Out with old, in with new campus oasis

A cinder-block closet full of old technology in the Education, Theatre, Music and Social Work building was transformed into a new oasis where students can gather, study and collaborate. – Photos: Wendy Jeanes

An old media closet that housed outdated technology was transformed over the past few months into a comfortable place for students to gather, study and collaborate.

The updated space, on the second floor of the Education, Theatre, Music and Social Work building, is the latest oasis completed by the UIC Office of Campus Learning Environments. The campus community can view the space during an open house from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Work began on the oasis in October and was completed in time for the beginning of spring semester.

“It was a completely unused space that was cinderblock, all concrete and really rough inside, with old TVs and technology,” said Jonathan Fair, assistant director of campus architecture. “We’re a campus that’s tight on space. It’s nice to turn over some space back to the students.”

The oasis features comfortable seating options for individuals and groups, colorful campus photos and a collaboration station with a LCD panel where as many as five students can work on projects together.

“Students can use the connection ports and just hit the play button and show their own screen on the LCD panel,” Fair said. “It’s all super streamlined and that makes it easier for students to use.”

The project was completed in partnership with the Academic Computing and Communications Center, College of Education, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Office of the Provost.