The location and style of Tufts' newest dorm will be the subject of a meeting between administrators and outside architects today, as the University moves forward with plans to break ground on a new residence hall this summer.
The list of potential locations for the structure has been narrowed down from about 13 to two: either the parking lot behind Hill Hall or the area directly across from Cohen Auditorium.
In conjunction with Vice President of Operations John Roberto and the Office of Residential Life, President Larry Bacow and other administrators will evaluate the pros and cons of the two sites today. Two trustees - members of the Buildings and Grounds Advisory Committee - will also participate in the meeting. Though plans cannot be finalized prior to consultation with city officials, administrators hope to make a recommendation to the full meeting of the trustees tomorrow.
Steve Dadagian (LA '83) of Graham Gund Architects will oversee the design of the brick building, which is slated to house 140 students and faculty members. But, Dadagian said, many decisions have not been finalized. The location of the dorm will affect the number of beds it houses.
"It's a conceptual design. We're developing a program for what's going to be in the building," he said. "I don't know where we're going to end up, to be honest."
Ballou hopes the location will reinforce the "existing fabric" of academic and residential buildings on campus, and establish a "residential community." The site's distance from dining halls, availability of utilities, and environmental impact are all considerations. The displacement of existing buildings is also a factor, according to Roberto.
"[Tufts is] trying to create more of a living learning environment, more common space and a better quality of life in general," Dadagian said. The idea is to create "a program that will reinforce community within the dorm, and not alienate students."
Part of the plan is to mix all stages of Tufts life "from freshmen to senior faculty." It is projected that the dorm will include singles, doubles, and possibly apartment-style rooms. The architects will ensure that the size, edifice, and design blend well with the surrounding campus.
The "ambitious" schedule calls for groundbreaking by the end of the summer, and construction is expected to last approximately one year. However, there are many potential snags in the road. Zoning issues, Medford or Somerville's political agendas, and construction problems are among the myriad of potential roadblocks.
Dadagian is a Fine Arts History and Geology major from Tufts. He said his experiences living in the dorms would add a degree of knowledge and understanding of the University's needs.
"I've lived in Hillsides, Haskell, and Houston," he said. "I had a good time in the dorms I was in, but I understand there are ways to improve."
