User:Sparklemily/sandbox

The Sydney University Quadrangle is the heart of the University embodying the values and image that is cultivated by the administration.

Planted in 1928 by professor of German E.G. Waterhouse the visual rhetoric that the jacaranda tree conveys, speaks not only to the students of the university but also to the wider public. The jacaranda tree has become a symbol beauty, heritage, tradition and the coming together with nature.

The university administration cultivate this culture of grandeur, success and heritage through the continual maintenance of not only the tree but the surrounding area. The Sydney University ensure that the grass resists the impact of the drought, harsh weather conditions or over walking. Perfection and the importance of ones image are thus a qualities of which the University projects through their meticulous gardening attention. The devotion to the continuation of the Jacaranda tree’s existence has extended to the act of cloning the tree should it need to be replaced.

Sydney University Student have developed a connection with the tree that encompasses the academic nature of the University.

The tree for me is beautiful it provides color and beauty and I really appreciate the historic brilliance of it. It gives a joy to the me because it is a relief after being inside studying all day to see the beauty of being out doors.

The Statue of Gilgamesh.

The statue creates a visual appearance of strength with over sized hands in conjunction with the way in which he holds his pet tiger reflects a sense of calmness and thought. Universities are one of the oldest institutions in modern history the presence of a statue such as that of Gilgamesh appropriately reflects the strength and power of knowledge that is provided at an institution such as Sydney University. Thus the physical depiction of strength depicted by the Gilgamesh statue aptly reflect the power that is instilled by the university to its graduates. Additionally the calm strength suggested by the visual rhetoric of a protective hand placed over a pet lion reflect the calm wisdom that should be a goal of the students of university, to contemplate before acting and to be both focused and disciplined.

The Statue of Gilgamesh provides more than a symbolic commentary on the similarities between the physical strength of the statue and the power of knowledge. The statue also reflects the economic status of the university. Though the placement of historic clearly very expensive statues throughout the college it reinforces the "affluent" image of the University of Sydney. Additionally this statue reflects the power of the institution as it stands today, with over 40, 000, it has both the economic capacity and to have such important statues as decorative features of the university an ability which other smaller and less economically successful universities are able to promote.

Gilgamesh for me strongly suggest strength that will be gained from attending university. However i feel that it reflects a lack of care and consideration from the administration. Here we have a statue that is both imposing in visual and economic sense and powers have chosen to place it in a location that does not reflect its importance. I feel that it reflects a lack of consideration of the importance of the history and tradition that have made the University important, whist promoting aspect of university that are both unimportance is superficial.

Anderson Stuart Main Hallway

Upon entrance to the hallway the marble busts, large imposing photographs and high ceilings create a feeling of grandeur. The University has created this area to reflect the importance the place upon their coveted medical department. The University of Sydney students are exposed to the legacy of the University medical academia. What is interesting to not is the interspersing of Sydney University academics with prominent historical Scholars such as Hippocrates creating a sense of continuity between the scholars of past an present.

For me this place make one feel as though the are extremely small and insignificant, simply one of many attempting to create a place within an institution that is larger than some small cities. however it provides hope the legacy of the images inspires a sense of success,