37 Days: Are You Ready?
With finals over and the fall classes a thing of the past, many students have by now undoubtedly scrammed for some mental relaxation during the holiday break. But whether you’re soaking in the rays on a beach vacation, heading home to see family and old friends, or catching the winter spirit here in the city, The New School will not be the same when you return.
On Saturday January 25, the entire University Center will open to students, changing the face of the university and bringing together all disciplines under the roof of a space built for exploration, experimentation, and collaboration. With anticipation high and curiosity brewing, the New_S caught up with a few New Schoolers to ask them their thoughts on the opening.
NEW_S: What are you most looking forward to when the building opens?
Kaity Kinloch, a sophomore BFA Illustration major, didn’t hesitate a moment with her response: “I just can’t wait for the construction noise to finally diminish.” Kinloch moved into the University Center’s dorms in late August.
“It looks so huge from the outside! I can’t wait to get in there and see all the available space and take part in the sustainable design,” says Myesha Gardner, who’s in her first year at Parsons.
Sophomore BFA Illustration major Alice Johnson, bundled against the cold outside of the Sheila C. Johnson Design Center, glanced up at the building from beneath her oversized hat. “It’s such a whimsical design,” she says dreamily. “The windows are like snakes.” Her friend and classmate Erica Mao chimes in, “I’m hoping the building will provide additional equipment and studio space that the university needs.” Rest assured, Erica, the building is 375,000 square feet, with plenty of studio space.
Mike Vega, an 11-year veteran dispatcher and regular face at the entrance to 55 West 13th Street, focused more on what the new building will offer students. “For residents of the building, the best thing is the lower-level gym,” he says. “Kids here have always worked their minds, now they can make sure they stay healthy and fit, too.” Vega also appreciates the building’s aesthetic appeal: “I’m excited for six months from now, when the stress of operating in a new building is gone and I can just enjoy the view.”
“I’m most looking forward to using the new universal library,” says Eugene Lang College sophomore Duncan Figurski as he grabbed lunch with friends in the Lang Courtyard. “There will be such an incentive to study there, with so much physical and digital reference data. Plus, the new community the building will bring together has to be cool.”
Happy Holidays and enjoy the break, New Schoolers. We will all hit the ground running once you return.