Hi Folks

My apologies for the long email but I want to bring you up all up to date on the work of the Lewis Hall design committee. Work is proceeding according to plan so I have a number of things to report. I know that we will have a stunning new home for the iSchool in 2011. Of course this requires lots of work and attention to detail. I am very grateful to all the members of the design committee for their hard work. Again, if you have any feedback or concerns don't hesitate to contact me or any member of the design committee.

1. The terms of the Lewis Hall renovation and the building of an addition state that this project will provide full replacement of the 17,500 square feet of assignable space that the iSchool currently occupies in Mary Hates Hall. This includes the lab spaces opposite faculty alley on level 3. UW technology will cease using these labs in Winter 2009. We will re-purpose these labs in winter and spring and we will be utilizing these spaces by Fall 2009. The predesign process revealed that full replacement of the iSchool program with adjustments for inadequate current space (such as IT and students services) would require 20,000 assignable square feet. This is 2,500 ASF short of the 17,500 ASF that we currently occupy in MGH. The Provost agrees that the iSchool needs this extra 2,500 ASF and we are currently looking at several options for this space outside of the Lewis Hall building and its addition. Having this (extra) space for the iSchool program is great news! It is also allowing us to think more creatively and expansively about the design of Lewis Hall. Our preferred option is another building on the Lewis Hall site (this is being explored with the Provost and CASPO). Likely occupants of this additional space are administrative services, academic services, and the GA crew. The Assistant Dean for Planning and Administration and the Associate Dean for Academics will also likely have offices here. This is still a work in progress and I will provide more information on this aspect of our space planning as it emerges.
   
   
2. As I stated in my last Lewis Hall update, faculty office design will be based on the design principles of:
   
   1. Equitable size and quality
   2. Access to natural light (window)
   3. Space for private conversations with a student advisee, faculty colleague or collaborator
   4. Suitable for solo work (thinking, reflection, creativity, scholarship and writing).

We will be trying to set up a model office in MGH in terms of size, lighting, furniture etc so that the faculty can see and experience what the design team has in mind. Please be assured that meeting the desired criteria for the faculty offices and designing offices that will facilitate faculty work is a very high priority for the design team.

3. I have also mentioned several times that our design of Lewis Hall will emphasize collaborative and community spaces . In the last generation of Lewis Hall plans, we have 11 small, unscheduled breakout spaces interspersed throughout the building ranging in size from 50 asf (probably 2-3 people) to 142 asf (maybe 5-6 people). In addition to these spaces, we have 4 conference rooms, the Commons that is available for all faculty, staff and students plus a 383 ASF roof deck.
   
   
4. Last week several ischool members of the design committee were given a tour of the Clark Hall site. Clark Hall is being completely gutted and redesigned. We were able to enter the empty shell of the building and it was very interesting to witness how the builders completely re-construct the interior of a building. A similar process with be followed for the renovation of Lewis hall.
   
   
5. The Design team have met with several operational teams to get input and feedback on program requirements and design elements. At this stage we have met with administrative services, student services, the development office, the dean's office and Information Technology. Thanks to all members of these groups for their helpful advice, ideas and enthusiastic participation. There will be many more opportunities for input.
   
   
6. On August 1st representatives from Mithun will be presenting to the iSchool founding board. This presentation will be similar to the presentation given by Mithun at our final school meeting in June. The purpose is to stimulate interest in the building by members of the founding board, to answer questions and to obtain input and feedback.

Thank you everyone. I know that you share my enthusiasm for this vital project for our school. I will keep you posted. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have ideas, issues or concerns that you would like to discuss.

Best wishes

Harry

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