A Public Commons extends UIS' history of being an institution focused on openness, innovation and adaptability. This project recreates “the pit,” a popular 1970s Sangamon State University (now UIS) classroom known for its lack of desks and chairs. In this neutral space, people can explore effective communication and problem-solving from different viewpoints. The space is open for public use and is designed to be reorganized according to the specific needs of each event.