In the middle of the enormous dental building lies a wide, well-lit space where students are invited to supplement their learning by looking at an exhibit. The glass roof allows ample natural lighting throughout the day for students to appreciate the exhibit as well as allowing students to stay connected with the outdoors when they're spending hours studying. The benches off to the side are positioned perfectly so students can sit down while staying close enough to still read the panels of information in the exhibit. The extremely open area lets students understand the largeness of the scope of their education. They are able to peer into many other classrooms, and see each room that is designed to educate students just like themselves. It is clear from the power outlets on the ground that the space can also be used for multiple purposes; the space is flexible enough to hold presentations or large meetings.
The tiled floor design and the brick and concrete construction blend modern with the conventional to show that dental practice is continuously evolving and combines old techniques with the new. The doorless entrances as well as the overwhelming presence of windows prevent students from feeling isolated and makes the space feel less like a separate room.
In all, the dental atrium offers an excellent space for students to meet and learn, while reminding them that they are part of something bigger: a community whose uniting goal is to learn.
This was a cool choice because it involves both academic and social aspects to the education system at U of M. I like that it is an open space with nearly endless possibilities for different kinds of learning. It may seem like a hallway to the untrained eye but an architect could look at this for all of it's functions.
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