The following report was prepared by the Architect and will be assumed to be correct unless written exceptions are received within two weeks of publication date.

                                                      

     Meeting                                                                                            

          Date:      23 May 2001                                                     Report Date: 28 May 2001  

   Location:        300 Macmillan  

      Project:       Wells College Master Planning        

Project No:       00068

     Subject:        Science Building Schematic Design Meeting

 

Attendees:       

Wells College                                                    Candace Collmer

Tom Vawter

Niamh O’Leary

                                                                                                Chris Bailey

                                                                        Margaret Flowers

                                                                        Christina Wahl                                     

 

                        HOLT Architects, P.C.                                     Grace Chiang

                                                                                                Graham Gillespie

                                                                                                Tina Lacey

 

 

Discussion:

1.       G. Chiang presented the most recent plans for the proposed science building and commented the plans continue to be refined following each week’s meeting.

2.       Proposed First Floor:

a.       Tiered Lecture Hall:

i.         HOLT presented revised plans of the 80-person lecture hall to reflect faculty comments from last week’s meeting.  The orientation of the lecture has been changed from tiered straight rows facing west to a tiered horseshoe shape facing south.  The 80-person size was discussed again, faculty wondered if it was really adequate in size.  It was agreed that this should be discussed and reviewed with Ellen Hall.  It was noted that the space would be used for Science colloquiums and as a primary lecture hall serving the whole campus community.

ii.       It was agreed that there should be a second door to the back of the lecture hall.

iii.      The speakers podium will likely be offset, to gain best slide viewing angles from all seats, and would function as the main AV control with a touch pad screen.  A/V equipment would be located in an equipment closet with remote control from the podium.

iv.     The configuration of this space will continue to be discussed and the group is planning some field trips to visit some different lecture hall spaces to see the pros and cons.

b.       HOLT will review the number of door locations entering the lab and prep areas from the Physics and Physics/Physiology lab locations and eliminate one set of connecting doors to gain additional square footage.

3.       Proposed Second Floor:

a.       A door from the growth chamber to the corridor will be added in the next plan revisions.

4.       Proposed Third Floor:

a.       The collection room remains at this level and it was ultimately determined that this is the most appropriate location.

b.       Candace noted the proposed amount of prep space between lab types “D” and “A” may be inadequate to accommodate the amount of equipment that is necessary.  This issue will be further explored as the details of the spaces are designed.

c.       C. Bailey commented the lounge chairs in the library could be eliminated which might allow an expansion of the shelving area.

5.       General Comments: 

a.       Faculty expressed a desire to relocate the dark room, currently shown on the proposed first level, to the third floor.

b.       C. Wahl commented that each 4-station bench in the proposed first floor Physics/Physiology Lab “E” should have at least one computer.  Moveable benches are desirable only if electrical and AV connections will not be exposed and become a tripping hazard.  G. Chiang commented that moveable benches can be planned and electrical outlets would be positioned in appropriate floor locations.  S. Heinekamp will be consulted for requirements of the Physics courses. 

c.       C. Wahl noted water and drains may be necessary at each 4 station bench in the Physics/Physiology Lab “E”, she will review and advise.  Again S. Heinekamp will be consulted for potential conflict.

d.       Service Elevator:

i.         To gain needed storage space at the proposed second and third floors HOLT will review implications of moving the elevator toward the corridor.  The disadvantage noted at the meeting is that the elevator door would open immediately onto the corridor without a vestibule.  The elevator would need to be a have two openings, one to the south and the other to the north in order to accommodate this layout.

ii.       The elevator machine room would continue to be maintained at the first floor level.

e.       The space created by moving the elevator toward the corridor might be captured for the cold room, darkroom or collections.  HOLT will review.

f.        C. Collmer noted in the idealized layout of the revised program research labs are scheduled 300 sq. ft. The current proposed research labs in the east wing are a little short.  HOLT will review and revise.

g.       Labs:

i.         C. Collmer noted nine faculty research labs are proposed.  Eight faculty research labs are currently needed.  HOLT noted that it has been assumed, from previous discussion, that the Physics Research lab will be shared by the two physics faculty.  HOLT will confirm.  The one un-assigned faculty research lab will remain in the proposed plan as “flex space”.  

ii.       C. Wahl commented that “non-traditional” lab arrangements might be considered.  For example one large bench at the center of a research space might afford the occupants the most bench space.  Narrow cabinets could line the walls for storage of necessary glassware and equipment.

iii.      Faculty noted that 4 – 6 students will be sharing each research lab space, but that they will never or rarely be in the space all at the same time. 

h.       Faculty Offices:

i.         Faculty expressed the desire to have individual temperature control for each space.

ii.       The extra faculty office for visiting faculty is currently shown to be the same size as all the other offices.  It was determined that having two part-time faculty share a 160 sq. ft. office would be acceptable.

i.         Faculty determined that classes currently offered would be accommodated in the current proposed science building.  There would also be flexibility to accommodate future additional courses when necessary.   The following space assignments were determined and will be assumed for design purposes:

 

i.         Odd Spring –  Class followed by proposed floor and room description.

(1)    Intro to Bio – 152 (2)     Third Floor corner “D” lab                                                        

(2)    Systematic – 303           Second Floor “G” lab

(3)    Animal Behavior –324   Second Floor “G” lab

(4)    Genetics – 226              Third Floor interior “D” lab

(5)    Enviro – 102 (1)            Second Floor corner “D” lab

(6)    Enviro – 385                 Second Floor corner “D” lab

(7)    Cellular 309                   Third Floor interior “D” lab

ii.       Even Spring – Class followed by proposed floor and room description

(1)    Intro to Bio - 152 (2)                  Third Floor corner “D” lab        

(2)    Vertibrates – 304                      Third Floor corner “D” lab

(3)    Microbiology – 310                    Third Floor interior “D” lab

(4)    Genetics – 226                          Third Floor interior “D” lab

(5)    Biology – 113                            Second Floor “G” lab

(6)    Animal Physiology – 330            First Floor “E” lab        

(7)    Environmental – 102                  Second Floor corner “D” lab

iii.      Odd Fall - Class followed by proposed floor and room description

(1)    Bio - 151(2)                  Third Floor interior “D” lab

(2)    Developmental -            Third Floor corner “D” lab

(3)    Enviro – 101                 Second Floor corner “D” lab

(4)    Enviro – 385                 Second Floor corner “D” lab

(5)    Advanced Eco – 363     Second Floor “G” lab

(6)    Ecology – 213               Second Floor “G” lab

iv.     Even Fall - Class followed by proposed floor and room description

(1)    Molecular – 312            Third Floor interior “D” lab

(2)    Biology – 115                Third Floor interior “D” lab

(3)    Bio – 151                      Third Floor corner “D” lab

(4)    Aquatic – 325               Second Floor corner “D” lab

(5)    Enviro – 101                 Second Floor corner “D” lab

(6)    Enviro – 385                 Second Floor corner “D” lab

(7)    Plant Morph. – 307        Second Floor “G” lab

(8)    Ecology – 213               Second Floor “G” lab

(9)    Geology – 131               Second Floor “G” lab

 

 

Prepared by,

HOLT ARCHITECTS, P.C.

 

 

Tina Lacey

 

Cc: Attendees, L. Ryerson, D. Hutchinson, E. Hall, A. Rollo, S. Heinekamp, H. Barone, L. Schwab, J. Woolford