"Outside Lies Magic" Thoughts and Summary

“Outside Lies Magic”

The overall theme of the excerpt emphasized a strong focus on the power of observation. The excerpt begins by explaining the course objectives of the author’s course syllabus. The author makes it necessary as part of her course to get out and look around, which allows students to make connections. The class is given a list of readings, subject matter, and sequence of topics, but the instructor does not give a designated schedule. The reasoning for not having a schedule is to allow the students to explore discussions and topics thoroughly. This is more of a subjective approach according to the individuals that compose the class. For example, if they are talking of a subject that sparks interest for students, they can stay on the topic for a longer period of time. To me this setup seems to be more personal and makes a class have a relaxed atmosphere. The author views this process as a technique that creates surprise and delight in addition to making the class seem less ordinary. I agree that in a somewhat monotonous day of lecture after lecture, it is nice to have a break and focus on a new learning technique, such as observation.

By using observation, we are able to connect individual elements and understand broader concepts. The author uses the word palimpsest to describe the built environment, where there is a layering process. The author uses the example of liberal arts as being an exploration in a literal sense as well as that it makes an individual more open minded. I think that being open minded is a skill that is necessary in the interior design major, particularly in communication with a client. Sometimes the observation of outdoors can awaken dormant skills and points of view.

Exploring can also be seen as a way of sharpening the senses. Of course, the most recognizable sense affected is sight. The author uses an example of placing one’s hands over the eyes while viewing the shadows created by trees on a sidewalk. These shadows prove that the colors are more saturated and that they are not caused by dispersed light. In conclusion, the author strives to motivate people to heighten their awareness by observation and in return thinking of those observations. His final note is that creativity originates from going outdoors.