12PM to find a seat as a midterm induced final resort.
Image by Ulia Makoveeva for The Student
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