Gorretti: In the Place of the Public: Observations of a Traveler

Air transportation doesn't give us a satisfying journey because they are not proper spaces.

They are:
themed spaces
consumption spaces,
passing through spaces

There is no sense of space (wayfinding, everything needs a sign or directions) and there is no time.

Reaction:

When flights are running late, how do we "make up time in the air?" Is there such a thing? Is air travel the only place wherein we can manipulate time? I suppose time does not hold real value in air travel because time itself is in constant flux (i.e. time change). How does time change affect perception of time? Does it?

Airport surroundings are wastelands because they are not used and they are far removed from the city core.

airport vs. train station

airports are NOT made for meeting and gathering (location)
train stations (penn station and grand station) have meeting spaces but are also cenrtally located.

Reaction:

I don't agree with Rosler's take on airport spaces. I would argue that there is a space that can be considered a space for gathering. For most airports this would be the baggage claim. Although this might not be deemed a proper gathering space people do, despite how short the time may be. Is there really a need for this space in airports anyway?

The Nuances of Air Travel:
It is the only means of transportation wherein you see the fully spectrum of social classes. There are mulitudes of emotion that transpire in airports. You see anger, frustration, sadness, happiness, anticipation, nervousness, anxiety, boredom, confusion, wonder etc. No where else can you find such an array of emotions. Therefore although Rosler argues airports lack the sense of gathering it holds a much more interesting aspect. Can we say that the airport is a space designed for all emotion?