The University is in the early stages of planning what may become a new building to enhance research facilities. A committee began discussing the possible building in September, but the project's details — including what and where it will be — remain up in the air, according to Provost Mark Schlissel P'15.
A committee co-chaired by Vice President for Research Clyde Briant and Dean of the Faculty Kevin McLaughlin P'12 will determine how a new building would enrich University teaching and if that building should be designated for a specific department or be interdisciplinary, Schlissel wrote in an email to The Herald. Its creation came after the University's purchase of property at 198 Dyer St. in the Jewelry District last spring, Schlissel wrote.
The committee has about 15 members, including faculty members and a representative from the Department of Facilities Management. No students sit on the committee.
Bi-weekly meetings cover topics such as innovative lab designs and ways to "blend teaching space and learning space," for future research buildings, Briant said.
Kenneth Breuer, professor of engineering and a member of the committee, said the group's discussions have been very general, focusing on identifying issues for future discussion. Students will be consulted before final decisions are made, Briant said.
UCS Communications Chair Samuel Gilman '15 said since the committee is exploratory and is not charged with making decisions, there are no direct consequences of not having student representation.
The committee hopes to release their findings to the provost by the end of this semester or early next spring.
