Computer Lab Renovation Update

UPDATE:  August 25, 2017

The Martin E. (’59) and Laurie Kaplan Computing & Technology Center is open on schedule.

Staff reasdy to assist users at the help desk counter

Staff at the New Help Desk

 

 

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The College is on schedule with a complete renovation of the 6th floor student computer lab that will provide all new equipment and furniture, group collaboration rooms, and an expanded help desk.  The new lab will open for the fall 2017 semester. The construction work has now progressed to the north side of the floor where the entire wall will be removed to extend student seating to the windows.  As a result, the lab will be closed from April 7 through August 25.

Dmolition of the North Wall in the Main Computer Lab

Removal of the North Wall (4/17/2017)

North Side of Main Computer lab facing the atrium under construction

North Side Facing the Atrium (4/17/2017)

To accommodate lab users during this construction period, additional computers were placed throughout the Library, including rooms 344, 444 and 544.  Printers were added to the Library’s third floor lounge area and in rooms 360, 460 and 560.  Computer labs will also be available on the east side of the Vertical Campus on the 6th floor from 8:00 a.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Below are photos of the work in progress on the SOUTH side of the lab.  We look forward to announcing to the Baruch community the Grand Reopening of the Martin and Laurie Kaplan Computing and Technology Center.

Painting Lab Collaboration Room

Group Collaboration Room Being Painted

Wood base of future help desk

New IT Help Desk Under Construction

 

Lab Printer Alcove Under Construction

Building a Printer Alcove

Carpentry Work in New Aisle Toward Desk

Carpentry Work in Aisle Facing New Help Desk

Installing wheel chair height counters in lab

Installing Wheelchair Height Counters

Wiring Help Desk Staff Area

Wiring the Help Desk Staff Area

View of 2 study rooms from lab floor

Collaboration Area Before Installation of Glass Walls

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REPRINT OF AN EARLIER POST

The Project

Baruch College is undertaking a complete renovation and upgrade of the main student computer lab on the sixth floor of the Information and Technology Building at 151 East 25th Street. Work will begin on Wednesday, November 16, and is expected to last through Summer 2017. Our goal is to have the entire facility renovated by the start of classes in Fall 2017.  Although we regret the inconvenience students will experience during the renovation period, the College looks forward to providing an outstanding, new student-centered facility.

The new features of the lab will include:

  • An expansion of the total area of the lab with student seating extending to the windows through the removal of the interior wall on the north side of the floor
  • Easy access to the help desk, relocated to the entrance hall area
  • 6 new student collaboration rooms with special presentation and conferencing equipment
  • New computers at every seat plus new printers, scanners, and other equipment for student use
  • New furnishings— tables, chairs, and lounge seating— to support group work as well as individual work
  • Electrical outlets at every table
  • A bring-your-own-device area

Schedules and Accommodations: What to Expect

The renovation will be accomplished in two phases.

Phase one will start with the construction of a temporary wall to separate the lab’s north and south sides. Full-scale construction will then begin on the south side, while the north side remains open. Once the south side renovation is completed, the south side will reopen.

Phase two of the work will focus on the north side.

Note: While each side is under construction, lab computers will be relocated and available on various floors of the Newman Library. To accommodate extra use of the library, temporary additional seats will be available on each floor for the duration of the project.

The architectural renderings of the renovated lab are provided below.

Architect's rendering

South side of the lab including collaboration rooms

 

Rendering of Baruch College wallpaper on lab wall

South side of the lab showing the help desk

 

Aerial view of corridor and help desk

South side of the lab from above showing help desk and entrance

 

Rows of tables with soft cusioned chairs along entrance corridor

North side of the lab with lounge seating and individual work stations from above

 

center table with printer on left and alcove on left

Printer alcove and bring-your-own-device area