Georgetown Residential Living, the Georgetown University Student Association, and Sasaki Associates hosted an information session Wednesday concerning recent developments in the design for the Northeast Triangle Dorm, which is slated to begin construction in Oct. 2014, according to University officials. Additions to the original dorm design include greater integration of student socializing space into the overall structure and a new entrance from the south.
“The building has … two entrances, one that is more referential in terms of architecture and materiality … and the other one that is a little more open, to signify the commitment to living and learning [and] communication between the living and learning programs on the first floor,” said Vinicius Gorgati, principal with Sasaki Associates, the architectural firm designing the Northeast Triangle.
Gorgati described infrastructure in the dorm, such as a laundry room down the hall from an open patio, workplaces, study rooms with natural lighting located throughout the residential area, and meditation spaces on the seventh floor.
“As you come into the living learning community, you come into an open space that is flexible and has panels, and you can you use it for multiple things. It has a kitchen that can support operations for the multipurpose room,” Gorgati said.
The design includes a non-accessible green roof and incorporation of small gardens along the sides. Large, operational windows will be built to allow for ventilation throughout the building.
The Northeast Triangle Dorm will be the first residence hall that will not require a key for entry. Students will require only their GOCards to enter the building, the halls, and their individual dorms. Some students raised concerns about security at the forum.
“Well, I think there are a couple things to keep in mind. You can always say that your GOCard has been stolen, [so you can deactivate it],” said Stephanie Lynch, assistant dean for residential living. “Second, on your GOCard there isn’t any information which says where you are living.”
Audience members also posed questions about construction in the high traffic area between Leavey and Henle. Robin Morey, vice president for planning and facilities, responded that the University and architects would aim to mitigate impact as much as possible.
Morey also said construction times for the building would be around the same as those for the New South Student Center, beginning at 8 a.m.
“We are in the last third of design development … and it’s going to take us another four to five months after this phase is complete to finish the documentation. … Then, the construction schedule is about 16 months,” Gorgati said.
Senior University architect Jodi Ernst, however, explained that the process is contingent upon the permit approval process. “It will start early October … you might start seeing construction on the site as early as June, but that is contingent on the permit … we’re juggling approvals right now,” she said.
The University is currently discussing design with the Old Georgetown Board, which needs to approve designs before recommending approval of a permit to the D.C. Fine Arts Commission.
