Tech Library: A Model for Tomorrow

Appendix O: Meeting with Michael D. Besançon - Associate Dean Administration, Finance and Planning

As we were campaigning in Tech lobby to publicize our project, Mr. Besançon stopped by because the project caught his eye. He said he would like to learn more and thought he could provide some useful insights for the project. Below are the notes from our meeting.

Why did the project catch your eye? What was so interesting about the project?

Space is at a premium
Need to think creatively about other ideas
There is a committee looking at overall integration of space on campus, looking where growth opportunities are
There are a few other identified sites where growth can happen

What else are the possibilities for this space?

Northwestern has to look at alternative uses of space
Northwestern thinks strategically (i.e., there is no bioengineering place)

What is most important building for north campus?

Some radical ideas (knocking down the whole building) have been proposed

Do you have any other ideas to be integrated into the library?

There is so much to do with such a large budget
People want to be connected
Everything you need accessible everywhere
High data transfers

Is there anyone else you suggest we contact?

Paul Weller – University Director of Planning *

* Paul Weller was unavailable for comments, but referred us to Bonnie Humphrey.

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