New building to provide more cohesiveness in department

Photo courtesy of Hubert Dunsmore A NEW HOME: An artist's rendition of the new Computer Sciences building. Ground breaking is scheduled for the summer of 2002.

By Anna Herkamp
Summer Reporter

The department of computer science is scheduled to have long-needed space to accommodate its students, faculty and curriculum by the fall of 2004.

Friday the Board of Trustees approved the building of a new 60,000 square-foot computer science facility. It will stand at the corner of Third and University streets.

If there is enough funding, construction can begin as early as next summer and the school can move into its new facility by 2004, said Tim Korb, director of computer facilities for the Computer Science department.

One feature the building will offer students is a food court where students can informally meet and "get a cup of coffee at midnight," said Korb.

One thing about the industry of computer science is that projects are worked on in teams and not by individuals, said Hubert Dunsmore, professor of computer science.

The current computer science building has no space for people to collaborate with one another, he said.

Jens Palsberg, associate professor of computer science, a said there is little room for students to work with professors on projects. There are no facilities where people can meet and discuss work without disturbing the people around them.

The computer science department is spread out over five or six buildings, said Dunsmore. Therefore it is difficult to have a cohesive department of students, graduate students and faculty when everyone is in different places, he said.

The computer science department officially moved into the old alumni gymnasium in 1984. It was mistakenly thought that the space in the gym would be enough to accommodate the department, said Dunsmore.

In the late '80s the computer industry really took off, he said. Therefore, it became evident over time that they would need a bigger facility with more space to hold not only the population of the department — including faculty and students — but also the technology to keep up with the changing industry.

One feature the new building will have s enough space to house major computer systems. The system is now stored in the Math building.

There will also be space to house a graphics visualization facility and room for student organization meetings.

There will also be a distance learning classroom equipped with video cameras, microphones and other audio/visual equipment. Dunsmore said video conferencing will be a valuable tool for students in the future because it allows live interaction with other individuals from a distance.

A group of students may be developing software for a company. Video conferencing will allow them to "meet" and talk about the project.

The advising for the department will be more consolidated and functional. Most of the department's adviso]ers will be in the new building whereas now, the advisers are spread between the Computer Science Building and Math Building.

The common areas such as the food court will be similar to those in the Krannert Building. Areas such as these allow students to take a break, but still have access to their professors and teaching assistants, said Korb.

Dunsmore said a sentiment for a name of the food court among faculty is the old Good Earth Market store that used to be located where the new building will be. Palsberg said he misses having a place so close to the Computer Sciences building where the faculty could buy something to eat.

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