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IRC finds home in SEC

Within every project crucial decisions are made on a daily basis, a few
weeks ago one such consensus was reached concerning the International Resource
Center’s move into the SEC. Though the group was initially thought to be a part
of the building, it had changed gears and moved into MU 109 due to a lack of
sufficient space.

 

This move has created an even stronger “Student Experience” in the
building, adding to the one stop resource for all information about various
groups, and social events. The IRC will provide a forum for both foreign and
native students to ask questions, get answers and even complete an occasional Skype
session with loved ones back home.

 

A decision of this caliber has implications, in this case consuming the
space that was previously being considered as retail. According to Robyn Jones,
Assistant Director of MU Retail Food Service, there were major motives for
terminating the move to the SEC; it is an expensive operation to move, there is
not a big enough population in the SEC to bring revenue, and there wasn’t a
direct door available. Increased revenue will also be sought via the renting of
the multipurpose room (comparable in size to rooms in Dixon) located above the
big “ballroom” and adjacent to Robyn Jones new restaurant.

 

However, everything about this decision is working out for the better, as
the food cart once considered for the SEC has moved to the glassy part of north
porch area inside of what is now the bookstore. This allows for the use of
direct exposer to the overhead canopy, a high activity area. Furthermore by
staying in the MU East Wing the food cart is able to use the hood from the
cultural kitchen below, thus being able to create more diverse, portable foods.

 

This decision has tied both buildings together with a stronger link than
previously anticipated by freeing up opportunities to be more diverse and
student focused. As Eric Alexander, Director of Student Leaders and Involvement
stated, “The building [SEC] feels more like the epicenter of student activity
and engagement; It’s not where everything happens(concerts, comedians, cultural
events) but it is how people plan, lead and make that work possible.”

category: East Wing, General Info, Space Allocation

Latest Update from Architects

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

MU East Wing

While reviewing renovation options and cost effective strategies earlier this week, committee members, alongside Opsis architects, and Anderson engineers focused on maximizing leasable space while creating an open, experientially pleasing feel.

MU conversation highlighted committee direction. Is retail space in or out relative to the north end? Will rooms be successful and programmatically useful at their current size? Many questions arose, however top priority was awarded to the cultural kitchen under the pretense that concluding that space would allow for build out.

Homework for the next week will be the resolution of program placement in an effort to lock in individual spatial needs. Concurrently, Opsis will create a package of organized options defining expectations and scoping documents.

Craft Center

Craft Center representatives came prepared for their meeting with Opsis, equipped with a presentation highlighting all concerns, necessities, and wishes. Among many ideas presented came the preference for an LCD screen on the first floor in an effort to increase their presence throughout the building. Additionally designs were suggested for a mini store, gift gallery, and student/faculty storage among many foundational necessities.

With this information at hand, Opsis and Anderson will calculate cost difference while Craft Center representatives examine general options presented to them for the closest fit.

SAPC

After looking over notes supplied by the SAPC, Opsis incorporated changes into SEC layout. Though concerns were voiced about maximum space capacities for offices, architects were quick to remind all that the building is still in the allocating stage. Once that is polished, committees will begin looking at individual group arrangements.

Questions concerning the first floor were appeased, as it was decided that the stair-style seating area would be removed, with the possibility of a food cart in its place. Additionally, in what may have been one of the most controversial discussions, it was decided that the International Resource Center would be placed in what was once retail space.

An area that hasn’t received much attention in this blog, the plaza between the MU and SEC, was highlighted during the meeting. Discussion focused on the need for a fire lane, permanent benches to help define the space, possible stage locations, stage cover and power box locations. The covered portion of the plaza will be around 60 feet by 135 feet or 8,400 square feet; however, to further plan for the space architects will need a cleared idea of what it will be used for.

Student Media

Opsis showed new floor plans for the fourth floor of the SEC to Student Media and requested feedback on their incorporation of warranted changes. A few issues arose such as the problem of mixed light coming into the TV studio, the edit bay size, need for a widow between the two radio studios, a window in the control room and the placement of a TV screen on the first floor to stream what is happening on the fourth floor.

Additionally, Student Media began discussion about a possible change of location of the stairwell which would benefit them, but sparks concern of how it would affect the arrangement of rooms on the fourth floor. 

Updated news on the antenna/microwave dish on the roof of the SEC revealed a strong possibility of the antenna tower finding a home atop a different building.  If the tower does end up on the SEC, it will be a simple pole, rising forty feet in the air, not the traditional tower currently residing on Snell Hall.

Accessibility Workshop

Opsis started this workshop with a review of the SEC project.  The design incorporates several components, historic appearance, campus flow of people, LEED certification, campus master plan and the principles of universal design.

Each floor of the building was highlight and reviewed, indicating various ADA elements incorporated into the design. Concerns from students included campus parking, ADA access from other parts of the campus to the building, ADA access on campus during construction and renovation, and emergency exits from the workspace. Other circumstances warranting attention were; location of bike parking in front of the SEC blocking foot and wheelchair flow into the building, size of restroom turn-a-round space, adaptable workspaces, and entrance over hands to cover students as they enter the building.

category: Construction, East Wing, Space Allocation

Architect’s Update

On Wednesday, May 9th, Opsis Architects and Andersen Construction met with representatives from the Student Experience Center for regularly scheduled meeting.  These meeting occur every other week on Wednesday and divided into different work sessions.  This week Opsis and Andersen met with SEC Space Committee, The MU East Wing Committee, the Craft Center (basement level of the SEC) and Student Media (fourth floor of the SEC).  Here are notes for those meetings.

Student Experience Center

SEC Meeting on May ninth focused on floors one through three of the Student Experience Center. Opsis architects and Anderson engineers spent last week mulling over value engineering studies which were reviewed and discussed, revealing the withdrawal of one of two large ventilation shafts.

As representatives worked through the building, each level was assessed for necessary changes. To start, ground floor discussion centered on the relocation of the kitchenette. However, the second floor revolved around the creation of a lactation room, addition of space for Diversity Development, and the reorganization of office areas in the Center for Civic Engagement.  Lastly, third floor conversation featured major changes in spatial needs warranting complete reorganization. This may mean the addition of a special session between Opsis and SEC-SAPC constituents assigned to that floor. 

Finally, an accessibility workshop scheduled for May 23rd at 3pm in Memorial Union 208 will house discussion on various ADA issues in the both the main and amphitheater style stairways.

MU East Wing Renovation

Contractors, architects, and various renovation committees met on May ninth to discuss a menu of twenty-five distinct alternatives for building layout and design. Each choice differed in allotment of square footage, tenant placement, and appropriated budget amounts.

As of recent, consensus is being reached on quite a few projects including but not limited to the renovation of the MU Ballroom ground floor bathrooms, addition of a new stair to ground floor, ramping revisions, replacement of the existing basement AHU, and an ADA lift at the Ballroom stage.

Furthermore, with a huge loss of revenue following the relocation of the bookstore, a goal has been set from the standpoint of all work groups to generate income, something that cannot be done without four revenue building businesses. With this in mind, if projects that are on the table require additional funding, they can be justified by their generation of future funds.

Craft Center (Basement Level of SEC)

The inherit conflict in last week’s meeting between Opsis and Craft Center representatives was the withdrawal of the main stairway from the fourth floor. Not only does this change the layout by adding a significant amount of lobby space but also eliminates the Craft Centers presence from upper floors.

Over the next few weeks all parties involved will mull over this obstacle, as well as project design and layout, i.e. woodshop, ventilation entities, trap drains, and hose bibs. Once the list has been back checked and corrections made to the schematic design, reconfiguration can commence.

Student Media (Fourth Floor of the SEC)

Much of the meeting between head architects of Opsis and Student Media representatives on May 9th was allocated to the reorganization of office and storage space in an attempt to create better work flow.

Also concerns were expressed about sound transfer by way of window and wall design. Representatives were quick to remind both architects and engineers of the need for floating floors in both radio and recording studios in an effort to limit sound vibration throughout the remainder of the building.

As of recent, architectural drawings include a roof antenna modeled after the current one on Snell Hall, and the possible addition of a microwave dish. However, before continuing to the historic review commission, Opsis and Anderson will spend time reviewing and incorporating the changes requested on the ninth.

category: East Wing, General Info, Space Allocation

SEC Architect Review

On Wednesday, April 25th, Opsis Architecture, Andersen Construction and OSU Construction Management meet with Student Experience Center and Memorial Union East Wing renovation committees. The focus was restarting the planning process after a break of a little more than year.  Below are notes from the three group meetings.  These meetings will reoccur every other week into June.

Student Experience Center

Last week marked a crucial point in design development as meetings between architects and various project committees commenced. Current effort is focused on both budget and the re-orientation of project understanding and adaptability which was stunted earlier last year during the design/programming phase. Fortunately decisions that need to be made concerning the Student Experience Center budget doesn’t appear to be impacting floor plans or square footage, but have more to do with materials, structure, furnishings, finishing, etc.

Each floor plan was reviewed for any significant changes that may have procured over the six month break, which revealed two obvious adjustments in building layout. The HSRC will no longer be located in the facility and questions have been surfaced concerning whether the mediation room will be a tenant of the SEC or MU. With that in mind, decisions about the vacant space left behind by the HSRC and determination about the mediation room location will be at the forefront of Space Allocation Committee conversations over the next two weeks.

James Meyer, Head Project Architect from Opsis provided the committee with a tentative timeline revealing the upcoming campus planning committee at the end of June and Historic Review Commission soon after. Construction is projected to begin in the fall with the intention of a January 16th 2015 completion date.

For the next two weeks, the committee will concentrate on further examination of layout and the “Detailed Project Program” book. Questions, concerns, and alterations will need to be communicated as soon as possible in order to revise assumptions on current spatial needs and desires.

MU East Wing Renovation

On April 25th, the MU East Wing Committee and Architects from Opsis assembled to discuss the most difficult yet pertinent issue in any construction project, the budget. With legislature permitting a maximum amount of $9,177,500 for the project and ACCO projected costs amounting to $14,733,588, drastic cuts are warranted.

Due to its smaller renovation, the Memorial Union has a much more challenging delta than the Student Experience Center. A refresher in site/building analysis opened up discussion of possible changes in programming and schematic designs that could alleviate financial pressure. These consisted of tenant locations, as well as overall facility furnishing, engineering, and floor plan. The reorientation of project details is significant in that it affects both the large concern, being the Historical Review, and small yet noteworthy points such as duct work and ceiling consistencies.

Discussion on the construction of the second Ballroom was long-lasting as ideas flowed concerning space partitioning, external features and acoustical criteria. The thought behind this, and all other aspects of the renovation, is to include the least amount of things possible in an attempt to avoid future manipulations and increase room flexibility.  

Another important aspect of the MU renovation is the accessibility and connectivity of the facility. With the addition of new stairs to increase pedestrian flow as well as a mezzanine level exit, elevator, and expanded Jefferson street entrance, the renovated east wing is planned to be one of the most user-friendly places on campus.

Over the next few weeks, it will be the primary priority of the Mu East Wing Committee to examine every aspect of the renovation project and find what can be cut out or done in a different way.  The meeting on Wednesday wasn’t meant for decision making but instead the brainstorming of possible modifications. Finding 30-40% of the budget is quite the job but as James Meyers, Head Architect of Opsis said, “It’s a big number, which just means we need big ideas about what to do.”

Student Media Center (SEC 4th Floor)

A Meeting on April 25th between Student Media and architects from Opsis examined priorities for construction progress over the next couple of weeks. On Wednesday, primary attention was spent on scope perception and the understanding of technology deliverance and appliance. At this time, input is exceedingly valuable, where as in six months it will be more difficult to incorporate into the project.

Discrepancies in the rough floor plan and schematic final were revealed, illuminating a need for the review and resolution of layout desires. Current plans feature an open space with areas of privacy for ad sales and confidential conversations.

As of today, time is being taken to further discuss the details, and a document is being drawn up of adjacencies and so forth. Over the next two weeks project leaders will work to confirm that the most recent spreadsheet is correct while architects look over discrepancies and create images of open and private offices.

category: Construction, East Wing, General Info, Space Allocation

MU East Wing

Last week on April 16th, the MU East Wing committee convened to discuss a number of affairs, ranging from budget constraints to architectural design requests. With deadlines approaching and decisions pending, current committee concerns deal mostly in communication with both outside and inside sources.

High on the docket this week is the layout of the soon to be second ballroom to be located in the area now inhabited by the bookstore. This will provide additional event space for the growing student population, while being built in such a manner so as to be flexible in use. Also discussed was the availability of meeting room space in the MU is dwindling and won’t be increasing with the current influx in enrollment. Spaces need to possess more than just high quality, but a degree of adjustability to fit future needs. Something as simple as wheeled furniture and systematically placed doors opens up the room to the possibility of use as an ideal meeting place, classroom, lounge, and much more.

The next step is the creation of an allocation form for groups and businesses locating and relocating into the Memorial Union. The questionnaire will feature a number of queries dealing with desires, planned hours of operation, services provided and facility support such as electricity, plumbing, network, etc. This will allow for proper analysis of special needs from groups such as ISOSU, Student Veterans Support, Banking, and Printing/Mailing services and more.

category: East Wing

SEC Planning & Construction Postponed

The Oregon Legislature needed to approve of the SEC/MU project to give OUS the authorization to proceed with bond sales and therefore the construction.  For the past several weeks, we have been answering questions about the project, as legislative members on the House Ways and Means Capital Construction Committee raised them with OSU officials.  I regret to inform you that the committee failed to include the SEC/MU project in HB5006.  This will cause us a significant delay that will postpone the completion of our Design Development Phase scheduled to begin in July for an undetermined number of months and also delay construction completion beyond our desired summer of 2013.   The failure to approve of a non-State funded construction project is unusual.  I cannot recall a similar situation in my twenty-five years, but there’s a first time for everything.

The delay has many complicating side effects that we are still trying to measure.  The most important message that I can give you now is that we will not give up pursuing what the students of the institution have legitimately approved through their vote.  We have followed every procedural expectation over the five-year path to get to this point.  Likewise, we must also learn to adjust our planning with this delay…no matter how much we each may feel the disappointment or dislike the effects.  Today will feel insignificant when we compare it to the elation of stepping into these new program homes for the first time or the benefits that will come from the collaborations and improved resources for highly valued student experiences

Michael Henthorne, Director OSU Memorial Union

category: Construction, East Wing, Fee Impact, General Info, Space Allocation

OSU Bookstore Move

The construction timeline for the Student Experience Center (SEC) is tied to move of the OSU Bookstore. There is a great article in the Barometer on Thursday, January 13 about how this process is going. Here is a link to the story titled “Bookstore searches for new campus location”.

The Daily Barometer has done an excellent job of keeping the student population informed about the condition of Shell Hall, which houses many student services and programs. They have followed the process of student leaders looking at different solutions up to the current plan to replace Snell Hall with the SEC. You can see an archive of Barometer stories related to this topic by going to the tap at the top of this site titled “Barometer Articles”. It starts in May of 2003 and goes up to the present.

category: East Wing, Fee Impact, General Info, Space Allocation
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Space Planning Committee

Responsible for the space plan, occupancy and collaboration with architects to develop the SEC interior office, program and service areas. This group will meld into a policy recommendation group at the conclusion of the building programming phase.

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SEC Construction Committee

Responsible for construction coordination, general purpose and public space planning, construction budget, timelines and minimizing impact on campus and using sustainable systems/finishes. Coordinates w/ architects for historical district fit, LEED certification, and public space planning.

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Memorial Union East Wing Committee

Responsible for MU space plan, occupancy recommendations and collaboration with architects to program the MU East Wing and any other space necessary to serve remaining Snell programs not housed in the SEC. Make recommendations on vacancies in MU created by relocation to SEC.