university of illinois - UIHistories Project

1956] UNIVERSITY 07 ILLINOIS "3
this project in part from funds other than state appropriations, and it may be
feasible to do this at the University of Illinois.
Auditorium-Gymnasium
A large Field House-Auditorium, multipurpose building, capable of accommodating
15,000 to 20,000 persons for Commencement, Farm and Home Week, athletic
and like events, and 5,000 to 8,500 for musical and other entertainment events,
would be a practical way of satisfying a twofold University need. Moreover, the
entire state could make very good use of a building this size, especially the downstate
communities.
A Digital Computer Laboratory
The University has accepted a grant to be used on preliminary design
studies for a new, very fast, and very versatile computing machine. The new
machine would furnish service to the entire University and would be of great
importance to research and education — particularly in engineering, applied
mathematics, the social sciences, and commerce.
Support for the construction of such a machine is anticipated from governmental,
industrial, or other agencies.
A new building of approximately 40,000 square feet of net floor area is
needed to house the computing facilities and data processing machines.
A University Art Gallery
The University, which conducts one of the largest and most active art
schools in the country, owns an important and comprehensive collection of works
of art, but has no museum or gallery in which to display it. Many private and
state universities have recognized the importance to the students and the
community of furnishing space for displaying art works. Some schools have
separate buildings which have been financed by alumni and special gifts.
Remodeling for the Physical Environment Unit — Urbana-Champaign
The Physical Environment Unit is of great importance in several fields of
research and education. It supplements, but does not duplicate, the environmental
facilities of the Animal Science Department and those planned for the
Physiology Department in the new Biology Building. Staff members of the
Unit are using the facilities for research and instruction; and the following
University departments and divisions have used, or are now using, its services:
Animal Science, Electrical Engineering, Geography, Home Economics, Institute
of Aviation, Mechanical Engineering, Medicine, Physical Education for Men,
Physiology, Psychology, Speech, and the State Natural History Survey.
If the space adjacent to the present laboratory can be remodeled, further
funds to support experiments and research can be anticipated from governmental,
industrial, or other agencies.
A Nuclear Engineering Building
For the past five years, plans have been in progress for a nuclear engineering
program in the College of Engineering. This new and dynamic program will
become formalized in the 1957-59 biennium, based on preliminary courses now
being offered.
If the University would construct a building to house nuclear engineering
and measurements laboratories and office facilities, the Atomic Energy Commission
probably would provide the atomic fuel, laboratory equipment, and
materials to a maximum value of $350,000.
An Industrial Education Building
Since 1917, the University of Illinois has been the only institution approved
by the Illinois State Board for Vocational Education for the preparation of
vocational-industrial instructors. The College of Education's Division of Industrial
Education is not a self-contained unit; it not only exploits the resources
of the University, but it also makes extensive use of the facilities of industrial
establishments of the state in the operation of a cooperative program for the
preparation of industrial education personnel. There is a heavy demand for
graduates of this Division. Moreover, a new undergraduate curriculum was
inaugurated during the 1955-56 academic year to prepare personnel specifically
for assignments in training departments in industry.