<p>I am liking Cornell a lot. Last summer I went on a summer studio all over South America and I’m heading to Rome next spring!</p>
<p>There are certainly things that can be improved but that is true for ANY school. I can’t give you an accurate comparison with other schools since I’ve only been to Cornell. But from what I hear, the students here work very hard and the curriculum is much tougher. That in my opinion is what makes a school great as opposed to better facilities…etc. As my professor said, it is the students that are your greatest assests. </p>
<p>After visiting many other schools, I can definitely tell you that Cornell’s studio building is definitely not as nice as other schools. Rand Hall is a 120 year old factory building that most people looking at for the first time would probably be appalled. But the inside is quite nice for studio and you learn to love working in the building because it is so “neutral” and you’re not afraid to experiment with ideas.</p>
<p>The old building doesn’t mean we aren’t up to date with the latest technology. We have an impressive computer lab that is constantly updated, 2 laser cutters, 8 plotters, a cnc milling machine, and a shop. </p>
<p>If the program is considered one of the better ones in the nation yet our studio building is not as nice as other studios, then I would presume that it is the professors and students that really make the difference. </p>
<p>The biggest downfall of being in Ithaca is that you don’t always get stararchitects who are willing to come up to teach. But being away from the rest of the world in this cold weather creates a unique experience that alumn would always reminisce. I would like to think that we get distracted less and work more in studio because of the cold weather. And if you’re really dying to get out, there’s also Rome and NYC to spend a semester in.</p>
<p>Though there are many arguments over the controversy over Milstein Hall, the underlying consensus for those opposing the construction is that the building is ugly. But the issue isn’t an aesthetic issue because the building is critical to the program’s accreditation. the architecture school is already lacking some important spaces. three studios are located in downtown Ithaca because there is not enough space in Rand Hall. Most of our classes are in the same room which can cause significant problems especially when studios are trying to find review spaces. Besides lack of space, Cornell hit top marks in everything else. </p>
<p>I’m not sure if the construction would affect the quality of life of architecture students. Though I can’t guarantee anything, I would say that the construction shouldn’t be too big of an issue. Your son would probably be more worried about the review deadline coming up since that is what seems to be on most student’s minds anyways. Milstein Hall should only take no more than one year to construct because of its size and I would assume that most of it would take place over the summer. </p>
<p>Ultimately I wouldn’t be concerned with the school’s direction. Admission rates have gone down to 7% and the quality of students coming in have been impressive. The Rome program has played a critical role in our education and the NYC studio program looks very promising since many architects who would rather not teach in Ithaca can finally conduct studios in NYC. Students in NYC can also tap into the rich cornell network. With an incoming chair and a new dean, i’m hopeful that they will continue to bring in new professors that will continue to build upon the program.</p>