Building Uses

Existing Building Uses

As is to be expected on a campus that has evolved over half a century and grown from a small agriculturally based school to a major university, the demands on its buildings have changed, and the original organization of built space by discipline has been largely eclipsed by new needs. Schools and Colleges within the university are typically divided between several buildings often scattered across the campus.

Future Building Uses

The ability for existing buildings to be adapted or expanded to fulfill future needs depends largely on their condition. This is explored in a subsequent section of this master plan from which is drawn a conclusion on possible sites for future buildings. An objective is to consolidate scattered Schools and Colleges and administrative departments so that they can function effectively at every level, with spaces and equipment appropriate to their needs and numerous opportunities for professional and social interaction. Faculty offices need to be close to teaching spaces, especially when books and equipment must be carried to and fro.

Buildings must be hospitable to impromptu meetings and incidental study. History has taught us that buildings must also be adaptable to changing uses and expandable to accommodate growing needs. Buildings must also be oriented and designed to conserve energy as well as being built from sustainable materials and employing sustainable practices such as daylight harvesting and natural ventilation, both of which contribute to the conservation of costly energy.

 

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