sevfiv Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Rice announced the $30 million gift for College #11, Duncan College. Along with new residential college #10, McMurtry College, there will be two new LEED certified buildings for Rice (and its first Gold certification). Rice University today announced a $30 million gift from Anne and Charles Duncan to support its unique residential college system. In addition, the university unveiled plans for its 11th residential college, which will be one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings ever built in Houston. The building will be named in honor of the Duncans in recognition of their long-standing commitment to both Rice and environmental conservation. http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.as...;SnID=417075778 The school plans to implement environmentally sustainable features to the building to make it eligible to receive its first gold-level certification from the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards program.The five-story, 324-bed Duncan College will be built concurrently with McMurtry College, and is scheduled to open for student use in the fall of 2009. http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories...63&ana=e_du Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 there was a story on tv about the trees that were going to be torn down as a result. area residents were upset. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted August 21, 2007 Author Share Posted August 21, 2007 (edited) there was a story on tv about the trees that were going to be torn down as a result. area residents were upset.yeah, the trees are pretty dense - they are relocating some, starting tomorrow apparently. not sure how many are actually going to be lostat least one of the colleges will be placed over an existing parking lot, too Edited August 21, 2007 by sevfiv Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 they are relocating some, starting tomorrow apparently. not sure how many are actually going to be lostthe people were upset cause rice wasn't relocating any. a spokesperson said that they are planting more than are being cutting down. but if they are relocating that will be good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Lots of tree movement in Houston lately (Disco Green/Fingers, UH, Rice). That's a sign of progress, though.Just a few years ago they would have been cut and cleared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 I like the garden on the top of that building. Too bad as a grad student I'll probably never get to hang out up there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidtownCoog Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Jax, Dump your ball and chain and 'ya never know'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted August 21, 2007 Share Posted August 21, 2007 Lots of tree movement in Houston lately (Disco Green/Fingers, UH, Rice). That's a sign of progress, though.Just a few years ago they would have been cut and cleared.tru dat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Owl Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 glad to see beautiful Rice campus expanding. Doing it green is even better. gotta receive the green ($30M) to build it greenNot to boast, but my alma mater has such a nice campus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buildingunbuildingrebuilding Posted August 22, 2007 Share Posted August 22, 2007 glad to see beautiful Rice campus expanding. Doing it green is even better. gotta receive the green ($30M) to build it greenNot to boast, but my alma mater has such a nice campusAmen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted August 22, 2007 Author Share Posted August 22, 2007 looks like the chron wrote about it last night:The five-story building will include such features as a roof covered with soil and plants that reduces energy costs and prevents rain runoff and motion detectors that turn off lights in unoccupied rooms, Rice officials said in announcing the gift Tuesday.The design reflects an emerging movement among colleges and universities to transform their campuses into models of environmental sustainability.More than 300 schools, including Rice, are members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which certifies buildings as being environmentally friendly based on indoor air quality and the use of recycled construction materials, among other things.http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metrop...an/5073583.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted August 30, 2007 Author Share Posted August 30, 2007 more information about the project: Design Architect: Hopkins, Ltd. Executive Architect: Hanbury Evans Wright + Vlattas Construction manager: Linbeck Group, LP Completion: Fall 2009 and more about the trees: -The construction plan will yield a net gain of approximately 66 trees by the time all work has been completed, with the tree count increasing to 231 from its current 165 prior to construction. -The Master's House for McMurtry College was redesigned in order to preserve a 50-inch live oak tree on the site. -At all times, an arborist will supervise all work crews as they relocate or remove old trees or add protection to trees that will remain in place during construction. -Felled trees will be turned into mulch, as part of the project's goal of meeting LEED standards. -Rather than open-digging trenches to lay new utility lines, Rice contractors will bore under the large oak grove in order to avoid contact with the root systems. another rendering: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativehou Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 ^^^^That's an old rendering of the two colleges that are being built basically at the same time -- McMurtry, which was the first one funded, and Duncan, which was just funded and will be the green building. I guess now they won't look so similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T 2 THA C Posted August 31, 2007 Share Posted August 31, 2007 looks like the chron wrote about it last night:http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metrop...an/5073583.htmlYea I saw that Rice is a nice school Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted September 5, 2007 Share Posted September 5, 2007 Here is some info about the tree situation. I was never really worried that Rice was going to get rid of their Live Oaks.Here's what's really happening. Rice planned the location and design of the new colleges to minimize impact on trees and to make optimal use of land in order to preserve even larger tracts of green space around campus. We spent considerable money to carefully design one building to preserve the oldest and largest tree at the site -- a stately 50-inch live oak that is more than 100 years old. We've invested even more to tenderly transplant 36 trees, including several that have been temporarily relocated to the university Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted October 10, 2007 Share Posted October 10, 2007 Here's another tree related link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 Not the most interesting project on campus but I think it's pretty cool that they will be using geothermal and photovoltaics, and some other neat environmental stuff.http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~emk4149/index.htmThe webcam is worth checking out. You can see the Methodist Hospital construction on the webcam. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted March 31, 2008 Author Share Posted March 31, 2008 I heard that Brochstein Pavilion was set to open very soon - two weeks maybe? It sure doesn't look like it will be ready... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 Yeah I'm a bit disappointed in the fact that it doesn't appear to be ready any time soon. I was expecting to be able to study in there before I graduate. There is a chance I'll stay at Rice and be able to use this place next year, but that is up in the air right now.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 ...should be completed within a month, and will feature a coffee house run by Deidrich's, so I will finally have another option for coffee/lunch....I was wondering where the new location was. They have been looking for new employees at the new location, but never had a chance to find out.Great job, Mark. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkD Posted March 31, 2008 Share Posted March 31, 2008 (edited) I heard that Brochstein Pavilion was set to open very soon - two weeks maybe? It sure doesn't look like it will be ready...I believe there is supposed to be a dedication ceremony on March 22, but I don't think they will be quite done with all the landscaping by then. It will definitely not be done in 2 weeks (I spoke to the project manager today).As a side note, the Rice F&E people have been doing a great job lately at keeping up communication with the Rice students/faculty/staff who are interested. I'm going to be getting married in the Rice Chapel before the project is finished, but when I e-mailed just to find out what their timeline was they immediately responded and are actually going to make sure there is no construction noise during the wedding. Quite a bit more helpful than they had to be. Edited March 31, 2008 by MarkD Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 2, 2008 Author Share Posted April 2, 2008 Just got word that they're scrambling to try and finish up the Brochstein Pavilion for an April 24th dedication...landscaping is supposed to be happening now/soon by the west entrance of the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 2, 2008 Author Share Posted April 2, 2008 note split topic, originating from the Collaborative Research Center thread6) My personal favorite: Brochstein Pavillion going in the heart of the campus - should be completed within a month, and will feature a coffee house run by Deidrich's, so I will finally have another option for coffee/lunch. Along with the building is a complete renovation of the area behind the library, adding tons of trees, fountains, outdoor seating, etc. Should be really nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkD Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 Just got word that they're scrambling to try and finish up the Brochstein Pavilion for an April 24th dedication...landscaping is supposed to be happening now/soon by the west entrance of the library.Oops, I meant April 22 - and that was wrong too, it is April 24 I guess. I think they are planning on having the building done by then, but the landscaping won't be entirely finished by then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 18, 2008 Author Share Posted April 18, 2008 Got a quick peek of the inside, and it is coming along...the walkways are finished and open, and looks like the water fountain thingies are about to be finished also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted April 18, 2008 Share Posted April 18, 2008 It's nice finally being able to walk behind Fondren again. When is the actual cafe supposed to be open? Now that I know for sure that I am staying around for a PhD, I'll be able to hang out at this place sometimes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 18, 2008 Author Share Posted April 18, 2008 Looks like there will be a "sneak peek" for students, faculty, and staff on the 25th from 2-5pm with free coffee and ice cream, too...and officially open on the 26th:http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.as...EW&ID=10894 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted April 19, 2008 Share Posted April 19, 2008 I snapped this photo last time I walked by... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 Here are some from just a little while ago - they are finishing up the landscaping and the interior, and the two long fountains are running. There is a large amount of asian jasmine groundcover being planted along the north side of the pavilion - i wish they could have planted grass instead for more lawn space. oh well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 24, 2008 Author Share Posted April 24, 2008 They tidied up pretty quickly - the dedication is going on as i type. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted April 25, 2008 Share Posted April 25, 2008 (edited) I also took a cell phone photo yesterday before the dedication. Too bad its not open to students yet. It's very different from what you expect from Rice Architecture (so is the CRC) but somehow I think it works, I love the windows, the landscaping is nice, and I like the fact that they planted new trees. It really makes that empty area behind the library so much nicer. It reminds me of Menil a bit. Edited April 25, 2008 by Jax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted April 28, 2008 Author Share Posted April 28, 2008 Open, but haven't made it in yet.Dirk's Coffee will provide the food and beverage service for the Brochstein Pavilion. In addition to Diedrich's brand coffees and other beverages, the pavilion menu will include sandwiches, salads, snacks and desserts.During its first week of operation, which is also finals week, Brochstein Pavilion will be open 24 hours a day to give students, faculty and staff access to "Broch around the clock." The nonstop operation begins at 9 a.m. April 27 and continues through midnight May 2. Beginning May 3, the pavilion will operate on a summer schedule: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For commencement, May 10, the pavilion will be open from 7 a.m. to midnight.For more information about Brochstein Pavilion and upcoming events, visit www.rice.edu/brochstein.http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.as...EW&ID=10923 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted July 2, 2008 Author Share Posted July 2, 2008 Chronicle article on the Brochstein Pavilion from Lisa Gray:http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/ar...ay/5866353.htmlInteresting analysis about the placement and aesthetics of Fondren Library - she calls the Pavilion the "anti-Fondren." I always thought Fondren kinda looked like a lump on the quadrangle, and I agree about the importance of the new west entrance.Fwiw, I have yet to step foot in the pavilion let alone purchase anything. Wonder if it will ever be student-run... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 The Brochstein Pavilion won the Best of 2008 - Higher Education from Texas Construction Magazine:Located in the heart of the university Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasVines Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 what is the large black rectangle? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 There are two long black stone fountains between the pavilion and the library Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TexasVines Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 (edited) There are two long black stone fountains between the pavilion and the libraryI thought that was what it was....so it is like a reflecting pool with a very thin cascade down the side or some similar setup...thanks for reply Edited January 12, 2009 by TexasVines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 They look nice when they are clean and running - for a while there was no chlorine in them and the trees (when they had leaves) would muck up everything... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jax Posted May 9, 2009 Share Posted May 9, 2009 (edited) Here is some info on the new Rice physics building which is currently under construction. It's going to be next door to the Space Science building which is one of the ugliest buildings on campus in my opinion. I'm not sure I'm crazy about the design of the new physics building either, but it will be great for the physics department and I am sure the facilities will be top notch. There's a live webcam too. Edited May 9, 2009 by Jax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Urbannizer Posted July 31, 2009 Share Posted July 31, 2009 Swamplot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sevfiv Posted July 31, 2009 Author Share Posted July 31, 2009 They're really cramming this one in..At least they put small plexi windows in the ugly plywood fencing put up around the site.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 I know there are a lot of urban explorers here on HAIF. Has anyone been to the tunnels beneath Rice University? There's 2.6 miles of tunnels down there. And the Facilities department even has tours open to the public! http://facilities.rice.edu/Department.aspx?id=2248 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted January 21, 2011 Share Posted January 21, 2011 I know there are a lot of urban explorers here on HAIF. Has anyone been to the tunnels beneath Rice University? There's 2.6 miles of tunnels down there. And the Facilities department even has tours open to the public! http://facilities.ri...nt.aspx?id=2248It's nothing great. Rice distributes most of it's heating,cooling and electricity from 2 main central plants through these utility tunnels. You can't actually walk from one end of the campus to the other. Pretty much every building has a locked gate to prevent entry plus it's a very tight squeeze in some areas. There are also manhole covers but again you wouldn't get far before you came to a locked gate. Thresher article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 one of my kids graduated from Rice in 2001-- not much positive to say about the tunnels and raised eyebrows at the thought that anyone from the "public" would want a tour.This is probably typical---there is some sort of list of things on campus undergrads must attempt or experience before graduating. . . . . . . not sure how much enthusiasm for the list the kids feel , since only "swimming in university Presidents pool and walking the tunnels" were the only ones that came to mind when I asked. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
editor Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 It's nothing great. Rice distributes most of it's heating,cooling and electricity from 2 main central plants through these utility tunnels. You can't actually walk from one end of the campus to the other. Pretty much every building has a locked gate to prevent entry plus it's a very tight squeeze in some areas. There are also manhole covers but again you wouldn't get far before you came to a locked gate. Thresher articleSince the maintenance department is doing the tour, It would make sense to think that the gates wouldn't be an obstacle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Since the maintenance department is doing the tour, It would make sense to think that the gates wouldn't be an obstacle.I've been in the steam tunnels. It's cool on some level but it's not that impressive in the grand scheme on things. They are only for distribution of utilities to campus buildings from the central plants. In many areas they have so many pipes going through them that they are impassable for humans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToryGattis Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Attached images from an old Rice "Tunnel Naked" T-shirt, including a map on the back that was tediously built from scratch by extensive unauthorized pacing trips by some friends of mine (none of which were naked, to my knowledge)... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAZ Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 I know there are a lot of urban explorers here on HAIF. Has anyone been to the tunnels beneath Rice University? There's 2.6 miles of tunnels down there. And the Facilities department even has tours open to the public! http://facilities.ri...nt.aspx?id=2248I spent a fair amount of time down in the tunnels when I was a student-worker for the IT department. They run their fiber-optic connections between buildings through the tunnels, and we were the ones who had to go down and fix them when they broke.For an architecture student it was hugely educational. In fact, I actually learned more from working in the tunnels and IT closets on campus, than I did from some of my professors.For the public, I think it would be educational as well. But I wouldn't go so far as to say they're 'impressive.' (In many cases it's impossible to tell when you're in a tunnel, and when you're just in a corridor in the basement of a building.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fringe Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 Attached images from an old Rice "Tunnel Naked" T-shirt, including a map on the back that was tediously built from scratch by extensive unauthorized pacing trips by some friends of mine (none of which were naked, to my knowledge)... LOL. Those are great. I'm guessing from the 90's? Definitely before New Wiess was built. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulldog Posted January 22, 2011 Share Posted January 22, 2011 LOL. Those are great. I'm guessing from the 90's? Definitely before New Wiess was built.Somewhere among my Rice memorabilia I have an official tunnel map circa 2000. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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