The space I chose to examine this week is the Electronic Music Studios (EMS) of North Campus. There are a total of five EMS classrooms located in the heart of The Duderstadt Center. Formally known as the Media Union, the “Dude” is home to the Art, Architecture and Engineering Library. The facility also houses computer clusters, galleries, audio + video editing labs and even a virtual reality visualizer space.
The EMS spaces are built such that function precedes form. The spaces are cramped and quite dull. Standard florescent bulbs illuminate the room . Three out of the five are equipped with a multi-bulb lamb which employs a much softer bulb temperature. The fact still remains that no bulb combination can make up for the complete lack of windows. The studios are essentially hollowed out of the internal passageway leading to the main library.
Even though the studios are not aesthetically engaging, the physical hardware and recording gear is what makes the space powerful. All studios are equipped with Apple Mac Pro Towers that can run any number of large-scale rendering softwares simultaneously. The computers are also frequently updated and kept running at their fastest possible speed. This means the computers run some of the most powerful softwares in the world.
When it’s all said and done, the spaces need to facilitate effortless connectivity from the user to the machines. The studios feature desks that run the length and width of the room. Whether an individual is recording audio or editing video, they are able to spread out and be comfortable. The virtual space is equally spacious. Every studio features duel cinematic resolution monitors for beautiful work flow.
What makes these spaces worth talking about is that they transcend the basic classroom archetype. They are too small to have a typical size class however professors still teach in them. The spaces facilitate collaboration and work flow yet they are cut off from the surrounding Duderstadt center. The physical aesthetic is noticeably dated however the internal competent are advanced and extremely current. EMS of the Duderstadt simply get the job done. The space is designed to sit in the background and let the work that is being produced take for forefront of attention.
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