60 Years in Akerman Hall
Akerman Hall,built in 1948, has watched AEM students graduate from its walls for many years. According to some, the building is a testament and home cutting edge research, a direct product of the inhabitants, some of the most talented students and faculty in the world. The familiar walls remind students of a time in life full of personal growth, excitement of learning and their researchand the fun and relationships had throughout.
While Akerman has been the subject of several building reviews citing the necessary updates and modifications, with the exception of some “temporary” modificationsthe original structure of the building remains untouched.
The Department takes action
In April of 2007, AEM faculty and staff commissioned design firm, Leo Daly, to conduct a space study to evaluate space usage and overall condition. Additionally, a Committee was assembled including a total of seven AEM faculty and staff. Through a series of meetings the goals of this project were established by the committee and were reported by Leo Daly with a set of recommendations.
Theprimary goals were established as being the need for increasing office space for students, lab space, and creating a departmental identity and architectural presence on campus, accomplished by fully developing all of the under-utilized areas of thebuilding.
Leo Daly states, “Building needs for AEM continue to grow and change with advancements in technology. In addition, student numbers increase while space availability on campus has decreased.” This report included a short and long term plan.
The short term plan called for the conversion of the first floor shop area to graduate student office space. In efforts to support our research and teaching initiatives, we have completed another renovation project. This project was completed for Spring 2008. The department funded the majority of this $110,000 project on its own. The Dean’s Office also showed support and contributed a supplement of $50,000. The space is going to be used for teaching assistants and includes a teaching and learning center which provides the space and technology for collaborative learning, and a more formal space to connect with industry partners for our students at all levels.
The long term goal for the building consists of reconfiguring and remodeling the hanger portion of Akerman Hall. Over the years, temporary fixes have been made to the use and function of the hanger area. Unfortunately, the various approaches in combination have left the building with several life safety code violations.
“The building is not handicap accessible, there are several student labs without proper exiting, and there is not a code compliant exit stair in the building.” Leo Daly goes on that the “overall effect is a disorganized inefficient use of space.” The long term plan completely renovates the hanger area. In doing so, all of the serious issues are remedied and the department getsan attractive visual entry and a tall dramatic entry vestibule where student work can be displayed.
The University Agrees
The University is also now recognizing the need for the updates needed. The building has been targeted by the Office of Classroom Management in regards to the nine classrooms on the second and third floors. The OCM has already issued support for this initiative.
The project renovates existing space to meet instructional requirements, replaceswindows, tiles and ceilings, puts new power and lighting in each room, addsan HVAC system in each classroom, and the heating infrastructure will be replaced or upgraded.
The cost of the hangar renovation is 1.5 million dollars and the classroom renovation will cost $2 million dollars, of which the department has been asked to support <insert number>. Professor Gary Balas is optimistic that through the strong partnership with our alumni and the industry, we will raise the funds to complete these projects.
As the formal strategy is developed more information on becoming a lasting part of AEM history will be available.
In Fall of 2009 ATK gave 75,000