New UNA Science Building

In the process of trying to complete the task of siting a new science building on the UNA campus, there were several different issues and factors that had to be considered. It may have seemed at first consideration that this project was a simple one, basically looking at a current map, agreeing upon a spot in which to place the new building, and then justifying that decision. However, the group soon found out that it was going to be much more difficult than anticipated.

To begin, we created a cartographic model. With the information that the class discussion brought forth and other considerations that we felt to be pertinent, we developed a model to fit our needs and the successful completion of the assignment. Having a cartographic model to guide us through the steps and to use as a reference, we commenced on the technological portion of the study. As we first opened the files, we immediately noticed that the data was outdated and informally discussed the changes that have occurred on the campus since that time. These included the addition of the parking deck, the Rayburn Wing of Keller Hall, and the newest addition, walking paths and the fountain. Also there was the removal of Wesleyan and Morrison Avenues. This was the beginning of the data editing. As we began to apply our knowledge of the software to the application at hand, we immediately encountered difficulties. The first change that was attempted was to remove the fore mentioned streets. In this attempt, we assumed that it could be done by removing those segments of the streets layer, however, this was not the case. After we did so, the entire layer was skewed and they covered a large percentage of the screen. Obviously we were to find an easier, more correct way of making these changes, and indeed we did. All manipulations were then done on the streets outline layer. Not only did we remove the two avenues, but also there was the need to repair the data for missing segments and unconnected lines. Soon we had an image that was more accurate and representative of the present state of the UNA campus. To add coherence and clarity we edited the attribute table of the buildings by adding a new field to name the buildings. This allowed us at a given time the ability to label them for quick reference. In the same fashion we were able to delete Wesleyan and Morrison Avenues that we had removed.

Before we continued to site selection and our vision of the future campus layout, research was conducted. A building can't simply be torn down because there is a history attached to each one. At this time we consulted two main references, the library and the UNA Master Plan. In the library we skimmed through as many books on the university as we could find. Not only were there detailed descriptions of the history of the college as whole and on individual building, but also pictures and drawings. The information we gathered was great. The school has been passed through many hands at two different locations. Its main purpose has been a training school for teachers, and it continues that tradition today. There have been many events that have had an impact, such as the Civil War. Wesleyan Hall was even used as a hospital during this time. The most interesting piece of information that we came across that had the greatest influence on us was O'Neal Hall. This was a large dormitory for women that once stood where the University Center is today, but was destroyed when expansions to Guillot were to be made. All three of us felt a sense of loss and near anger that this beautiful building was lost. Thus, we had the idea of proposing that the design of the new science building be a replica of O'Neal Hall. This would create several advantages. One of which is the style would be similar to that of many of the existing buildings. Another is that it is aesthetically appealing and would further add to the beautification of the university.

From the Master Plan we were able to gather more specific details concerning the future layout of the campus. Things to be considered were the amount and location of greenspace, size of the building, departments that would be affiliated with it, regulations, and proposals to only name a few. This source was consulting frequently throughout the completion of the project.

At this point, the team knew a great many details concerning the structure itself, but was not yet certain in regards to the most beneficial placement of it. In consulting the Master Plan, it showed that the proposed site was to be in the location of the present Math Building, however, possibly for the sake of the challenge itself we desired to find a different location if suitable. We first approached it by examining those areas that were large enough to accommodate the size specification of nearly 45,000 square feet base. Focus was narrowed to two locations, the first being the parking lot behind Flowers Hall, the second being the present site of Kilby Hall. Much debate amongst ourselves occurred in this decision process. We finally settled on the Kilby location, primarily because of its accessibility and the movement of the center of campus westward. In consideration of the placement of the children, it has since been realized that in the near future there will be empty schools in the city, which could serve as the new training school.

The final step was to once again edit the data layers to create an image of the future layout of the college. Kilby School was removed from the buildings layer and the new science building was added. The existing parking lot across from the Communications Building was expanded and another large parking area was created in order to accommodate the magnitude of people that will be utilizing the facility. For the same reason, the roads were widened and access roads created. Additionally, a greenspace layer was created that helped to show how the center of campus was shifting.

The result of proceeding processes was more than just a layout of the possible future layout of the University of North Alabama, but it was also the contemplation of the numerous factors that had to be considered. To site a building is more than merely putting a finger on a location and calling it done. There is a great deal of reasoning and justification that must at times be argued through. The thought process in this project became the most time consuming and difficult aspect. Fortunately, this was a challenge we were able to conquer, as we were able to find a new location suitable for the placement of a new science building.

	Siting a New Science Building on the UNA Campus

	In the process of trying to complete the task of siting a new science building on the UNA campus, there were several different issues and factors that had to be considered. It may have seemed at first consideration that this project was a simple one, basically looking at a current map, agreeing upon a spot in which to place the new building, and then justifying that decision. However, the group soon found out that it was going to be much more difficult than anticipated. To begin, we created a cartographic model. With the information that the class discussion brought forth and other considerations that we felt to be pertinent, we developed a model to fit our needs and the successful completion of the assignment. Having a cartographic model to guide us through the steps and to use as a reference, we commenced on the technological portion of the study. As we first opened the files, we immediately noticed that the data was outdated and informally discussed the changes that have occurred on the campus since that time. These included the addition of the parking deck, the Rayburn Wing of Keller Hall, and the newest addition, walking paths and the fountain. Also there was the removal of Wesleyan and Morrison Avenues. This was the beginning of the data editing. As we began to apply our knowledge of the software to the application at hand, we immediately encountered difficulties. The first change that was attempted was to remove the fore mentioned streets. In this attempt, we assumed that it could be done by removing those segments of the streets layer, however, this was not the case. After we did so, the entire layer was skewed and they covered a large percentage of the screen. Obviously we were to find an easier, more correct way of making these changes, and indeed we did. All manipulations were then done on the streets outline layer. Not only did we remove the two avenues, but also there was the need to repair the data for missing segments and unconnected lines. Soon we had an image that was more accurate and representative of the present state of the UNA campus. To add coherence and clarity we edited the attribute table of the buildings by adding a new field to name the buildings. This allowed us at a given time the ability to label them for quick reference. In the same fashion we were able to delete Wesleyan and Morrison Avenues that we had removed. Before we continued to site selection and our vision of the future campus layout, research was conducted. A building can't simply be torn down because there is a history attached to each one. At this time we consulted two main references, the library and the UNA Master Plan. In the library we skimmed through as many books on the university as we could find. Not only were there detailed descriptions of the history of the college as whole and on individual building, but also pictures and drawings. The information we gathered was great. The school has been passed through many hands at two different locations. Its main purpose has been a training school for teachers, and it continues that tradition today. There have been many events that have had an impact, such as the Civil War. Wesleyan Hall was even used as a hospital during this time. The most interesting piece of information that we came across that had the greatest influence on us was O'Neal Hall. This was a large dormitory for women that once stood where the University Center is today, but was destroyed when expansions to Guillot were to be made. All three of us felt a sense of loss and near anger that this beautiful building was lost. Thus, we had the idea of proposing that the design of the new science building be a replica of O'Neal Hall. This would create several advantages. One of which is the style would be similar to that of many of the existing buildings. Another is that it is aesthetically appealing and would further add to the beautification of the university. From the Master Plan we were able to gather more specific details concerning the future layout of the campus. Things to be considered were the amount and location of greenspace, size of the building, departments that would be affiliated with it, regulations, and proposals to only name a few. This source was consulting frequently throughout the completion of the project. At this point, the team knew a great many details concerning the structure itself, but was not yet certain in regards to the most beneficial placement of it. In consulting the Master Plan, it showed that the proposed site was to be in the location of the present Math Building, however, possibly for the sake of the challenge itself we desired to find a different location if suitable. We first approached it by examining those areas that were large enough to accommodate the size specification of nearly 45,000 square feet base. Focus was narrowed to two locations, the first being the parking lot behind Flowers Hall, the second being the present site of Kilby Hall. Much debate amongst ourselves occurred in this decision process. We finally settled on the Kilby location, primarily because of its accessibility and the movement of the center of campus westward. In consideration of the placement of the children, it has since been realized that in the near future there will be empty schools in the city, which could serve as the new training school. The final step was to once again edit the data layers to create an image of the future layout of the college. Kilby School was removed from the buildings layer and the new science building was added. The existing parking lot across from the Communications Building was expanded and another large parking area was created in order to accommodate the magnitude of people that will be utilizing the facility. For the same reason, the roads were widened and access roads created. Additionally, a greenspace layer was created that helped to show how the center of campus was shifting. The result of proceeding processes was more than just a layout of the possible future layout of the University of North Alabama, but it was also the contemplation of the numerous factors that had to be considered. To site a building is more than merely putting a finger on a location and calling it done. There is a great deal of reasoning and justification that must at times be argued through. The thought process in this project became the most time consuming and difficult aspect. Fortunately, this was a challenge we were able to conquer, as we were able to find a new location suitable for the placement of a new science building.

		Home