With only a few months left until Pierce’s demise, the University is finalizing the design stage of the Campus North Residence Hall and Dining Commons project.
According to Karen Warren-Coleman, Vice President for Campus Life and Student Services, student input has played a significant role in the planning process of the residence hall. Since last summer, University staff have been working with focus groups, Resident Heads, Resident Masters, and students in order to identify the elements to include in the new dorm’s design.
The new dormitory will feature suites and apartment-style rooms to appeal to upperclassmen who would otherwise look off campus for such housing. Students have also supported separate study spaces for individual quiet study and group collaboration.
One major priority is to have an architectural design which accommodates a multi-level lounge located in the center of the house, as currently exists in Pierce.
“There is great focus on celebrating the legacy of Pierce and ensuring that the culture and traditions of the Pierce communities endure after the building is closed,” University spokesperson Jeremy Manier said in an e-mail.
Pierce residents will have the opportunity to live in International House or New Graduate Residence Hall with their current houses at the beginning of next fall. Additionally, the houses that currently dine at Pierce will be moved to Bartlett and Cathey.
“We’re working to expand seating, but it will be tight,” Warren-Coleman said.
The University is in the early stages of choosing an architect for the residence hall. According to Warren-Coleman, a “programming committee” comprised of housing staff and administrators has narrowed down the number of architecture teams it is considering to four. The teams will then develop design proposals to present to the University.
Administrators plan to have community-wide meetings for students later this year, when the designs have been presented.
I hope they will spend more time on trying to create a great dorm rather than just trying to duplicate Pierce. A lot of us didn’t want to live in Pierce because we thought it seemed like a prison.
Also, while you’re at it, tear down Blackstone, or convert it into a monastery for the Divinity School.
Right, because tearing down a fully functioning dorm is a great idea! I’m actually quite happy living in Blackstone’s 12×12 suites with kitchens and bathrooms that don’t explode on you.
I have to agree with Dave. Studies show that 3 out 4 people who’ve lived in Blackstone would like the University to demolish the building.
The alternative suggestion of turning it into a monastery is an option that would preserve the building and its spirit.
Citations, please.
If there are studies that show that 75% of Blackstone’s past and present population wants it gone, I would love to see their data. As it currently stands, I know many people who love Blackstone and wish it to stay, so I can’t help but wonder about the validity of your statistics.
I’m going to let HAL do the talking for me.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qnd-hdmgfk
Now we know who’s running the University.
Pierce is ugly as shit. Can’t wait for this demolition. Front row with a couple of 40ss and you know I’l have the whole thing on my HD 3D camera. RIP u miserable coffin! AFter party???