April 2020 update
During April, our team continued to work remotely developing plans for the HT renovation and auxiliary projects. The design team engaged with Medical Imaging, Nursing, and Biology stakeholders last month. In the month ahead, we will engage remotely with Architecture and Interior Design, Health Studies, Food and Nutrition, Physical Education and Exercise Science, Athletic Facilities, Music, Environmental Center, and Community Education stakeholders to further develop the plans for new spaces within the renovated HT building.
Our goal is to have the design for the HT building completed by December 2020. This past month the team advanced plans for the Temporary Modular Units (TMUs) that will be constructed in parking lot 12, refined plans for the Medical Imaging program to move to the basement of the HT building, and began exploring layouts incorporating all-user restrooms in all floors of the HT building. In April, P&CC and operational stakeholders focused on reviewing the schematic design plan put forward by the design team. The schematic design plans are now under budgetary pricing and review by the general contractor, the design team’s cost estimator, and P&CC. Schematic level cost estimates will provide information and help inform decisions as the design moves forward.
Swing space planning and design
During April, the building permit for the TMUs progressed as scheduled. The design team continues to refine the interior layout of these units with users, as well as refine site considerations. The majority of the TMU swing space will temporarily house Architecture and Interiors programs, as well as some other program space. P&CC will finalize all assignments to the TMUs by the end of May. The team studied alternatives for connecting these units to the rest of the campus. These included pedestrian walkways, accessible pathways, and wayfinding. Subject matter experts reviewed the project in terms of its technology, security, accessibility, parking, and transportation needs.
These temporary buildings will be identified as “Modulars”. This name will be used on temporary signage around campus, on electronic campus maps, and on scheduling. Given that campuses are closed to faculty, staff, and students due to COVID-19, we were given an opportunity to fast-track moving fitness equipment from HT02 and HT08 to the HT gym. This will happen during the first week of May, enabling us to begin relocating Medical Imaging to the basement of HT.
In April, the design team investigated different layouts for moving the Biology department out of HT and into the Science and Technology (ST) building. This decision triggered the need to swing Architecture and Interiors programs out of ST to make way for the Biology and Life Sciences program space. After their temporary assignment in the P12 TMUs, the Architecture and Interiors program will be permanently relocated to the HT Building, bringing much-needed direct adjacency to the creative arts program space in the Communications Technology (CT) building.
The Nursing department’s temporary space plans are under development. Biology and Nursing stakeholder groups have provided valuable information and insight to the design team.
All programs and/or staff required to swing out of HT and/or other SY buildings during construction will be identified by the end of May; all stakeholders will be notified by their Division Deans about engagement opportunities with P&CC and the design team as relocation planning and design and/or move logistics are defined.
HT building
As noted above, Medical Imaging stakeholders have been collaborative partners in planning the relocation of their instructional space to the basement of the HT building. The design documents will be submitted soon for facilities permitting and are time-sensitive to deliver usable space by the time construction starts on the east side of the building, slated for spring 2021.
Nursing stakeholders have likewise participated in heavy engagement with P&CC and the design team to define their space needs within HT.
The HT design, nearing completion of the schematic design phase, is currently being vetted by P&CC, and academic and operational stakeholder groups. Some of this work includes the following:
- Numerous test fits in order to maximize the efficiency of each program’s area within the existing floor plate and structure.
- Improved circulation and connectivity within and around the building, as well as in relation to adjacent buildings and their uses.
- Analysis of proposed locations for general purpose classrooms and open and inviting collaborative spaces within HT.
- Considerations for ideal scenarios for plumbing and mechanical systems.
- Elements that align with the project’s sustainability goals, such as a roof replacement that would include space appropriate for photovoltaic array (also known as solar panels) to potentially meet the electrical needs of the entire building, as well as automated operable windows to bring cool night time fresh air into the building to reduce energy consumption. This technique is often referred to as nighttime flushing.