A Need for Separation

By Shane Healey

Due to our programs high technical expertise in steel, concrete, and wood, combined with excellent graphic communication and diverse knowledge in computer programs, Southern Illinois University, in August of 2010, had become the fifth Illinois School of Architecture to gain an accredited masters program; therefore, the last thing we are missing is an identity of our own. SIUC’s architectural program, currently, shares a building with two other programs: interior design and fashion design and merchandising; however, the engineering department has five large wings combined in one building. As it stands, in Illinois, SIUC is the only architecture masters accredited program without its own building. However, some might argue that we have the Blue Barracks, but they are outdated “army buildings,” that are barely able to sustain a class environment. These “buildings” have poor acoustics and air conditioning. In addition, to our growing program, the appearance of these blue structures might raise the question, “why are architecture students in a building that looks like a 5 year old could have designed.” For our program to catch up to U of I (Chicago and Urbana), Judson University, and Illinois Institute of Technology’s programs, we are one major element, a building to call “ours” to give us a sense of identity. When I came to SIUC for the first time four years ago, I asked people where to find the architectural program. To that question, I usually got one of two responses: I don’t know, or...we have one?