Space for science

Last week, the Board of Trustees approved a plan to construct a $50 million science building. The building, to be constructed behind Rawles and Myers Halls, is the first of a three-phase plan that would provide space for a badly overcrowded science department. \nThe trustees' decision is a much needed and sensible one. The science department, especially life sciences, which is cramped into Jordan Hall, has needed more space for years. If our abilities and reputation in science research is to improve, space must be expanded and new technology must be procured. This building is an important first step. \nNew research opportunities will be available for students, giving them the same opportunities in which other universities are putting large amounts of time and money. And we can only hope that this building will play an important role in faculty recruitment and retention -- an extremely important investment for the future of our University.\nAlso important is the architecture of the building itself. Most of the building is to be constructed underground, allowing for only a "small footprint" of disruption to the wooded areas behind those halls, according to a University statement. Our campus has always prided itself on its natural beauty. The woods behind Rawles and Myers provide a quiet escape from traffic and the hustle and bustle of the community. It is important that we not sacrifice campus nature for the sake of expansion. This building is the best possible compromise, giving us the best of what we need academically while preserving the best of our campus aesthetics. \nIU was named one of the five most beautiful campuses nationwide in Thomas Gaine's 2000 book "The Campus as a Work of Art." Chancellor Herman B Wells explained the nature of our campus's beauty best in a 1962 address to alumni:\n"I hope our alumni will always insist upon retention of our precious islands of green and serenity, our most important physical asset, transcending even classrooms, libraries and laboratories in their ability to inspire students to dream long dreams of future usefulness and achievement," he said.\nConstruction of a new science building is an important part of our long range goals as an academic institution. But let's not forget the physical part of campus that makes our education both beautiful and unique. We hope the plan for responsible construction in Dunn Forest sets a precedent for future expansion and the preservation of IU's natural beauty.\nWe also remind the administration of the importance of replanting the trees that are cut down in new construction. It has been a long held campus tradition that every tree cut down on campus is replaced with another elsewhere. In recent years that tradition was expanded to two trees for every one. We hope the administration takes advantage of this opportunity by beautifying a campus area in need.\nA new science building is an important step in strengthening the education and reputation of our university. This building will serve to benefit students majoring in and exploring electives in the sciences for many years to come. \n