Amphitheater enriches campus
Issue date: 3/6/08 Section: Opinion
Until the spring of 2005, Hillsdale College possessed a patio next to the library, where students could study and professors could hold classes. When this was destroyed to make room for the union, students and professors had to study and hold class on grassy areas if they wished to take advantage of any beautiful weather. Many seniors, who enjoyed this space when they were freshmen, want future students to enjoy a similar space.
To provide such a space, the senior class officers have proposed a beautiful theater designed by the architects to capture sound, avoid the distraction of quad traffic, allow a splendid view of fall colors, and reflect our Greco-Roman heritage.
Though many students and faculty members have shown approval and excitement for the new space, a few have some reservations.
First, some believe that because the amphitheater can only be used for a short part of the school year, it is not worthwhile. Actually, because the winters here are so long, students have an even greater incentive to enjoy the outdoors. For nearly half of the fall semester, professors take classes outside, and students study on the grass, trying to enjoy the last few days of warm weather.
In the spring, students cooped up in classrooms want to escape into the beautiful outdoors. When we can finally enjoy the weather, we should not have to do so by sitting in the mud or on the steps of Central Hall. Instead, all can enjoy cast stone benches fully dried by the rays of spring sunshine, for class, study, leisure time, meal breaks, meetings and a host of other activities.
Second, some insist that this space will destroy the natural beauty of campus. The location for the amphitheater was chosen, in part, because no trees will have to be destroyed in its construction. It has been modeled after the architecture of the rest of campus and will boast of cast stone similar to that found at the base of Lane and Kendall. Not only will all the existing trees remain, but if enough funds are raised, more trees may be planted and landscaping put in place.
To provide such a space, the senior class officers have proposed a beautiful theater designed by the architects to capture sound, avoid the distraction of quad traffic, allow a splendid view of fall colors, and reflect our Greco-Roman heritage.
Though many students and faculty members have shown approval and excitement for the new space, a few have some reservations.
First, some believe that because the amphitheater can only be used for a short part of the school year, it is not worthwhile. Actually, because the winters here are so long, students have an even greater incentive to enjoy the outdoors. For nearly half of the fall semester, professors take classes outside, and students study on the grass, trying to enjoy the last few days of warm weather.
In the spring, students cooped up in classrooms want to escape into the beautiful outdoors. When we can finally enjoy the weather, we should not have to do so by sitting in the mud or on the steps of Central Hall. Instead, all can enjoy cast stone benches fully dried by the rays of spring sunshine, for class, study, leisure time, meal breaks, meetings and a host of other activities.
Second, some insist that this space will destroy the natural beauty of campus. The location for the amphitheater was chosen, in part, because no trees will have to be destroyed in its construction. It has been modeled after the architecture of the rest of campus and will boast of cast stone similar to that found at the base of Lane and Kendall. Not only will all the existing trees remain, but if enough funds are raised, more trees may be planted and landscaping put in place.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Hugh
posted 3/13/08 @ 11:11 PM EST
This is perhaps the most insincere thing I have ever read. For the record, I liked the old "stoop" outside the library. But the amphitheater is silly. (Continued…)
Publius
posted 3/27/08 @ 7:42 AM EST
If that is the most insincere thing Hugh has read, he should read more.
Post a Comment