Students walking into Franklin Hall on the first day of classes were greeted by Media School ambassadors and staff members offering assistance in finding classrooms.
After almost two years of renovations, Franklin Hall, which houses the Media School, opened its doors Monday for the first day of classes.
Kristin Martindale, a Media School associate dean’s assistant, helped direct students as they stepped inside. Other staff members were stationed in various locations throughout the building to give directions.
The building is older with a lot of additions, and quirky, Martindale said. She knew students would need help finding their way.
For junior Glen Axthelm, a game design major, walking around the building was confusing. The game design studio is in the basement, which resembles a maze, Axthelm said.
“It’s very labyrinthian,” Axthelm said.
Edward Castronova, professor of media arts and production, focuses on game design. Castronova called the move to Franklin Hall a “Manhattan move.” It’s a much better space, but it’s half the size of the office he previously had.
Castronova added he prefers wood and stone as opposed to the newness of Franklin Hall. However, he appreciates the new spaces it provides, such as the game design lab.
The lab has more permanent machines, and it’s cool to have a place where both students and professors can gather and work together, Castronova said.
Despite the confusing hallways and partial construction, many students are excited to finally be in the building.
“It definitely lived up to expectations,” Axthelm said.
Axthelm said it’s nice enjoy having a central place for all majors in the Media School.
As a game designer, Axthelm said having a specific lab makes the program feel more solid. Before Franklin Hall was finished, game design classes were in the radio-TV building or Union Street Center.
“The classes were kind of all over the place,” Axthelm said. “But having a designated area makes game design feel more concrete.”
Senior Juliana Sherry, sports broadcasting major, spent the summer setting up classrooms around the building. She helped move equipment from Ernie Pyle Hall into Franklin Hall.
Sherry said it makes sense to have all of the majors in one building. Students will have access to all types of media in one place.
“Telecommunication, news, broadcast, every type of media is all in one place, so it’s good that IU is adapting,” Sherry said.
A new addition to the building is the individual edit bays where students can edit videos and clips they’re working on.
In Ernie Pyle Hall, students had to edit in a computer lab and use headphones to listen to their videos. These new rooms allow students to work on editing in a quiet room where they can invite professors or other students to work with them.
“It’s a much better way to edit,” Sherry said.
Castronova said he loves that he still can’t find his way around.
“How interesting is it when you enter a new game and you don’t know you’re way around,” Castronova said. “I’m so glad they left the nooks and crannies.”
