Nestled under the elevated bridge between the Platt and Howard residence halls, the Platteau beckons those seeking relaxation, creativity and connection. In the last three years, however, schoolwork has too often kept me from enjoying the vibes of this hip little corner of campus. On Thursday, Sept. 12, I spent my afternoon in a cozy yellow chair watching the goings-on, making art and talking with a few of the Platteau’s denizens.
The Platteau is a space oriented toward creatives of all kinds. Swipe access is free for any interested LC students, so long as they fill out a form and agree to be respectful and clean up after themselves. Inside, a darkroom, ceramics studio, small dance studio and sound-proofed instrument room surround a central space with large tables and oodles of free art supplies.
When I arrived in the Platteau around noon, all was quiet. I took some time to work on a visual for this issue’s Backdoor, standing up every so often to wander into the ceramics and dance studios. The amount of free resources, jewelry bits, paints and even ceramic glazes, surprised me. Soon enough, Annika Shinoda ’28, who lives in the Visual and Performing Arts Living Learning Community (VAPA), entered the room with a sketchbook in hand.
“I came in and I checked it out when I first got here,” Shinoda said. “This is a nice place for me to come and work that is not my dorm room with my tiny desk that is already overflowing with stuff and (the Platteau) has free materials. I thought I would have to supply my own materials, so that’s very convenient.”
Shinoda also enjoys the social aspect of the space and meeting new people.
“There are usually very nice people here that will chat with you,” Shinoda said.
The second Platteau-goer I chatted with was Carrie Dirks ’28, another resident of VAPA. That day, Dirks was there to customize some clothing at the sewing machine. Dirks does not take any art classes and is grateful to be able to use the Platteau’s resources regardless of course registration.
“I’m so happy that it’s here because I love crafting, and I’m really glad that we have all these materials,” Dirks remarked.
Next was Danielle Lieberman ’27, who has frequented the Platteau for the past year.
“I like to come into the dance studio just to stretch and be with myself. I like to meditate sometimes,” Lieberman said. “My friends and I, we’ve come down here around finals season and brought different things to do just to chill out for a second and be creative.”
With good company, time flew by. Several band members came in to practice, adding the faint sound of drums to the artsy ambiance. When 4 p.m. rolled around, Luna Beckett ’26, a Platteau manager, arrived for an interview. While discussing the Platteau budget and the future of the space, Beckett told me the managers are hoping to start hosting events soon.
“If there are things that people feel like are missing from this space that they would like to have or think would get use, you can tell a manager,” Beckett said.
Beckett encouraged interested folks to sign up for swipe access using the form by the door, and to follow the Platteau’s official Instagram account @theplatteau for event details.
As night fell, the Platteau came alive with people and projects. I asked a few of the folks I had met if they wanted to collaborate on a doodle. Whether you are an experienced artist, need some space from the crushing weight of your assignments or just want to meet friendly people, the Platteau is just a wooden bridge away.
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