Does anybody really know what time it is?

My time at Eastern Michigan University is nearing four years . I major in Computer Science and minor in Math and Recreation and Parks Management. Computer Science and Math are both categorized as part of the College of Arts and Sciences. A building near the center of campus named Pray-Harrold houses the College of Arts and Sciences administration, faculty, and classes. Consequently, I have spent countless hours absorbing information in its halls and classrooms.

This outer facade looks odd; shaping a building like a mushroom is fairly uncommon. However, I can appreciate the fact that Pray-Harrold is designed in the International Style of architecture. This style (probably a subject of a future discussion here) emphasizes optimization for functionality without applied decoration, creating a style by distributing solid and void. Emich.edu reveals some more information about the building:

"When it opened in 1969, Pray-Harrold was said to be one of the largest classroom buildings in the United States. It had been built with an appropriation from the State Legislature for $5.6 million. The exterior was designed to match the architecture of the University Library and other buildings around the central part of campus. The seven-story building accommodated 4,500 students each hour in its 75 classrooms and four lecture halls. Fully air-conditioned, the structure provided office space for 407 faculty members. Functionally, the building was designed with the most heavily used areas, the classrooms and lecture halls, on the first four floors while the offices were located on the top three floors."

The aforementioned air conditioning is nice in the summer. However, during the warm weather in the spring, they initiate the cooling system without turning off the heat (I believe they do this in case it gets cold again, for shutting down and restarting the heating system is a large ordeal). This creates an awful situation. The whole class period feels like an uncomfortable shower; you sweat like crazy, although you feel cool. The whole building develops a muggy ambiance. However, my next point motivated me to write this piece. Every class serves as a reminder...

There are exactly two clocks on each floor of Pray-Harrold. They hang on walls opposite one another in the common area by the elevators. Usually, these clocks disagree on the current time, neither one being close to correct. This has always struck me as odd, seeing that classes and tests revolve around specific periods of time. Yet, every classroom in Pray-Harrold has two, yes two, coat racks. In a building designed with optimal functioning in mind, why does every class need two coat racks?


As you can see above, the racks sit on either side of a little resource closet that holds supplies and resources needed for class. Even should a student want to use the racks, they must bring a hanger to class. I have never understood their existence, for it seems pretty pointless. Yet, today I decided to try them out, and their performance receives an A+. That rack held my coat for the duration of the class period. I fully endorse these commodities and suggest you try them too.




So, next time you have a class in Pray-Harrold, bring a watch and a hanger.