UT-Dallas: Projects & Development

[CTroyMathis]

Some interesting tidbits of info and a few construction timeline photos...

...of the School of Management construction at UTD.

From here:
http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/nb_recent_052303.htm

New Building Construction (203,837 sq. ft.)
The ground has been broken, and construction is underway for a 200,000-square-foot building that will serve as home to the university's rapidly growing School of Management.

The four-story structure, expected to be completed by the summer of 2003, will house classrooms with state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, wireless connectivity, video-conferencing facilities, a computer lab, faculty offices, meeting rooms and an executive education center. To be located on the UTD campus at the southeast corner of University Parkway and Drive A, the new building also will contain facilities that the School of Management's alumni and corporate supporters can use to hold events and seminars.

Jerry Hoag, senior adviser of the management consulting firm A. T. Kearney, Inc., and immediate past chairman of the UTD School of Management Advisory Council, said the new building would provide a state-of-the-art management education facility in which to train the region's workforce. "This new management building will be a key driver in the continued development of Dallas as a leading global economic center," he predicted.

__________________________________________________


http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view052303_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0307_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0128_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view1217_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/root_top_view1122_lrg.jpg

[freewaytincan]

I watch this thing develop every day with more amazement. I drive by often, and for that matter, I'm about a mile or so away. It's nice living near a world-class university, especially considering that people used to make fun of it...

[CTroyMathis]

A newer (but, still a month old) photo from the same website:

http://som.utdallas.edu/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view_0625_lrg.jpg

According to the site, people should have been moving in yesterday.

[jammin]

I graduated in 98' it's amazing how much the campus has changed since then. The view of the skyline is acutally really nice from there, it looks alot bigger in person.

[CTroyMathis]

.................................................. .....................................

http://www.utdallas.edu/utdgeneral/news/sombuilding03.html

.................................................. .....................................

RICHARDSON, Texas (Aug. 7, 2003) - When classes begin for the 2003-04 academic year at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) on Aug. 21, the largest of UTD's seven schools, the School of Management, finally will have a place to call home - a 204,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art, $38-million new building.

The facility, located at the southeast corner of Drive A and University Parkway on the UTD campus and designed by the architectural firm of Omniplan, will feature, among other things, 29 classrooms, two large computer labs, a 350-seat auditorium, break-out spaces for undergraduate, graduate and executive education student groups, desktop Internet access in every classroom, wireless network access throughout, audiovisual and online learning support in every classroom and conference rooms and office space for all 96 of the school’s faculty members.

Until now, the School of Management faculty, staff members and students have been using no fewer than seven buildings on the UTD campus. The new facility will enable all of the school's operations to be housed under the same roof for the first time.

"This is a significant milestone in the development of our school," Dean Hasan Pirkul said. "In addition to being able to accommodate our rapid growth and offer our students a top-quality education that incorporates the latest technologies, we are now able to go forward from a central, unified position in establishing our reputation as a top business education facility."

Enrollment at UTD's School of Management, which was founded in 1975, has increased 80 per cent over the last six years to more than 4,300 students. Last January, a study published by OR/MS Today, a publication of the Institute for Operations Research and Management Sciences (INFORMS), ranked the school sixth worldwide in research productivity in operations management and management information systems over the last six years.

Pirkul said he thought that the new building was a factor in his ability to recruit the top-notch faculty that garnered the OR/MS Today recognition.

"We would not have been able to bring in or keep the faculty that we have without the promise of this new world-class facility," the dean said. "The people who have come on board came because of the faculty members who were already here, but also because they knew this building would be here. The biggest problem that we’ve had up until now is that we couldn't put our faculty in one state-of-the-art building. Now that we are able to do that, we’ll enhance the quality of our education and increase confidence in what we can do."

Pirkul will host an open house at the new facility on Sept. 30, and a formal dedication of the building will be scheduled in the near future.

About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor®, enrolls more than 13,000 students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs.

[freewaytincan]

Yeah, drove by it today, even in the rain, it looked practically finished. Pretty cool, too. I think the campus is getting better and better. It has promise, too, because the city doesn't have outright anti-vertical ordinances like a lot of the surrounding areas do.

[CTroyMathis]

Since those photos up above don't work anymore - why not fix 'em and repost some selected
photos from their site.
Keep in mind these are old photos while the School of Management was still u/c.

http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/nb_recent_052303.htm


http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view052303_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0409_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0307_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0128_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view1217_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/root_top_view1122_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0813_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_vew071102_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0603_lrg.jpg
http://som.utdallas.edu/about_som/newbuilding/images/roof_top_view0520_lrg.jpg

[RaStyyle]

Eyes of Texas upon UTD as research building prepares to make ascent

Second in an occasional series

RICHARDSON, Texas (March 18, 2005) – At the rate of one floor per month, the University of Texas at Dallas’ upcoming Natural Science and Engineering Research Building should peer above ground by the end of April and don a roof atop its four stories by mid-August, according to Thomas Lund, resident construction manager with the state’s Office of Facilities Planning and Construction (OFPC).

“This is going to be a signature building in the state of Texas when it’s completed. It’s an extremely exciting design. A world-class research building wrapped in a world-class design,” Lund said.
Of Related Interest
Part 1 - Anticipation builds

OFPC has the responsibility to ensure the research facility will be built according to plans and specifications approved by U.T. System and U.T. Dallas. UTD is scheduled to occupy the facility by the end of December 2006.

“OFPC’s responsibility is not to direct or manage the subcontractors’ daily means and methods, i.e., tell them how to do their work. It’s to ensure that what they are building follows the design intent of the construction documents, is compliant with all applicable Life Safety and Building Codes, and meets or exceeds U.T. System standards for construction quality,” Lund said.

To highlight the importance of this project, Lund said that his plate has been cleared of all other duties so he can give his undivided attention to the task at hand.

In a sense, the eyes of Texas are upon us.
The intersection of Rutford and Synergy will be home to the new Natural Science and Engineering Research Building, scheduled for completion in December 2006.

“This project is one of the most visible projects under construction in the state of Texas today. It has Gov. [Rick] Perry’s interest because he helped fund $50 million of it through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) in support of ‘Project Emmitt,’ ” the much-publicized economic-development agreement between the state, Texas Instruments and UTD, Lund said.

Construction crews already have met several important January and February deadlines: they completed paving the parking lot and excavation of the basement on schedule, and they completed drilling and pouring the foundation piers ahead of schedule.

“Weir Brothers Inc., the subcontractor awarded the mass excavation work, has removed roughly 50,000 cubic yards of dirt out of the basement. A hole that is slightly more than an acre in size and roughly 25 feet deep.

“We have an extremely accelerated schedule. This is a fast-track project, which means we’ve actually started construction before all the construction documents, drawings and specifications are complete.

“We are looking at an 18- to 20-month construction cycle as opposed to a normal 24- to 30-month schedule on projects of similar size and complexity,” Lund said.
Risk-taking kept at a minimum

When asked whether any risk was involved in starting the 175,000-square-foot project without all the construction documents in hand, Lund answered, “Yes and no.”

“The key to successful completion of a fast-track project is in the coordination of the construction documents with the phased construction activity. The architects and engineers know the sequence required to construct a building so they begin with those drawings and specifications necessary to mobilize the project, excavate soils, drill and pour piers, form and pour footings, grade beams and foundation walls.

“The risk you take in using a fast-track delivery process is all about controlling programming changes, material changes and construction detail changes, as subsequent construction document releases are completed. The project team, including the end users, must be focused on minimizing changes that could impact work already in place,” Lund said.

Centex Construction Company, the contractor, is bidding the project in four Construction Document Releases (CDRs), CDR1 through CDR 4, Lund said.

“They have completed award of eight subcontracts for CDR1 and CDR2. These subcontracts cover the mass excavation, parking lot paving, and concrete work for the building, including the piers, footings, grade beams, foundations, and concrete structure all the way up through the concrete roof deck.

“CDR3 was bid the first week of March. The bid proposals for the 11 bid packages are currently being analyzed by Centex. CDR3 will cover subcontracts that will provide all the exterior skin systems, such as pre-cast concrete, aluminum wall panel systems, Rymex anodized stainless steel shingles, and Curtainwall and Glazing systems. The work under these subcontracts will ‘dry-in’ and complete the building shell.

“The final document release, CDR4, consisting of 44 separate bid packages, will cover the remainder of the building fit-up, and equipment buy-outs, including all interior finishes, installation of the electrical systems, fire alarm systems, telecommunication/data systems all the mechanical systems, plumbing systems, fire protection systems, and specialized requirements for labs such as gas piping, special exhaust systems, special drain systems and lab fixtures,” he said.

Lund said that so far, everything is on track.
Not your average building

Those closest to the project say the research building will reflect the latest in modern design.

“It is a complex building. The exterior wall systems are not simple. There’s a certain level of complexity in this building design that you don’t see in most projects.

“The curtain wall is a customized design. The sloping standing seam metal roof is segmented, curved, tiered, folded and bent. The exterior skin surface is filled with indentations, deep shadow boxes, cantilevered surfaces undulations and facets both vertically and horizontally.

“It’s not ‘just’ a simple building, from its geometries, it’s very elegant,” Lund said.

Lund, who started working for OFPC in July, 2004, after building more than 9 million square feet of buildings for Nortel Networks across the United States, described the building site as fairly normal with a few surprises in its geotechnical make-up.

“I am a native of Iowa, where I am used to seeing rich black topsoil 2 to 3 feet deep before you reach the sandy clay subsoil. We experienced black topsoil 5 to 6 feet deep in some areas of this site, somewhat unusual for this part of Texas.

“Rippable gray and tan limestone was encountered roughly 20 feet below grade over most of the site. This type of limestone can be removed with heavy equipment, eliminating the need for blasting,” Lund said.

Another plus for this project, Lund said, is the rock under the basement area.

“The Project has several laboratories programmed to go into the basement. The equipment going into these labs have very specific requirements for vibration control. By setting the basement floor [slab-on-grade] on top of the rock [over a thin gravel base course cushion], we can meet the requirements for vibration control, and inexpensively support the heavy pieces of equipment that would require additional structure and cost if we were to have designed them to go onto the upper floors,” he said.

“The Project is blessed with a great team. Centex is doing an excellent job. They come with a lot of history working with OFPC and UTD. They built the south wing of the Engineering and Computer Science Building, and they are currently building a small addition to the Activity Center, and the Phase II Renovation in the Founders Building. They know OFPC processes.

“PageSoutherlandPage is the architect of record. To date they have done an outstanding job keeping the Construction Document process coordinated and on schedule. PSP has partnered with another award-winning design team out of Los Angeles, Zimmer Gunsul Frasca (ZGF). ZGF was named ‘Firm of the Year’ by the American Institute of Architects in 1991 and are recognized in the industry as one of the leading ‘academic research-and-development' building type design teams in the United States. They’ve done work for University of California System, University of Southern California, Cornell University, University of Arizona, Duke University and the University of San Diego, among others,” Lund said.

[RaStyyle]

http://www.utd.edu/nsm/news/2005/eyes-of-texas.html ...here's the link to the article. Just scroll down to view the pics. Do you have to host the pics on a site to display them or is there another way?

[tamtagon]

Anticipation Builds as Construction of UTD Research Facility Begins
First in an occasional series

from the same UTD website RaStyyle led us to:
http://www.utd.edu/nsm/news/2005/anticipation-builds.htm


Anticipation Builds as Construction of UTD Research Facility Begins

RICHARDSON, Texas (Feb. 9, 2005) –The University of Texas at Dallas is expecting.

A great deal of excitement surrounds the construction of its $85 million Natural Science and Engineering Research Building. The project, conceived about a year ago and scheduled for delivery by summer 2006, will provide much-needed space to conduct “next-level” research and mark a major shift in the way researchers work.

Bruce Gnade, Ph.D., a professor of electrical engineering with a joint appointment in chemistry who is overseeing functional aspects of the building, said project developers hope the four-story, 192,000 square-foot space will maximize interdisciplinary interaction.

“From a faculty standpoint, the work will be driven by the type of research you do rather than the department you are in or what discipline you’re in,” Gnade said. “We are trying to break down any barriers that might exist because somebody is in one department versus another department. It’s really driven by research needs.

“For graduate students and post-docs, there will be open space and cubicles to enhance interaction. There will be a lot of work areas where tables are set up, with the hope that students will gather into the common areas and start discussing work. The whole point of the interaction space is to try to foster interaction among different groups. The interaction will drive more collaboration.

“This concept has been used at the University of California at San Diego and at Cornell University. The architects that are designing the NS&ERB have really been leaders in coming up with ways to get people to interact in the same building,” Gnade said.

Sitting in his office, Gnade leafs through blueprints of different floors of the building showing them from every conceivable angle.

There's a camera over the construction site, he confides, that sends video feeds to the President's Office so that he can monitor the progress. And there are plans to release "a time-lapse video showing the building site from start to finish in a matter of seconds," Gnade said.

“When we first started [discussing] the building we had a group of faculty representing chemistry, biology, engineering, physics, and we were getting their input on what they would like to see in the laboratories. What functionality would they like to see? I am supposed to try to make sure that the design captures all that and that the building is functional and a world-class facility that will help us attract faculty and students,” Gnade said.


Part 2 - Building to ascend Gnade said that an additional $30 million has been earmarked for purchasing laboratory equipment.

"Equipment to go into the building really will be determined by the faculty members," Gnade said.

Located on the southeast corner of Synergy Parkway and Rutford Avenue, the research facility will house laboratories, a clean room, and other areas dedicated to science, according to Gnade.

Colorful, inside and out
Exteriorly, the building will feature stainless steel shingles with an anodized surface. That will give it kind of a green color, Gnade said.

“Slight variations in the thickness of the anodization, and the fact that the color is not really uniform, will allow the building to have a bit of a change in color depending on which shingles you are looking at and also which angle you are looking from. So the color actually changes perceptively to the eye as you walk across the front of the building,” he said.

“It looks really slick, especially when the sun shines on it. It will be much more dramatic than anything we have on campus so far in terms of architecture,” Gnade said.

The U.T. System focuses its attention when it comes to new construction at any of its universities and has a set of standards that must be followed.

“We have several folks from the Office of Facilities Planning and Construction, or OFPC. They take care of all new building construction for the entire U.T. System. Those are the guys who are actually on the job site every day. They have one of the three onsite trailers,” Gnade said.

“Recently there was something wrong that they’ve already caught. The way the concrete was being poured over the parking lot wasn’t quite right. They look over every detail that needs to be done, and they do a great job.”

Environmentally friendly
Borne of science and engineering and looking every bit of both, the building will reflect the latest concepts in modern design.


“It will be a fairly green building just in the way it sets. The west-facing wall has hardly any windows on it. The afternoon sun will only hit this side.

"The glass wall part of the building will get some sunlight, but there are some trees that will help, too. But the worst part of the sun in the summer is all going to be on the back side. So it is positioned to try to be as environmentally friendly as possible,” Gnade said.

Security for the building has been a top priority since its inception.

“To get into certain areas within the building, thumb-print scanners will be used. There will be areas where toxic chemicals can be used. To get into those areas not only will you have to have your Comet Card but all the labs will employ electronic access devices to determine who goes in and out,” Gnade said.

“The other thing that is going to be kind of neat is that the building is going to be really colorful on the inside. It’s not all going to be painted white like this building,” Gnade said. “There are going to be bright colors. The architects are going through different color schemes. But the floor tiles, for instance, are not going to be the same color. They will be bright. Traffic patterns will be designated by changes in colors in the floor. It’s going to be a little more upbeat than a typical laboratory building.”

[tamtagon]

Natural Science and Engineering Research Building

[Tnekster]

“I am a native of Iowa, where I am used to seeing rich black topsoil 2 to 3 feet deep before you reach the sandy clay subsoil. We experienced black topsoil 5 to 6 feet deep in some areas of this site, somewhat unusual for this part of Texas.


Where in Iowa? I grew up in SE Iowa.

[gc]

Good stuff.

[RaStyyle]

Where in Iowa? I grew up in SE Iowa.

Tnekster, that was part of the article.
<script src="chrome://greasemonkey/content/scripts/1102161148673"></script><script src="chrome://greasemonkey/content/scripts/1102237157909"></script>

[Tnekster]

Thanks, I figured that out after I posted.

[CTroyMathis]

Attracting the Best
New Facility Positions UTD as Top Research Institution
by Jennifer D. Duell
Visit: http://texas.construction.com/features/archive/0604_feature1.asp

Project of the Month - April 2006

The $85 million world-class science and engineering facility at UT Dallas, built by
Centex and designed by PageSoutherlandPage, hopes to attract some of the
world's best minds to Texas.

The University of Texas at Dallas is a step closer to achieving its goal of becoming
one of the nation's top academic research institutions.

Scheduled for completion in July, the new, $85 million Natural Science and
Engineering Research Building will open in time for the fall semester, welcoming
nearly 350 faculty, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the
fields of electrical engineering, material science, chemistry, biology and behavioral
and brain sciences.

The four-story, 192,000-sq.-ft. facility on the southeast corner of Synergy Parkway
and Rutford Avenue will be the sec-ond-largest building on the UTD campus in
Richardson. Situated on the northern end of the campus, it will contain
aboratories, a clean room, space for a business "incubator" and other areas
edicated to research. . .

Much more at link, including a a couple of construction photos. . .

[CTroyMathis]

Friends of UTD turn to greening of campus
12:00 AM CDT on Sunday, September 17, 2006
Visit: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-miller_17bus.ART.State.Edition1.31b94ff.html

Philanthropist Margaret McDermott has graced interiors of the University of Texas at Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center with design suggestions and such exquisite items as museum-quality textiles and Santiago Calatrava tables.

Now, the widow of Texas Instruments co-founder Eugene McDermott, who helped create UTD, has moved outside to spearhead a $10 million landscaping program to "enhance" (translation: beautify) the 500-acre UTD campus in Richardson.

Already on its way toward its stated goal of becoming an MIT of public universities, UTD is best known for its computer science and engineering disciplines that attract students with some of the highest SATs in the state.

Yet, the architecture – concrete and glass, as is the case with most post-World War II college buildings – offers little to soften its visual impact as it rises from the North Texas plain that once was home to King Cotton.

The campus, especially, has a spare look that confirms the emphasis on academic excellence, rather than esthetic considerations, during its relatively young 36 years of existence.

Two years ago, an initial effort added evergreen, semi-deciduous and deciduous trees, a start in relieving the severity of the campus.

As Mrs. McDermott said of the campus, "We've known we needed to do something for a long time. . ."

More after the jump. . .

[freewaytincan]

It's too bad they've built their new natural science building way the heck away from the rest of the campus. And it's an architectual disaster. Awful design. Like a fish crossed with some filing cabinets.

[BigD5349]

I had a lunch meeting at UTD today... here's the new Natural Science building, I was told that Ross Perot dedicated it last week.

I think it's terrific. Love the colors... UTD has always looked like an overgrown community college, but to me, this is a step in the right direction.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/2987/utd1da7.jpg

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/2508/utd2xg7.jpg

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/6246/utd3xt2.jpg

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3884/utd4ap2.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1696/utd5kf9.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/8903/utd6cl6.jpg

[BigD5349]

BTW, there's another cool pic of this building on the UTD website:

http://www.utdallas.edu/nserl/dedication/?id=a

[MarkL2023]

THe fish scale look certainly is unique. Wonder what we will all think about it in 5, 10 and 30 years though

[BigD5349]

^I like the pitched angles on the building and the colors. I guess it appeals to me because it's different. I'd like to see some risk taking pay off and result in more unique structures around the area.

[MarkL2023]

I agree with you 100% about the angles.

[Matt777]

2 new big projects at UTD, there is another coming soon in the form of a new student services bldg, but no info or pics of that yet:

CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION: This will reroute roads, remodel the entire student mall with a long water feature, entirely change the face of the university:

http://www.utdallas.edu/pwp/imgs/070307/focus.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/pwp/imgs/070307/before-after.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/pwp/imgs/070307/campus-view-b.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/pwp/imgs/070307/entrance.jpg

Suspended Arbor:

http://www.utdallas.edu/pwp/imgs/070307/crossroads.jpg



New 400 Bed Residence Hall:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/Isuzu777/dorm1-1.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/Isuzu777/dorm2.png


It seems like there is small construction going on all over campus, and new plantings, including new fall season foliage that looks quite nice, even against the winter withered grass. Most of this construction should commence this summer.

[TowerGuy]

Ahh YES....I expect they are preparing for my arrival very soon once I finish my final core classes at Collin. I must say I'm flattered. ;)

LOL...jk jk! I am glad to see all of this though...thanks for sharing.

[tamtagon]

Dude, Sweet!

[ksig121]

This is just what UTD needed. The apartments there killed campus life. If i hadn't joined a fraternity, I probably wouldn't have had any kind of life there. Bravo UTD! :Banana09:

[INTX dave]

The beautification project should really help enliven and raise the profile of this campus.

I think the more traditional residence hall will be a benefit as well. The apartments are great for upperclassmen, but the residence hall will help entering students establish stronger social networks that will last through their tenure and ripple through the entire university community.

[irving1903]

when are these projectects set to be completed?

[Sky Time]

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3884/utd4ap2.jpg

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/1696/utd5kf9.jpg

I want this Exterior on my house

[Matt777]

From what I understand, the projects will commence this Fall (Beautification and Residence Hall). The residence hall will be ready for the Fall 09 semester, but the beautification project will probably stretch longer, and I also have heard this was just the first phase.

I don't know what part of the forum UTD news would go, but here are some recent interesting news stories anyway:

Financial Times Ranks UT Dallas Executive MBA Program Number 1 in Texas (10th in Nation, 35th globally, tied with Georgetown on both)
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/archive/2007/10-22-002.html

$1.75 Million Grant Funds Photon Chip Study:
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2008/01/18-001.php

UT Dallas Keeps Grip on Pan-American Chess Title
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2007/12/30-001.html

Outdoor Sculptures Worth $550,000 Donated to UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2007/09/27-001.html

UT Dallas Facility To Be Dedicated Jan. 26 (Center for Brain Health, on Mockingbird)
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2007/0122002.html

[tamtagon]

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/archive/2007/10-22-002.html


About UT Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls more than 14,500 students. The school’s freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UT Dallas, please visit the university’s Web site at www.utdallas.edu.

I did not realized UTD has so many students. Cool. I've used to wonder why universities in North Texas didnt seem to stack up as favorablly as universities in other regions, but it sure looks like that's changing, pretty fast too. Dallas is, like, coming on to a good reputation as a top destination for higher educational.

[freewaytincan]

. . .

[Matt777]

UT Dallas is definitely getting some good projects going, but the funding per student is still far lower than many other schools in the UT system, I'm pretty sure. And that is still with UTD having the most competitive admission percentages (yes, lower acceptance rates than UT Austin), and a higher average SAT score as of late (yes again, higher than UT Austin). Despite this, I'm pretty sure the UT system gives more funding to the Longhorn football team than UTD as a whole (kidding, but it could be true).

And about the beautification plan, that is funded by a $10 million dollar gift from Mrs. Eugene McDermott, wife of the late Eugene McDermott.

Also, another interesting tidbit, the architectural firm of Peter Walker and Partners is behind UTD's beautification project, the same firm currently working on the World Trade Center Memorial in NYC.

As far as attracting wonderful professors, the School of Management at UTD is doing a fine job. One of my professors has degrees from both Stanford and Princeton, and was previously teaching at Carnegie Mellon. With the Financial Times recently ranking our Executive MBA program that highly (yes, higher than you, UT Austin and SMU), surely more attention will finally come to the university.

Now if only they could get some nice functionality improvements such as a parking garage or two, as well as a proper auditorium to host gatherings and special events (such as commencement ceremonies, which are currently held in a sad looking gymnasium).

[Matt777]

I know there was a thread for this, I couldn't find it. Mods feel free to merge it if you can.


Anyway, UT Dallas is about to become a flurry of construction. Sever new buildings are being constructed, as well as the first stages of the $30 million beautification project that will change the look and feel of the campus, funded partly by a $10 million donation by the wife of the late founder Eugene McDermott.

The new Residence Hall is under construction, as well as the new dining hall. The residence hall is about to start construction on the 4th floor. These will start service in Fall 2009:

Residence Hall:

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/dorm-aerial-2008-01.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/dorm-street-level-2008-01.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/residencehall/suite/images/suite-aerial.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/groundbreaking-students-vertical-2008-04.jpg

Website for the new residence hall, has a construction camera:
http://www.utdallas.edu/residencehall/


Dining Hall:
(foundation being laid)

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/construction-dining-outside-2008-10.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/dininghall/



Ground has just broken for the new $29 million Math, Science, and Engineering Teaching-Learning Center (MSET). This building will include labs, lecture halls, office space, and shell space for future expansion.

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/construction-mset-building-2008-10.png

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2008/10/27-001.php

I really, really like this modern building. I think it will complement the NSERL building which is also very modern:

http://www.utdallas.edu/nserl/media/imgs/main.jpg





The oldest building on campus, Founder's Hall, will be expanded and renovated.

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/construction-founders-2008-10.jpg




As seen in the plans, the project calls for rerouting of roads, sidewalks, and lots of construction, along with construction from new buildings. The campus will be a mess for the next year, but it will pay off with a brand new face to go along with UTD's increasing influence and reputation.

[grantboston]

^Glad to see UTD is making some really cool improvements! I was last out that way to take the LSAT and had the chance to walk around the campus. Frankly, not too impressive. Hopefully some of these new buildings and beautification work will generate a campus feel that seemed to be lacking (at least when I was there).

Are all of these projects paid for through individual gifts to the university, or is there some endowment spending involved? I ask because most universities (even Harvard) are suspending capital projects due to financial instability within their endowments.

[Matt777]

I think its a combination of funding sources. Like I said, a big portion of the campus enhancement program is being paid for with a donation from Mrs. McDermott. I am just glad most of the construction will be happening through next semester and the summer, because I will be studying abroad in Hong Kong, so I will get back after most of the mess is gone!


Here's a new article about the debate team also:


Team Battles to Third Place in Harvard Debates

Nov. 6, 2008

UT Dallas debate team members Brian Rubaie and Andrew Baker took third place at Harvard University’s annual Intercollegiate Debate Tournament Monday night in Cambridge, Mass. The University of Kansas team finished first and Northwestern University’s team finished in second place. UT Dallas tied with the University of California-Berkeley for third place. Eighty teams from across the country competed at the Harvard tournament. “This is undoubtedly the best that any UT Dallas debate team has ever done at a major national tournament,” said Chris Burk, director of the University’s debate team. “The success at the Harvard tournament places the UT Dallas debate team among the top teams in the country.” The Harvard tournament is one of a hand full of “major” tournament-style debates during the regular debate season. The three-day tournament consisted of eight preliminary rounds on Saturday and Sunday, with the top 16 teams advancing to an elimination bracket on Monday. Rubaie, a junior criminology major, and Baker, a sophomore political science major and Collegium V honors student, defeated the top partnership from reigning national champions Towson University in the quarterfinals. UT Dallas was the only Texas university to have teams reach the top 16. “This is a huge step forward for Rubaie and Baker, and our entire debate program,” said Burk. “We competed well against the most prestigious and historically successful programs in the country.” Burk and Scott Herndon, associate director of debate, coached Rubaie and Baker at the Harvard tournament. The UT Dallas debate program began as a student-driven team about 12 years ago. Debate duo Rubaie and Baker and other members of the UT Dallas squad will compete at the Wake Forest University tournament Nov. 15-17 to conclude the fall tournament schedule. UT Dallas will host its own intercollegiate debate tournament Jan. 10-12.

[Matt777]

Official Groundbreaking for campus enhancement is tomorrow:

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2008/11/19-002.php



Landscape Enhancement Plan is About to Take Root Improvements Expected to be Completed in Late 2009; Acclaimed Architects Peter Walker and Partners Leading Effort Nov. 19, 2008 A major initiative aimed at campus enhancement officially gets under way Thursday, Nov. 20, at a 2 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony. With a goal of making campus more welcoming and user-friendly for students, faculty, staff and visitors, the project was made possible by a lead gift from long-time UT Dallas supporter Mrs. Margaret McDermott. “We are grateful to Mrs. McDermott for this significant gift that will improve the campus to reflect the quality of the people and programs already here,” said UT Dallas President Dr. David E. Daniel. The yearlong project is expected to be carried out in four phases and completed by late fall 2009. An initial phase of the effort will involve the overhaul of the perimeter and entrance roads to campus, as well as the central plaza, where the major north-south and east-west pedestrian routes meet. Other phases of the project include:


* The planting of 5,000 to 6,000 native trees, particularly at the main entrance and exterior portions of campus. * A new roundabout drive that will be installed near the intersections of University Parkway and Drive A. * A small amphitheater and stage constructed near the existing steps in front of the Student Union. The steps will be covered with weather-resistant wood that will double as seating. * A greenery-lined waterway that will run from the School of Management Building to the Eugene McDermott Library.


Acclaimed landscape architectural firm Peter Walker and Partners (PWP) designed the project. Founded in 1983, PWP works on a variety of projects, including the urban design and planning of landscapes that range in size from parks and university campuses to corporate headquarters, plazas and private gardens. PWP also has joined with renowned architects to create significant projects, such as the gardens of the Nasher Foundation Sculpture Center in Dallas. In 2000, Mrs. McDermott instigated the creation of the prestigious Eugene McDermott Scholars Program in honor of her late husband. Eugene McDermott, along with the late Cecil Green and Erik Jonsson, founded Texas Instruments and, later, the research institution that in 1969 became UT Dallas. The campus enhancement project is one of several improvements currently under way at the University. Also under construction are new residence and dining halls, the Math, Science and Engineering Teaching-Learning Center, and renovations at Founders Hall, one of the University’s original buildings. Open to all students, faculty, staff and the general public, the campus enhancement groundbreaking will take place adjacent to the McDermott Library, on the south end of the campus mall. A reception will immediately follow the ceremony.


Campus Enhancement Project Groundbreaking
Nov 20
(2 p.m.)
Location:
Adjacent to McDermott Library, south end of Campus Mall


Join us as we break ground on the Campus Enhancement Project at The University of Texas at Dallas. Virtually from its inception in 1969, UT Dallas has been a distinguished institution of higher learning. Set to begin now, but nearly 40 years in the making, the Campus Enhancement Project will improve the look and feel of our University and create places of grace and inspiration, where lifelong memories are made and friendships are formed.

[Matt777]

In addition to the current projects already under construction (new residence hall, new dining hall, MSET building, campus beautification which has campus ripped up at the moment), the groundbreaking for the new student services building will take place on April 30, 2009.

I really like the design, it is modern like the rest of UTD's new buildings and is further enhancing the modern feel of the campus (along with the new buildings and beautification project).

Here is the pic I was emailed:

EDIT- The picture I posted earlier did not show up- here it is:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v293/Isuzu777/Grounbreakingv3.jpg




Student Services Building
The University of Texas at Dallas

Project Description

This facility will provide a "one-stop" center housing the primary
departments which students, parents and prospective students
need to visit and do business within the course of their
relationship with UT Dallas.

The building will accommodate the
following departments:

Disability Services, Bursar Office,
Financial Aid Office, Office of Registrar, Career Center,
International Student Services, LSUNSP, Multicultural Center,
Office of Dean of Students, Health Center, Student Affairs
Communication, Facility Support, and Counseling Center. The
building will be a four-story structure with "one-stop" service on
the ground floor




--------

[Matt777]

In addition to building these beautiful new campus buildings, UTD is also continuing to build a reputation for excellence:

UTD's full-time MBA breaks into the nations top 50 overall programs- US News and World Report

-Tied for 49th with Babson University
-SMU is only 2 spots ahead at 47
-UTD ranks 23rd out of public universities

To further deny that UTD is making huge gains forward at a rapid pace is futile.

Also, I don't see Tech here......





Full-Time MBA Program Ranks in U.S. News Top 50

April 24, 2009

The Full-Time MBA program at The University of Texas at Dallas’ School of Management was ranked one of the Top 50 programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The ranking, published yesterday in the magazine’s annual “America’s Best Graduate Schools” edition, places the Full-Time MBA program 23rd nationwide among public universities.

“To be able to show we’re among the Top 50 MBA programs is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and students,” said Hasan Pirkul, dean of the School of Management and Caruth Professor of Management. “Our MBA program started in the mid-1990s and has been eligible for this ranking just since 2002. In those six years, the school’s faculty – and especially the students – have worked hard and shown over and over that the learning that goes on here is competitive on a national level.”

UT Dallas’ program is tied at 49th with Babson College in Boston. The top three schools in this year’s rankings are Harvard, Stanford and Northwestern universities. The dean of Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Dipak C. Jain, earned his Ph.D. in marketing at UT Dallas’ School of Management.

“This latest ranking shows we’ve achieved strong upward momentum in just the few years we’ve been participating in the rankings,” Pirkul said.

Only four other full-time MBA programs in Texas were included in this year’s listing. UT Austin was ranked the best of Texas’ full-time programs at 18, followed by Texas A&M (33), Rice (38) and Southern Methodist University (47).

Of the five, UT Dallas’ program is least expensive for in-state students at about $23,000 for tuition and fees for the program’s duration. Texas A&M is next in tuition and fees for in-state students.

In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, SMU is the only other full-time MBA program ranked in the Top 50, two spots above UT Dallas at 47th place. Tuition and fees for SMU’s program cost about $83,000 for the full program.

One of the qualities used to determine overall rankings is how corporate recruiters view the value of the program. UT Dallas’ score of 3.2 (on a 5-point scale) is the same as that of SMU, Rice and Texas A&M. Only UT-Austin scored higher in recruiter assessment – 3.8 – than the other Texas universities.

The School of Management’s faculty recently was ranked 17th nationwide in terms of research productivity. “Students tell us that having these successful researchers teaching their MBA classes adds immeasurably to the quality of their coursework,” Pirkul said.

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/04/24-002.php

And also, here is the link to US News and World Report 2009 Rankings-

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/rankings/page+2

In addition to the top 50 overall ranking, and being only 2 spots behind SMU, I am glad to see that the value of the UTD MBA to corporate recruiters is being acknowledged. The score ties UTD with SMU, Rice, and A&M.

I don't see why the AAU wouldn't be seriously starting to consider UTD soon with such a high value placed on US News and World Report rankings. In addition to the top 50 MBA, there are other very highly ranked programs at UTD, including the audiology program with is ranked 4th in the nation by US News and World Report. And we must not forget the highly regarded engineering and computer science degrees at UTD.



-----

[Maverick]

I really like the rendering of that Student Service Building. Beautiful. They need something striking to go along the re-done mall, and I think that building will do the trick. I agree that UT-D's modern architecture is getting an upgrade with the newer buildings...moving away from the brutalistic-inspired designs of earlier buildings.

[Matt777]

UT-Dallas Center for BrainHealth renovation receives award. The facility is located on Mockingbird Lane near UT-Southwestern, looks pretty nice:



Architecture Award Honors Center for BrainHealth

June 8, 2009

The UT Dallas Center for BrainHealth has been selected for a 2009 Texas Society of Architects Design Award.

Only 12 of the 261 entries earned this recognition.

Photographs of architectural firm HKS’ winning Center for BrainHealth renovation design will be published in the September/October issue of Texas Architect magazine. The project will also be acknowledged at the Texas Society of Architects' convention in Houston in late October.

“The inspired brilliance of the architectural design by Kyley Harvey of HKS is the perfect context for the life-changing brain science taking place within,” said Dr. Sandi Chapman, chief director of the center. “When researchers and staff members enter the building, the innovative design frees the mind to unleash incredible creativity.”

HKS renovated the concrete-heavy, nearly 4-decade-old structure into a modern, 63,000-square-foot research facility. The building, which rests on a tree-laden, 3.5-acre site, opened in September 2006, and the building was formally dedicated on January 26, 2007.

“This is a great accomplishment for BrainHealth and HKS,” Kyley Harvey, lead HKS designer on the project. The remodel began in June 2005 and was completed 15 months later.

The Texas Society of Architects, the Lone Star State Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, promotes societal benefits of the architectural profession in Texas.

Jurors who selected the 12 honorees were Philip Freelon, president of the Freelon Group in Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; Mary Margaret Jones, president of San Francisco-based landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Associates; and Rick Joy, founding principal of Rick Joy Architects in Tucson, Ariz.



Large exterior pic at link:
http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2009/06/08-003.php

Center's website:
http://www.brainhealth.utdallas.edu/index.html



http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/brainhealth-architecture-2009-06.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/project/uploaded_files/11574_BrainHealth1.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/11574_1_BrainHealth%202.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/11574_2_BrainHealth%203.jpg

http://static.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/11574_3_BrainHealth%204.jpg


And some more info from WorldArchitectureNews.Com:




Through the doors of perception...

New facility for brain research in Dallas

Though a prizewinner in its day, the circa 1970 building that stood at 2200 Mockingbird wouldn’t have been a likely choice to place one of the nation’s most innovative brain research programs. But, through visionary planning and design, the vacant building located near the campus of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center has been transformed into the home of the pioneering, 63,000-square-foot University of Texas at Dallas Center for BrainHealth.

The Center for BrainHealth, a clinical and research arm of UT Dallas is a three-storey, renovated office situated on a 3.5-acre site. Completed in September 2006, the new center has office, educational and public spaces including an auditorium seating approximately 220 people, library, numerous conference rooms, children’s work and play areas, learning spaces, observation and interview rooms and offices for the people who make everything happen at the Center for BrainHealth – the heart and soul of the organisation.

The Center for BrainHealth is a research institute which transforms the owner’s vision and needs into a unique architectural solution, creating a building which expresses the unique and cutting-edge nature of the work taking place inside.

[dstewart]

I just transferred to UT-Dallas, and thought I would start posting some of the current construction pics. This is just two I quickly snapped on my way to the book store. I will try to get some more.

A webcam for the construction is here: http://129.110.149.11/top/liveapplet.html


http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa208/dominica_021/photo.jpg

http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa208/dominica_021/photo2.jpg

I'm starting a set of Flickr to help organize - http://bit.ly/7boqis

Sorry for the crappy quality.

[Matt777]

Campus as a Winter Wonderland- pics from the UTD website-

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/2/12-1021_Snowfall-Turns-Campus-into-a-Winter-Wonderland_article-wide.html


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-love-jack-wide-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-snowman-three-students-wide-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-creek1-wide-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-sidewalk1-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-students2-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-sidewalk4-wide-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-nserl-wide-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-students1-2010-02.jpg


http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/snow/snow-student-walking-wide-2010-02.jpg


---

[Matt777]

MSET-

http://www.utdmercury.com/polopoly_fs/1.1007862!/image/1493791906.jpg


New Student Services building-

http://www.utdmercury.com/polopoly_fs/1.1007864!/image/514395762.jpg


Also, the design for the new bookstore/visitor's center was REJECTED by the UT System board of Regents. The concerns were tornado safety and the color of the tiles around the entrances. Also, they felt that the design did not fit in with other campus architecture. I wonder if they have ever set foot at UT-Dallas, because it incorporates design elements from all the other new buildings going up, glass, colored tiles, etc. I personally like it:

http://www.utdmercury.com/polopoly_fs/1.980695!/image/1093012156.jpg




Bookstore plans denied

By Shane Damico

|

Published: Tuesday, December 8, 2009



The proposed design of the Campus Services and Bookstore drew disapproval from the UT System Board of Regents Nov. 11. Construction was anticipated for April 27, 2010.

Construction for the Campus Services and Bookstore building is on hold after the UT System Board of Regents denied UTD's proposal Nov. 11, citing design complaints and one possible architectural flaw.

The building was designed by architectural firm PageSoutherlandPage, creator of the Natural Science and Engineering Research Laboratory and was named 'best firm in the state' by the Texas Society of Architects in 2009, said Associate Vice President for Business Affairs Richard Dempsey.

During the Board of Regents meeting in Austin, Texas, Regent James Huffines said he had serious concerns about the design, specifically the color scheme, which he called "out of context with what's on campus now."

The Campus Services and Bookstore building proposal depicts the building with a border across the top, formed with an assortment of green, orange, white, gray and black panels. One side wall is entirely adorned with the panels, which are intended to reflect the digital nature of UTD's many technology projects.

"The building departs from the more conservative buildings around it providing a warm and colorful welcome to prospective students and their families," said executive director of program management David Dixon.

Regent William Eugene Powell disagreed.

"I think the design, although probably award-winning in some circles, is highly inappropriate for that campus. Not only the colors but the design, the sail - all of that. I find it a little garish, frankly. And I think it may be dated the day it goes up," he said.

Regent James Dannenbaum's focus was on the 50 foot glass sail. The proposal lacked sufficient documentation regarding impact and tornado wind resistance, to insure shards of glass would not fall on students, Dannenbaum said.

After Regents spoke, UTD President David Daniel said he considered the issues raised by the board sufficient reason to reconsider the design.

"I have tremendous respect for this board, and if members of the board have some concerns about the building, I consider that a very significant concern," Daniel said. "I would much rather delay three, four months and get it right."

The regents moved that UTD reconsider the design and colors and then bring the proposal back in a future meeting. The board's next meeting is February 2010.

Dixon said that the new bookstore is part of a daisy chain of projects coming up. A new Arts & Technology building is slated to begin construction on the site of the current bookstore, which could be problematic if the bookstore is unable to relocate.

"It is certainly a set-back," Dempsey said. "We had been led to believe that it was going to go through."

Dempsey said he will try to get the proposal back in front of the Board of Regents as soon as possible.



http://www.utdmercury.com/news/bookstore-plans-denied-1.980693


Not so much a construction issue, but worth noting:

The Pub at UT-Dallas will now be serving beer and wine!! I currently only go there for special events like the Underground Poetry Circuses, but this is a new reason to hang out there!!




Alcohol rules come into focus

By Shane Damico


Published: Sunday, January 24, 2010

Updated: Sunday, January 24, 2010

When The Pub starts serving alcohol this spring, happy hour will begin between 5-6 p.m. and will be limited to three drinks per person, based on guidelines established by the Auxiliary Services Advisory Committee on Jan. 12.

The committee, which is comprised of students, staff and faculty representatives, is responsible for drafting alcohol service policy recommendations that will be reviewed by UTD President David Daniel.

A starting date for serving alcohol has not been set.

While The Pub is in the process of acquiring a mixed beverage permit, only beer and wine will be served, said Keith Foreman, director of dining services.

The three-drink limit was adopted to allay safety concerns, said Student Government Vice President Remsen Jennings, accounting and information management senior.

The committee discussed how to ensure patrons remained under the limit, but remained undecided.

Beer will only be sold in bottles, which will be thrown away if left unattended to reduce the chance of underage drinking, Jennings said.

Drink prices and brands of beer available for purchase have not been selected.

Foreman said he would research pricing in the surrounding area to provide competitively priced beverages.

The Pub will have 20 Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) licensed staff members ready to serve alcohol in time for the change, Foreman said.

Some staff members have already been trained and the rest are in the process, he said.

Alcohol service on campus will be confined to The Pub. Other venues, such as the Comet Café and the Dining Hall will remain alcohol-free.

The decision to serve alcohol arose after multiple votes and years of student surveys.
By the numbers

* Alcohol service to start at 5-6 p.m.
* Only beer and wine available by the bottle
* Three drink limit per person
* Alcohol expected to be available before the end of spring in The Pub


http://www.utdmercury.com/news/alcohol-rules-come-into-focus-1.1084522

[Matt777]

Heavy Demand Spurs Approval of 2nd Residence Hall

Jun. 14, 2010

In a nod to the overwhelming popularity of UT Dallas’ first on-campus residence hall, the University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved plans for a second freshman living-learning center. Site work is set to begin in July.


Phase 2 will add a new building just north of the existing residence hall.
The 400-bed, 150,000-square-foot facility is planned for occupancy by fall 2011. It will be built on University-owned property on Rutford Avenue, adjacent to the existing hall, which opened in fall 2009.

Darrelene Rachavong, vice president for Student Affairs at UT Dallas noted that adding the hall is a dedicated step toward expanding the University.

“The new residence hall will directly support our Strategic Plan imperative of adding 5,000 full-time equivalent students by 2017, with the goal of eventually expanding total student enrollment to 21,000. Reaching that objective will call for, among other things, housing for an ever-increasing freshman population,” Rachavong said.

As with the previous building, the new facility will offer living-learning environments, which group together students with similar interests and majors. It will include communal space, and each floor will feature two large, open-air study rooms. Its design complements the apartment housing option already available at the University.

Matt Grief, who as assistant vice president for Student Affairs will assist with construction oversight on the new building, said current student housing is operating close to 100 percent occupancy.

“The list of students who want to live in the residence hall outnumbers the beds we have available, so we’re excited to launch construction on our second hall,” Grief said. “Interest in living on campus grows each year, and ideally we’d like to be able to house all freshmen who choose to live on campus. The community atmosphere among residents also heavily influenced our decision to build the second residence hall sooner and on a faster timetable.”

As with the original hall, the new four-story building’s entry will be an 1,800-square-foot, glass-enclosed rotunda complete with pool and ping pong tables, a large-screen television, couches and chairs. Stairs will lead to a second-story multipurpose room.

The first floor includes a reception desk that will be operated 24 hours per day; a kitchen with a sink, stove and dishwasher; full-service laundry facilities; and a large vending area. Also on the first floor will be a central mail room and a large classroom that can accommodate up to 30 students.

In addition, the first floor will house management offices and include two apartments for full-time professional staff.

“The new residence hall also will include a few added amenities,” Grief noted. “We’ve increased the size of our classroom and multipurpose room, included two music practice rooms, and added more study space.”

The building will be accessible by key card, as will living areas on each floor and individual suites. Rooms will be a mix of three-bedroom, single-bath suites, and one-bedroom, one-bath units for peer advisers.

The furnished suites will feature a shared entry. Living areas will have built-in counters in an alcove with phone, cable, data and convenience electrical outlets, and a location for students to place a small refrigerator. There also will be a shared bathroom with a private shower, private toilet and a vanity with sinks.

Individual sleeping rooms are lockable. Each sleeping room has an exterior window, bed, desk with chair, dresser and closet. Each also will have phone, cable, data and convenience electrical outlets.

Seven of the units will be set aside and modified as necessary to accommodate people with disabilities, and the building will include elevator access.

Six additional community areas throughout the facility will include televisions, couches and chairs. The exterior center of the building will have a large courtyard, and outdoor recreation amenities will include two sports courts, one for basketball and one for volleyball.

The building will have a 200-space parking lot. First-year students living in the new residence hall will be required to have a University meal plan for use at the on-campus dining hall.

The project’s cost is estimated at $31 million. The design is being managed by engineering and architectural firm Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. Construction will be led by Hill & Wilkinson.


Images at link:

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/6/14-3951_Heavy-Demand-Spurs-Approval-of-2nd-Residence-Hall_article.html

[NThomas]

Images at link:

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/6/14-3951_Heavy-Demand-Spurs-Approval-of-2nd-Residence-Hall_article.html
Damn. I figured when that first dorm was built, UTD would shy away from that same architecture as the Waterview Apts. A dorm similar to the Natural Sciences building with a "fish scale" skin would have looked great.

[Matt777]

Damn. I figured when that first dorm was built, UTD would shy away from that same architecture as the Waterview Apts. A dorm similar to the Natural Sciences building with a "fish scale" skin would have looked great.

If you've seen it in person, the dorms and apartments don't really look alike.

The apartments are bland 1990s with no style, but the dorms have a "traditional with modern twist" look to them. Everybody who has seen/lived in the dorms has raved about them.

---

[NThomas]

If you've seen it in person, the dorms and apartments don't really look alike.

The apartments are bland 1990s with no style, but the dorms have a "traditional with modern twist" look to them. Everybody who has seen/lived in the dorms has raved about them.

---
The new dorm does look better than the apartments, but for continuity's sake, I wish UTD would just go modern instead of the post-modern norm. It does look good though.

[Matt777]

Here is the plan for the new main entrance to campus, which is currently under construction.

I'm not so sure about it.... it's simple, I like the rows of hedges, but I will have to see it after it's done to make a final judgement.

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/entrance-rendering-aerial-2010-07.jpg

http://www.utdallas.edu/news/imgs/photos/entrance-rendering-street-level-2010-07.jpg



Construction Project to Give UT Dallas a Grander Entrance

Jul. 1, 2010

Commuters driving past the University’s front entrance have noticed big changes recently as the campus landscape enhancement plan makes its way south to Campbell Road.

Peter Walker and Partners, the landscape architectural firm hired to enhance the campus, calls for the University Parkway entrance to feature a semi-circular stand of large oak trees with a UT Dallas sign placed prominently in the center median.

The bronze badging, floodlights and walls that had stood at the entrance have been removed to make way for the update.

In addition, earth movers have been grading land on the southernmost part of campus in preparation for the planting of hedge rows, which will run in a north-south planting pattern between Waterview Parkway and Floyd Road.

The site work is one of a series of various building and landscape construction projects that are transforming UT Dallas into a more versatile, user-friendly campus.



http://www.utdallas.edu/news/2010/7/1-4191_Construction-Project-to-Give-UT-Dallas-a-Grander-E_article-wide.html