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The Campus | December 11, 2006

 

This is something that affects all students," exclaimed architecture librarian and student Rodolfo Leyton, as he described the potential loss of 12,000 square feet of space on the first floor of the Cohen Library in the NAC due to a new chiller plant to be built for the new science buildings to rise on the South Campus. Equally concerned was Pamela Gillespie, the dean and chief librarian of the campus libraries. "Initially, we were told that the power plant expansion would take place in the parking lot, not in the library," Gillespie reflected. Construction of the new science research facilities on South Campus has already spelled the death of the Herman Goldman sports field.

When asked about the plans, USG President Iqbal Mahamud expressed ignorance: "During our last meeting with the provost, this proposal did not come up." The release of the plan at the end of the fall semester and the lack of discussion upset Gillespie, who notes, "The academic side was not briefed on this."
Alongside the loss of two classrooms, two study rooms, and approximately 200 seats, Gillespie points to the seemingly endless rows of books. "I do not know where we can fit the displaced books."
Among the books is a collection of Iron Age magazine, a review of the latest hardware, iron, and machinery dating from 1905, making the collection older than the campus itself.
Walking past the carrels, which are cubicle-size study rooms, one can see the reasons why students choose to study on the first floor. "It is quieter and easier to concentrate downstairs," explained Chrys Kishore, who is in the Sophie Davis program. Chemical engineering major Nwe Than agreed, pointing out that, "The fourth floor has more people." With a loss of 30 isolated study carrels, privacy and quiet may become harder to find.

Within the carrels, the occupants each found peace: one student was enjoying a power nap; a couple was sharing an intimate moment; another student was reciting the Islamic evening prayers. "It's secluded. And down here, I always know the direction of the Kaaba," shared the Muslim sophomore, who did not wish to give his name. "Imagine the noise of a power plant; it may become a safety problem." Electrical Engineering major Roberta Hansen agreed: "It's not good: the plant could create noise." With six transformers humming away, the comfort and seclusion of the first floor would be lost in the name of progress.

Similar to the time universal concern was raised among students about the loss of student space following the closing of the popular Hungry Mind Café, the issue here is about respect. As Leyton said, "It's is unfair that the plans were released at the end of the semester, not giving the students enough time to respond." The taking of student space seems like something the administration can just decide and get done.