Home

Welcome

History

Renovation

Departments

Building Information

Events

Virtual Tour

The PNE Planning Committee agreed upon three programmatic priorities for the renovation: Instructional Space, Research Space and Public Space. Although these priorities are distinct, the overall goal was the integration of these activities in close proximity to each other.

Instructional Space

PNE reopened with more classrooms available than before. Not only has the number of classrooms grown but the style of instructional space varies in design and layout. Three case-method classrooms are available. These rooms, modeled after classrooms in professional schools, feature a deep U-shaped design that encourages interaction among students. Three computer classrooms are located on PNE's new first floor and contain state-of-the-art technology at individual student workstations. Flexible seating classrooms encourages in-class group activities as well as traditional lecture/discussion formats. Seminar rooms with seating around large conference tables are available throughout the building and newly designed auditoriums accommodate large classes and guest speakers. A videoconferencing facility is featured in one of the case-method rooms permitting interactions beyond the College gates.

Research Space

Research facilities for both students and faculty have been added to PNE. Collaboration between faculty and students is encouraged in the design of the Social Science Research Lab -- a high-tech computer facility located in space created by removing PNE 112. An Archaeology Laboratory and a Media Laboratory are further additions, which function as extended teaching spaces and as research environments.

Public Space

Public spaces have been designed to promote and enhance interaction between students, faculty and staff, and to create a sense of community among departments. A viewing room with theatre-style seating and a large screen TV/VCR is available. The former PNE 112 was replaced, on one side, by a large reading area and, on the other side, by a two-story atrium with "bleachers" and informal seating. This location is often used for public events and lectures. Lounges throughout the building provide a setting where social and intellectual life mix.