New building on campus has design on future

Students at Woodbury University’s School of Architecture and Design

will have a new space to build models, experiment with materials and

exhibit their work when they return to school this fall.

The construction of Kirby Hall, a 5,000-square-foot portable

structure designed to provide architecture and design students with

exhibit, classroom and studio space is scheduled for completion in

early September.

“We needed additional studio space for students and we needed it

quickly,” said Heather Kurzi, the dean of Woodbury’s architecture and

design school. “Over the last several years we’ve had increases in

the interior architecture department, and last year it exceeded our

capacity.”

Students’ access to studio space is an integral part of the

learning process, and the school’s growing enrollment made it

difficult to provide the space without a new structure, Kurzi said.

“Everyone is supposed to get a studio space that they have 24-hour

access to throughout the school year,” Kurzi said. “They have that

home base, where they do their design work. It’s an important part of

the curriculum that we commit to, and last year we were unable to

meet that commitment.”

Randy Stauffer, the chair of the interior architecture department,

designed the structure, which consists of a rigid aluminum frame and

a fabric exterior.

Woodbury University administrators have plans to construct a more

permanent, 14,000-square-foot building to provide a place for

architecture and design students to do their work. Officials hope

construction will begin by late 2006, he said.

Over the last several years, Woodbury has experienced a consistent

increase in enrollment, leading to the need for more structures to

accommodate students. Last year’s figures indicate that the school’s

enrollment has grown 30% in six years, according to Janet McIntyre, a

spokesperson for the school.

“That’s the main reason for the construction,” McIntyre said. “The

students need more room.”

The school is also making plans for the construction of new

buildings for other departments, including the school of business and

management.

“There’s been significant enrollment growth ,” said McIntyre.

“We’re looking at space needs to all of our students.”

The school is starting a fundraising effort to finance part of the

construction. For information about contributing, contact Richard M.

Nordin, the school’s vice president for university advancement at

(818) 252-5212 or [email protected].