MAE O’MALLEY / ASST. NEWS EDITOR

USD architecture students addressed the fact that there could be more resources for architecture students in the shed they work in located behind Camino Hall. Art students, particularly those in the architecture majors work on the first-floor of Camino, as well as in a shed behind the building. The studio building opened in 2016. The shed is a 2,000 square foot building which  allows students a workspace where they can complete projects. Students are provided with drawing spaces and work areas as well as computers with architecture software that enables them to digitally design projects.

Some students recently expressed their concerns about the counterproductive conditions of the shed. USD sophomore and arts major Callie Schreiber frequently works in the shed and weighed in on the debate.

“I have spent time in the shed to work on projects for my sculpture class, and when the weather was not ideal, I could not work outside and there was very little space for my project indoors,” said Schreiber. “I was in an uncomfortable situation and felt like I could not finish my project to the best of my ability.” 

“Architecture at USD, as part of the Department of Art, Architecture + Art History, occupies the lower level of Camino Hall and a new 2,000-square-foot studio building designed by Rob Quigley, FAIA,” the architecture page on the USD website states. “Dedicated 24-hour access studio spaces include large drawing and work tables and computers with advanced graphic, three-dimensional design, and rendering software.”

Professor Daniel Lopez-Perez, the architecture program director, commented on the fact that they are in the midst of planning a new development campaign for the pavilion. 

“The Architecture Pavilion was born out of a unique collaboration between our students and Rob Quigley, San Diego’s preeminent architect, author amongst many, many buildings of the San Diego Public Library,” Lopez-Perez commented. “Rob generously spent several semesters developing its design alongside our students. Although industrial, it is an advanced prefabricated structure that we treasure… Now to the timely part, with new leadership in our department, we are just now in the earliest stages of launching a new development campaign!” 

Some students feel that the conditions architecture students have to face versus other majors is not fair and shows how some majors are prioritized over others. USD sophomore Isabella Mariano says that there is a clear distinction between the way art majors are treated versus other majors.

The exterior of the architecture shed employs an open air concept. Shannen Swars/The USD Vista

“The art program as a whole has the worst resources,” Mariano said. “You have to buy your own materials, which are so expensive for college students. All they provide for a lot of projects are just basic tools, and I’d assume as you grow in the upper division classes, there would not be the resources needed to expand your skills.” 

Other buildings on campus are much more advanced, such as the state-of-the-art Knauss Center for Business Education. For example, USD advertises the building as a strong resource for business students. The school of business is used for student collaboration and highlights the purpose of the building for innovation. 

In comparison, the architecture shed is placed behind Camino in a small area, with no heaters or air conditioning. 

USD junior and architecture student Sophia Rico states that the conditions in the architecture shed are not satisfactory for students.

“While we’re fortunate to have access to essential architecture software in the studio, not all students can afford the necessary softwares for their own technology, as some program subscriptions cost over $500. Although we have 24-hour access to the architecture shed, the safety of students working in an indoor/outdoor facility at night needs more attention.” 

Students continue to work in the shed and take classes there. As USD announces new renovations each year, some students hope that soon the architecture shed, and that the art program will get the attention it feels it deserves. 

Students collaborate on art and architecture projects in the shed. Shannen Swars/The USD Vista