tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12661191.post113217344873646831..comments2023-11-02T06:32:16.443-05:00Comments on It's Just A Blog: Going GreenWestyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11349549360672400647noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12661191.post-1132208282255907752005-11-17T00:18:00.000-06:002005-11-17T00:18:00.000-06:00This reminds me, in an odd way, of my first visit ...This reminds me, in an odd way, of my first visit to the new $60 million computer science building (<A HREF="http://www.cs.uiuc.edu/about/siebelcenter.php" REL="nofollow">Siebel Center</A>) at UI-Chambana this past spring. When I toured the facility, I ended up being disappointed. At first, I figured it was because my hopes had been too high. However, as I thought about it more while still in the building, I realized that I just found the place to be, in general, depressing. <BR/><BR/>As I walked up the steps from the 2nd to 3rd floor, I couldn't help but feel as though I were inside a robotic arm. The building's structure around me at that moment would have been totally cool to see in a movie, but not at all cool for actually living, working, or learning on a daily basis (in my opinion... I realize others will disagree).<BR/><BR/>Don't get me wrong, the building is very impressive on multiple levels -- including architectural, functional, and technological; and I might have a happier impression of it if I were to tour it under different circumstances (I toured it alone on a slow Saturday with overcast sky.) Although, honestly, I don't think my impression would change 180 degrees. As I was ready to exit the building, I started surveying it one "final" time, picturing it in a more "natural" state. Could they have used more (any) wood? What about a waterfall? It just seemed that, aside from all the windows, they made no attempt at having the building's interior mimic nature and thus missed an opportunity to see what could be accomplished in this area. <BR/><BR/>Also adding to my disappointment was the fact that the large building is crammed into a relatively small block of area. Just outside the building was a grassy area, but it was on a steep hill and the grass was dead. Of course, this was in March, but still, I imagine it's difficult to keep that grass healthy. They'd probably have better luck growing the grass on the roof...<BR/><BR/>(NOTE: I'm still jealous of the students who get to use this facility. It's way better than DCL!)Greg McConnellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17504912601218236507noreply@blogger.com