Solid student input needed for Hanszen College renovations
Hanszen College could be seeing new construction begin on its building in the near term (See story in NEWS). One would expect Hanszen's "New Section" to be the nicest in the college, but this name is in fact a misnomer, as the building has stood since 1955 without major renovations or changes, making it the oldest part of Hanszen and one of the most decrepit structures on campus.
Not only is the building unappealing, but the outdated piping also creates dangerous hygiene problems. Therefore, it comes as welcome news that the "family college" is in talks with Facilities Engineering and Planning about major renovations or a complete rebuilding of New Section. What makes these actions more commendable is the high amount of student involvement that Hanszen has insisted on in any future construction. The new Will Rice College section, while clean and new, looks more like the spartan concrete hallways of Duncan College and McMurtry College than the architecture of one of Rice's first colleges. Hanszen rightly insists that while changes are needed, they must conform to the character and culture of the college.
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