By George Mauzy
Ohio University's new two-story classroom facility, located on the corner of Richland Avenue and South Green Drive, is hosting classes this winter quarter and students and faculty are saying, "Job well done."
The 44,000-square-foot building consists of classroom, meeting and office space and is complimented by the Bicentennial Park, a green space located on the west side of the building that features environmental art by world-renowned artist and architect Maya Lin that will be dedicated in May.
Lin's environmental artwork, "Input," comprises 21 pre-cast stone structures that together resemble a computer punch card. Engraved on each stone structure are phrases from an original poem written by Lin and her brother, Tan. The poem reflects on many of their experiences growing up in Athens. Their late father, Henry, is a former dean of Ohio University's College of Fine Arts and their mother, Julia, is a retired Ohio University professor of literature.
The building includes four large lecture halls that seat between 130 and 250 people, a large rotunda area that will be used for formal events and a large governance room that will serve as meeting space for the Ohio University Board of Trustees and Administrative, Classified, Faculty and Student senates.
"The students certainly like it," says Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy Charles Brient. "They say they can hear me in the back room and the projected images are easy to see from every seat in the room."
"I like the new classrooms for many reasons," says hearing and speech major Miranda Marr, a junior from Lancaster, Ohio. "The seats are comfortable and closer to the professor, which makes it easier to see and hear."
The rotunda, which was the site of a recent Ohio University Foundation Board meeting, can accommodate more than 400 people and is adjacent to a catering area equipped with a large refrigerator and ice machine.
All of the large rooms are hardwired with computers, DVD/CD and VCR players for the instructor that includes touch monitors. They also include dual projection screens, table-installed microphones, retractable chalkboards, large video screens and interactive personal-response software that enables students to respond to questions from the instructor using a small handheld remote. Each room also is equipped with hearing-impaired equipment. All of the lecture halls include handicap accessible and bariatric seating for students with special needs.
"Technologically, the building is really advanced," says Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry Paul Sullivan. "The students are closer to me which makes interaction easier and the acoustics are far superior. I also love the touch computer screen that makes it easier for me to jump around to different screens and show videos of chemical reactions and simulations."
"I'm still learning how to use all of the built-in technology, but there is no doubt that the building makes teaching easier," says Assistant Professor in Family Studies Margaret Manoogian. "The sound in the rooms is excellent and the visual experience is incredible. The tables have more room than traditional school desks and the semicircle setup in room 235 allows me to interact better with the students because they are much closer.
Other building amenities include several small conference rooms, public meeting space in the corridors and offices for the secretary of the board of trustees and building staff.
"There has been an incredible demand for scheduling in the building," says Tom Daniels, director of space management. "Anyone looking to find out more about the building can visit the Facilities Planning and Construction Web site at www.ohiou.edu/planning/."
The building was made possible by a $5 million gift from Robert Walter, chairman and CEO of Cardinal Health, Inc., and his wife, Peggy McGreevey Walter, both Ohio University graduates. Robert Walter is chairman of the Ohio University Board of Trustees.
The Walter's gift was in support of Ohio University's Bicentennial Campaign, which has a goal of raising more than $200 million by 2004, the University's 200th anniversary. The campaign, which has raised more than $190 million, will provide money for scholarships, endowed chairs and named professorships, technological enhancements, innovative programs and capital improvements.
"This building has a contemporary look on the inside and a contemporary classic look on the outside," says Pam Callahan, an Ohio University architect. "It is a wonderful building with state-of-the-art technology and lots of user friendly space for faculty, staff and students."
George Mauzy is a media specialist with Ohio University Communications and Marketing.
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