architecture program report - University of Massachusetts Amherst

There is currently no shop for use by architecture students, no social space to promote program
collegiality, and no area suitable for project reviews. A computer lab, shared with other academic
programs within the department, is located adjacent to the architecture studio space. Access to
the lab is limited.
In its current location, the program has no physical identity on campus, and no signage to direct
visitors and students to the program.
A new studio arts building for the university is under construction and expected to be complete in
early 2008. When this construction is finished, additional space adjacent to the current
architecture studios will become available, most likely by fall 2008.
The program has been lead to believe they will receive this freed-up space, created by the move
of studio arts to a new building. Plans for the projected expansion of the architecture program
into this space should be underway.
Funds for a renovation are not currently budgeted. Both the current and new facilities for the
program on the fourth floor bridge of the existing fine arts building are in need of upgrade,
including increased electrical power distribution, electronic communications networking,
mechanical system rehabilitation, and other renovations to address building code and access
issues.
Computer Lab:
As mentioned above, the program has access to a conveniently located computer lab that
provides a worthwhile resource for the program. Access to the lab is limited because classes are
conducted in the lab and the lab closes at 9:00 p.m.
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Visiting Team Report
24-28 February 2007
Unfortunately the hardware is inadequate for many of the programs regularly used by the
architecture program. The program recently gained access to a color 11"X17" printer. Students
can only print large format documents at the facilities of the landscape architecture department.
Many students report relying of commercial printing houses for the bulk of their reproduction
needs.
In addition to a lack of adequate output devices for student use, there is no program of regular
replacement of faculty computers.
9. Information Resources
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Readily accessible library and visual resource collections are essential for architectural study,
teaching, and research. Library collections must include at least 5,000 different cataloged titles,
with an appropriate mix of Library of Congress NA, Dewey 720-29, and other related call
numbers to serve the needs of individual programs. There must be adequate visual resources as
well. Access to other architectural collections may supplement, but not substitute for, adequate
resources at the home institution. In addition to developing and managing collections,
architectural librarians and visual resources professionals should provide information services
that promote the research skills and critical thinking necessary for professional practice and
lifelong learning.
Met
[X]
The program is supported by the university's central library. The UMass Amherst Du Bois library
collection has over 28,000 volumes classified in the NA and NK categories directly pertaining to
Not Met
[ ]
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