"We remain confident that Fayerweather will be ready for the spring semester," said Brassord.
A Joint Venture, the construction firm, is overseeing the renovation of Fayerweather. The firm has hired upwards of 20 subcontractors to complete the project, according to Brassord.
During the fall, faculty normally housed in Fayerweather, predominantly members of the department of fine arts, had to relocate their offices to Cooper House, which is located on Route 9 just east of Clark House. Art classes have been displaced to a number of sites, including Williston Hall, Stirn Auditorium, Merrill Science Center and a store on Triangle Street.
Assistant Professor of Fine Arts DeWitt Godfrey found very few problems with his drawing class, which was relocated to Williston. "The relocation was not that bad considering," said Godfrey. "Drawing classes in Williston have been fine, if a little cramped. I have made some minor changes, but nothing that compromises the effectiveness of my courses versus other years."
Professor of Fine Arts Samuel Morse found more trouble in teaching some seminars. "It is hard to teach a seminar when you cannot sit around a table and use the illustrations in art books," said Morse. "And that classroom in Merrill [in which some art classes have been taught] is simply dreadful."
Godfrey drew upon the space shortage as inspiration for a popular class. "Not having a sculpture studio served as the impetus to design the first-year 'Social Sculpture' where we study artists whose work falls outside of traditional studio practices and students make work in the same fashion. Along with inconvenience, change equally presents opportunity."
Construction on Fayerweather was originally planned to begin in 2000 and finish in January of 2001, but was delayed until the past summer. The construction is the first major reconstruction of the former physics building since its creation in 1894. The renovated Fayerweather will contain new classrooms, a small 80-seat auditorium, expanded exhibition spaces and an elevator.
Morse praised the redesign of Fayerweather Hall, despite the semester of displacement. "The payoff will be magnificent. I believe we will have one of the best art facilities at any small college in the entire country," he said.
"The renovations are nothing short of spectacular, both functionally and aesthetically. The College, department and students should reap tremendous benefits," said Godfrey of the improvements to the building.
According to Brassord, the majority of the construction on the building has been completed. "All of the major work, in terms of installing the new building systems and architectural revisions, is nearing completion," said Brassord. "Therefore, the primary focus for the next month will be to complete the interior finishes and commission the building."
The front entrance to Fayerweather, now torn up by construction vehicles, will be opened for next semester, but the quad, shared with Valentine Hall, Chapin Hall and Morrow Dormitory will not be repaired immediately. "The Quad entry immediate to the building will be completed for the opening in January," said Brassord. "However, the landscaping in the Quad will be deferred until spring."
Fine arts department faculty will be allowed to move back into Fayerweather at the beginning of the spring semester. "Cooper House has served more than adequately. Some boxes have remained packed, as to be expected," said Godfrey. "The relocation will have been more than worth the trouble when we move back to Fayerweather this January. For the first time, the department of fine arts will be under one roof, combining both the practice and history of art physically, as well as intellectually and pedagogically."
Morse found his semester of relocation in Cooper House more inconvenient. "I use my office there to meet students but without all my books; they would not have fit in the office. I chose to do most of my writing at home this semester," he said.
During the spring semester and over the summer, Cooper House will be renovated for use by the black studies and philosophy departments, which will be displaced by the conversion of Williston Hall into a freshman dorm as part of the quad renovations.
"Comprehensive renovations will be performed on the Cooper House to prepare it for the black studies and philosophy departments," said Brassord. "Work will begin in Jan., with completion scheduled for Aug. 2002, to allow for fall semester occupancy."