| dc.description.abstract | According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word "symbiosis" means "a cooperative relationship". This project combines services necessary to provide for college students. In order for a college student to learn, grow, and meet his or her greatest potential, they need to be provided places that harbor social interaction, food and beverage services, and a work/study office environment. Texas Christian University has done well to try and combine two out of three of these services. However, I feel it necessary to provide a space for students that can combine all three of these environments into one. I surveyed about 50 students on TCU's campus and found that students wanted a number of different services on the east side of campus. The results of the survey showed that students want healthier food options, a more intimate coffee shop, and a place where everyone can hangout, host social events, or just relax. One student stated the following: "First of all, there needs to be a place to study 24/7. It frustrates me that the library doesn't offer that. I don't particularly care what form that comes in- coffee shop, Internet cafe, or a sort of student union- rec center combo with food and activity options." Many other respondents agreed with this student. Many students pointed out that the reasons they do not spend more time at the library or at our student union is because it feels too institutional, and they do not feel comfortable. Symbiosis will not only be a restaurant, bar, and cafe, but will also have a lounge area to provide a more relaxed space, as well as a quieter study space with provided office services - ie. printing and copying services. This facility will also be available to students 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In my time here at TCU, I have found that we do not have a lot of 24-hour options. As students, we always seem to need something printed or access to internet in the later hours of the evening, when tech support and print shops are closed. While the library is open 24 hours a day, most of the week, the cafe is not. Providing another 24-hour space for students to work, eat, and play, gives students options and a sense of control in their environments. A sense of control over our environments, provides psychological health benefits, reducing stress and anxiety. | |
