New building on campus has design on future
Students at Woodbury University’s School of Architecture and Design
will have a new space to build models, experiment with materials and
exhibit their work when they return to school this fall.
The construction of Kirby Hall, a 5,000-square-foot portable
structure designed to provide architecture and design students with
exhibit, classroom and studio space is scheduled for completion in
early September.
“We needed additional studio space for students and we needed it
quickly,” said Heather Kurzi, the dean of Woodbury’s architecture and
design school. “Over the last several years we’ve had increases in
the interior architecture department, and last year it exceeded our
capacity.”
Students’ access to studio space is an integral part of the
learning process, and the school’s growing enrollment made it
difficult to provide the space without a new structure, Kurzi said.
“Everyone is supposed to get a studio space that they have 24-hour
access to throughout the school year,” Kurzi said. “They have that
home base, where they do their design work. It’s an important part of
the curriculum that we commit to, and last year we were unable to
meet that commitment.”
Randy Stauffer, the chair of the interior architecture department,
designed the structure, which consists of a rigid aluminum frame and
a fabric exterior.
Woodbury University administrators have plans to construct a more
permanent, 14,000-square-foot building to provide a place for
architecture and design students to do their work. Officials hope
construction will begin by late 2006, he said.
Over the last several years, Woodbury has experienced a consistent
increase in enrollment, leading to the need for more structures to
accommodate students. Last year’s figures indicate that the school’s
enrollment has grown 30% in six years, according to Janet McIntyre, a
spokesperson for the school.
“That’s the main reason for the construction,” McIntyre said. “The
students need more room.”
The school is also making plans for the construction of new
buildings for other departments, including the school of business and
management.
“There’s been significant enrollment growth ,” said McIntyre.
“We’re looking at space needs to all of our students.”
The school is starting a fundraising effort to finance part of the
construction. For information about contributing, contact Richard M.
Nordin, the school’s vice president for university advancement at
(818) 252-5212 or Richard.Nordin@woodbury.edu.
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