Currently, Washington University’s construction projects obstruct students’ lives. Whether the University could undertake its building goals in a way that affects students less is debatable, but the University should at least be sure to inform students about obstacles caused by construction that students will encounter.

University administrators, working with the construction companies, need to provide students with a clear plan for current and future projects and alternative routes, parking options and substitutes for areas closed off to students due to construction. This communication is vital to students’ ability to plan their daily activities.

Current construction projects include the Danforth University Center (DUC), the new Wohl Center (in front of Liggett-Koenig), Village East (almost complete) and Seigle Hall. Future projects include the demolition and reconstruction of the old freshmen dorms and the demolition of the Brookings parking lot for the planned engineering complex.

All of these projects will certainly serve to improve University buildings, which should ultimately make life better for future students. However, the way the construction has been carried out shows little concern or forethought for the life of students currently at the University.

Liggett-Koenig residents, for instance, received warning that a fence was going to be constructed in front of their dorm, changing their routes to access different parts of campus, only on the day that it appeared.

Though the Liggett-Koenig incident is an extreme example of the University’s failure to inform students about construction that would affect them, the University has generally failed to notify students about long-term projects that significantly influence their lives.

These recommendations are especially poignant as the University is about to begin a number of new construction projects which, while improving the University’s physical plant, will make life more difficult for students next year.

One of the projects that will most interfere with students’ lives is the administration’s plan to rip up the Brookings parking lot, a project that has been slated for an unknown time. The parking garage under the DUC is supposed to replace the parking lot in front of Brookings. However, given the present difficulty of finding a parking space, notwithstanding several levels of the underground garage open, it is clear that parking difficulties loom.

Construction has a real and substantial effect on students’ lives, if only because it begins at 8:00 a.m., a time that is unknown to the vast majority of students.

More importantly, construction alters the space in which we live and study and blocks students’ access to important facilities and structures.

In order for students to navigate their daily routines, they need sufficient information about the construction obstacles they will face.

By informing students, the University can help prevent problems and help students plan around the ongoing work. The University owes students the ability to plan around its projects.

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