Nothing At All

Dull. Physically, and somewhat literally that’s what this room is. The walls are off white, the ceiling is jet-black, and the floor is a mixture of white and tan. There are no windows, which makes the room not only frigid, but dark as well. The fifteen or so desks in the room are also tan, cold, and hard. The light, though dim, reflects off all the whitish surfaces. Visually, it looks similar to a criminal interrogation room.

 Well, that’s not a surprise. This room is intended for “trouble-makers.” Those people who have crossed the line, made bad decisions, and deserve to be punished. The administration sends people there to learn a lesson. Or send a warning to others. Maybe both. I’m not sure.

 The room teaches a lesson. It literally sends a warning. That’s what it’s so dull. That’s why there aren't any windows. It’s warning people about what will happen if they keep breaking the rules. Light represents hope and joy. It’s light that guides sailors home safely. There’s no light in this room. The room is giving people a preview of the future. If they keep breaking the rules that’s what their life will be. There will be no hope. No joy. It’ll be dull, dark, and hard.

 The room radiates negative energy. The people in it feel sad, ashamed, or angry. Those outside of it feel uncomfortable, disappointed, and dismayed. Everything about the room is negative. And that’s it’s purpose right? So did the people who designed the room have that in mind? Did they intend to build a negative energy filled room? Is that even possible? I say no. A room is simply a room. It’s how the room is used, how the room is arranged, and who is in the room that matters. This room could radiate positive energy. Its walls could be filled with drawings and artwork. The bland colors could be viewed as simple, but classic. The lack of light could make the room seem cozy, almost den-like. It could be a place to hang out with friends, rest, relax, and escape the pressure of life for a little bit.

 It could be. It’s not though. It comes down to the purpose of the room. The purpose of the room, of ISS, is to punish people. As a result of the purpose, one sees the rest of the room through a negative lens. The features of the room and the things inside it then seem to work together to make the argument that the room is undesirable and you shouldn't want to go there.