Musical chairs

It has long been agreed that Tufts' music facilities are not nearly adequate in accommodating all the classes and extracurricular interests, leaving some groups without space to practice or perform. Fortunately, it appears that the University has finally leveraged the cash to invest in a large, state-of-the-art music building. But the plan, while a great improvement, simply underscores a classic Tufts dilemma: there's not much room around here.

Since Tufts faces significant challenges from neighboring residents with any expansion effort that would push further into Medford or Somerville, new buildings (like the music center and the proposed dorm) usually need to be located on the already-crowded campus. With this in mind, University has decided to demolish the Zeta Psi house on Professors Row and construct the new music building in the space.

While this isn't great news for Zeta Psi, Tufts has indicated it will take charge of their relocation to another Professors Row space. Inexplicably, though, the fraternity is slated to move into the current Institute for Global Leadership house. The Institute, which includes the prestigious Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) program, is one of Tufts' most recognized organizations. And at a school whose tagline is educating global leaders, it is also one of the most vital.

The scope and purpose of the Institute demands a prominent location on campus, but Tufts looks to be getting itself into an over-development spiral. To maintain the Institute's status at the center of the University, another prominently-located department will most likely have to move out, and even more relocations could occur as a result.

While it is not clear what other options Tufts has for locating the music building or Zeta Psi, the situation demonstrates an obvious lack of foresight in spatial planning at the University. Ballou needs to be thinking years in advance before it makes decisions today. For example, the music building was already being seriously discussed when the Institute for Global Leadership began moving into their current house two years ago. If Tufts had realized then that a space conflict on Professors Row might occur if the music building was approved, the Institute may have been located elsewhere and this problem may never have grown to its current scale.

The issue of spatial planning is especially pertinent now considering the slew of construction projects currently being discussed. Before Tufts breaks ground on a new dormitory or discusses Phase 3 of the campus center, it should take a step back and figure out its long-term plans for space on campus.