Pick a place to observe. This could be a space that you use. In the past, people have used the South Hall basement. You could also pick someplace you work, a café where you hang out, or some such place. It could also be an unfamiliar place. I told stories in class of people observing banks and fast food places. It needs to have people coming and going and using it for a variety of purposes. Your task is not to interview them, but to see what you can observe. Other good places: public transit, libraries. Even a street corner (especially an interesting street like Telegraph).
Following Blomberg et al. (p. 126-7 in the reader; this is similar to their exercises 1, 2, & 8), observe and take careful notes of how the space is used. If you can take photos (exercise #7) without being disruptive, all the better. Consider how the configuration of the space, furniture, and equipment shape people's activities, including their interaction (or lack thereof). Include in your observations what you can about the people who come and go and their activities – what kinds of people, what they are doing, what about this space may attract them (e.g., why do you think a café is full of people studying?).
If there is too much going on, focus on a particular domain of activity or subset of participants. E.g., on Telegraph you might focus on people's behavior around panhandlers: how do people avoid them, what do panhandlers do to enhance their income, how do the panhandlers interact with one another. If you can tie this into your 214 project, great. Be careful to distinguish between observation/description and your interpretation.
Write this up in 2-3 pages. Due Thursday Feb 12.