Robert Neithart, Asst. News Editor—
A plan to renovate Doane Administration to house the computer science and data analytics departments is the latest in a number of efforts Denison has recently undertaken in the interest of supporting departments and fostering collaboration.
Denison Provost, Dr. Kim Coplin, said, “The conversations about academic space and academic space needs started before COVID-19”
Associate Provost for Operations, Dr. Kim Specht, explained that the prospect of relocating university offices and departments had been on the table for a long time, with computer science and data analytics being identified as departments most needing relocation, saying, “that [they] had outgrown their space.”
Throughout the process of planning, Doane was identified as an ideal candidate to house computer science and data analytics departments, largely due to its proximity as a building on the academic quad but also because it was already in need of renovation as a building constructed in the late 19th century.
Chair of computer science, Dr. Ashwin Lall, explained that professors and students from both computer science and data analytics “[had] a hand in crafting the new space.” Saying that the project plans for Doane include resources like visualization labs, student-focused spaces, collaborative spaces and dedicated research areas for use during the summer and school year.
Dr. Coplin explained that Denison is taking careful consideration in every step of the process, saying, “We want [Doane] to be a state of the art building… to meet the needs of students.”
For such an old building, there are lots of logistical concerns that must be addressed in the process of renovating Doane, including the potential layout of classrooms, the development of lab spaces, as well as possible additions to the building as a whole.
Occurring in conjunction with the long-term plan of relocating departments to Doane is the renovation of Beth Eden, which will be the new home for many university offices currently located in Doane.
Dr. Specht explained that the renovations for Beth Eden are on track, with the construction projected to be completed by early summer.
As for the timeframe of the Doane renovation, Dr. Specht explained that Denison plans to break ground in late summer, saying the projected length of the project will likely span two years.
As it is one of the oldest buildings on campus, the renovation of Doane will require significant attention to detail on behalf of architects and administrators, taking into account the history of the site and the potential implications of renovation.
Dr. Coplin elaborated, explaining that throughout the history of Denison’s renovation and development of academic spaces, input from students and faculty has always been a vital consideration in the process of development.
The case is no different for the Doane project, which has seen input from faculty and students in choosing an architectural firm, planning classroom layouts and developing collaborative spaces.
Acknowledging the importance of supporting the departments of computer science and data analytics in a global climate wherein technological advancement remains a driving economic force, Dr. Specht concluded, saying, “We want this building to be a place that ideas expand out of.”