Campus Porches: The Story
This project documented the use and function of porches between the campuses of Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community (VMRC) during the pandemic in the fall of 2020. This was the first semester that I was on campus during the pandemic, and I found myself drawn to my apartment porch in search of the sunshine and social connection.
Weary from many dark and heavy feelings and stories of the year, I began the project with the intention of capturing the daily connection between individuals as well as the larger points of connection between two campuses that are more similar than we think.
I also became interested in the similarities between the campuses of VMRC and EMU. Although distance is a necessity in this pandemic, there has been a noticeable distance between the two campuses in the past even though we are neighbors who share a border. Porches seem to be one way that people connect with each other and the outdoors in a way that prioritizes the safety of both the mental and physical health of those around us.
The following stories and experiences are from residents from both campuses shown through various mediums.