Just wanted to check in and let you know what I've been up to today. Originally I had planned to spend the day observing students using the shop, but alas I forgot to put in my contacts so that I could wear safety glasses so that I could be in the shop legally. So instead I decided to do some interviews with students in the building. The questions I asked focused mainly on their experience working in the shop and their feelings towards it. I got some responses I wasn't expecting as well as a lot of typical designer bull, which I was expecting. I also had a quick chat with Dennis, the maintenance person assigned to our building. He definitely has a different perspective than anyone else in the building.

Tomorrow I plan on wearing the proper safety equipment and hanging out in the shop for the most of the day. I hope to speak with the shop managers and get their take on the situation. I plan on using all this information to create some sort of cultural model, that allows me to synthesize the heirarchy of power, the motivations of the users and how the current space influences these.

I must say it was interesting to spend a good amount of time at Gulfstream. Normally I come for class and leave. Only returning when I have to. This project is giving me the opportunity to just chill at the building and soak in the environment, as well as get to know some people better. I like it.
Stay tuned.