BLA Program Growth Brings Facilities Changes for Fall 2022
The CED is thrilled to announce exciting growth in the BLA program, thanks to the tireless efforts of BLA Program Coordinator, Professor Ron Sawhill, Undergraduate Advisor, Dr. Martha DeHart, and the growing popularity of the spring entry option. DeHart shared that her experience of recruiting for CED has been a long and worthwhile journey. “Since my arrival at the CED in 2019, in addition to being the Academic Advisor for all undergraduates in our Land Arch program, I’ve also been hitting the pavement hard by attending any and all recruiting and information events to increase enrollment, diversity, and retention,” she said. “Very glad to hear that my hard work is paying off - Professor Sawhill and I make a great team!”
Enrollment in the BLA program is up 12% for the 2021-2022 academic year and we are anticipating a 30% increase in 2022-2023 academic year. Sawhill specifically credits ongoing recruitment efforts and the structural impacts of the spring entry option as big drivers for this strong enrollment growth.
This increased enrollment also means BLA students will need more space in the coming year, which requires us to reprogram some of our spaces around campus, described below. While these changes impact all our departments, it is important to note that many of our facilities will remain open to all CED students through cross-listed studios and lecture courses.
Jackson Street Building
Jackson Street Building will remain the main home for BLA students with expanded space dedicated to their needs. JSB will also continue to support various shared spaces such as the Circle Gallery, Owens Library, IT services, Crit Space, and an all-new Virtual Reality Lab.
Denmark Hall
The MLA program is moving back to its original home in Denmark Hall. This relocation may spark nostalgia for MLA alums who remember strolling through the Founders Garden next door. The MLA and MHP Coordinators will be on the ground floor along with the Graduate Program Administrator. Environmental Ethics will be housed on the 2nd floor along with numerous faculty and PhD offices. The basement will serve as a secure location for various labs such as the Cultural Landscape Lab, a science lab, the SLaP lab, and Building Materials Conservation Library. The building will be fully equipped with studio desks, lockers, plotters and printers, and a lounge. Current efforts are being made to get Denmark’s $8M overhaul on the Board of Regents list of facilities updates.
Caldwell Hall
The MHP program is relocating to Caldwell Hall increasing the program’s overall visibility on campus. Caldwell will be equipped with new workstations, and the space enjoys plenty of natural light from the wall of windows along the breezeway between Caldwell and Denmark Halls. The Center of Community Design and Preservation along with the FindIt programs currently housed in this space will relocate to the 2nd floor of the Founders Memorial Garden House.
Tanner Building
Tanner will also experience some changes with a larger computer lab, a new location for the Urban Research Lab, and onsite access to a plotter and printer. Tanner will remain the primary home of the MUPD and PhD programs.
Needless to say, CED has a busy summer ahead preparing these spaces and facilitating multiple department relocations. We are excited for the changes ahead and can’t wait to welcome our community into these fresh spaces in August.
Current CED faculty, staff and students can access the full facilities plans HERE.