Bonnie's Page
Space design and its impact on learning
The design of the Manzanar Interpretive Center (http://www.nps.gov/manz/home.htm) facilitates learning in three ways: encouraging reflection, immersing a visitor into the historical context, and providing factual information. In one area of the center, the display and space design demands quiet reflection. In another area, the center helps recreate the experience of living in the Japanese internment camp and allows the visitor to have a "firsthand" glimpse at history. Finally, still other displays and areas contain purely historical facts--a timeline of the Manzanar area that dated from the Indians until present. The interpretive center is key in helping people understand and learn about Japanese internment as virtually all other buildings or possible signs of this historical incident were removed from the area (check out the virtual tour and you will see mostly land and empty ground with signage: http://www.nps.gov/manz/virtualtour/tour/)
The different exhibits are structured in a way that encourages a visitor to meander slowly. Additionally,the dramatic contrast between the dark, cavernous former gymnasium-turned-interpretive center and bright modern spotlights helped project a somber mood and encourages reading (there was a lot of text involved in many of the exhibits) and reflection on the part of the visitor. Vistors also have a chance to share their thoughts in large guestbook where they are welcome to free-write in or sign.