1. Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
University Hall
University Hall ($80 million of new construction), houses
the College of Education and Human Services, numerous
unique instructional spaces, and MSU’s IT department, and is
sized at 270,000 Sf.
Serving as the technology consultant, there were a
number of demanding challenges for me in the planning of
this project. One was to develop a clear understanding of the
wide-ranging requirements envisioned by a group of very
diverse stakeholders represented by CEHS, University
administrative, financial, and facilities personnel, the IT
Department, and numerous other representatives from
different schools on Campus.
A second was the need to effectively compile and
communicate the proposed utilization and technical
characteristics of a huge number of unique learning spaces,
on an iterative and ongoing basis.
The third, and most rewarding challenge was to literally
invent The Classroom of the Future, and
the auxillary technology support and
media production spaces. This space
now comprises the centerpiece of the
ADP Center for Teaching Preparation
and Learning Technology.
In addition to the almost 50
classrooms ranging in size from 10-200
students, the building houses a large
divisible ballroom, which services, along
with a Private Dining Room, as an
executive conference center, which
successfully contributes revenue to the
University.
Further, there are ten unique dedicated labs for
specialized training including movement analysis, exercise
and fitness, food science, nutrition, food management and
preparation, and clothing and textiles. These classrooms
were designed and equipped, to support both the technical
discipline, as well as general teaching and learning
requirements.
The counseling center is configured with 10 three person
parent/teacher interview rooms equipped with video
cameras. The sessions are recorded in an adjacent
observation/general-use classroom, and subsequently
reviewed by students to have their encounters critiqued by
professors and classmates. These facilities can also be used
for practicing teaching and presentation techniques as well.
Circulation and lobby areas are configured to serve as
informal learning and social gathering spaces. Ceiling and
wall mounted monitors keep the community informed about
events, scheduling updates and other general interest topics.
University Hall also is now home to the Campus Data
Center, along with a complement of computing oriented
classrooms to support different academic technology
programs offered by the University.
My responsibilities encompassed developing, codifying
and updating a detailed technology program for each unique
space or space type.
4 | P a g e M i c h a e l D a v i d L e i b o f f