Explore Hellems' new design
Project timeline
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Nov. 2021
Programming
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Feb. 2022
Conceptual Design
[video:https://youtu.be/Nawii_6joLY]
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May 2022
Schematic Design & Preconstruction
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Sept. 2022
Design Development
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Jan. 2023
Construction Documents
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June 2023
Bidding
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Sept. 2023
Construction
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Sept. 2025
Commissioning
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Dec. 2025
Occupancy
About the project phases
Current Phase: Conceptual Design
The ²ÊÃñ±¦µä's concept team surveyed several hundred students to better understand facets of Hellems they want changed, kept in-tact and buildings on-campus students prefer. Students answered five qualitative questions in paragraph form, and from this data, the team drew the following conclusions:
I. Students would like to see refreshed interiors and inclusive bathrooms.
Of our respondents, 43 expressed interest in inclusive, easy-to-find bathrooms; 42 hope to see refreshed interiors; 30 desire inclusive study spaces; 27 would like Hellems to have an improved environmental impact; 22 want larger, adaptable classrooms; 20 would like the building to have better wayfinding; 20 would like the building to have more daylight; four expressed that, regardless of the changes, they would like the historic feel kept in tact; and three students requested better spaces for graduate students.
II. Students also feel positive about the building's historic feel.
When asked to describe the facets of Hellems they would not change, students grappled with wanting a fresh look while preserving the building's historic feel. Of respondents, 57 asked ²ÊÃñ±¦µä maintain the building's historic feel and warmth; 45 asked that the exterior and landscape not change; 24 hoped the Mary Rippon Theatre could be better celebrated; 21 expressed interest in a large, open staircase; 15 hoped enhanced study spaces, such as ALTEC, would remain; 15 asked that the large windows remain; 13 hoped the classrooms would not change; seven do not want to change Hellems at all; and six asked that the building be overhauled entirely.
III. Study spaces encourage students to stay longer.
When asked what would encourage students to stay longer in Hellems, there was more consensus than in previous questions. 107 noted that study spaces and public seating would encourage them to stay longer; 24 hoped to see more building amenities; 19 needed better bathrooms; 15 thought a building refresh would accomplish this goal regardless; 13 believed better lighting would make the space more welcoming; 12 wanted to see better building comforts, such as seating and temperature; nine expressed on this question that they did not want Hellems changed; and four desired to see better graduate student spaces.
IV. Students want a refreshed building that still retains history.
When describing other buildings on-campus that could serve as a model, students generally fell into four categories: 50 wanted the building to celebrate its history in a fresh way; 38 wanted to see a building that was fresh and modern; 35 hoped the building would, simply, be functional; and 34 desired to maintain an older-feeling building.
V. For faculty office hours, students prefer privacy.
In students' final question, we asked where they prefer faculty office hours. The vast majority, 105, preferred quiet, private spaces like an office; 46 liked the idea of having several options based on the conversation; 29 preferred visible, less formal spaces; 22 asked for semi-public, shared spaces; and seven asked that we emphasize virtual options.
Hellems early on
Many voices have contributed to making Hellems a welcoming space for all.
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