'Grad pad' opens

DAGS president Patrick Bonnick relaxes in one of the tub chairs in the lounge area. (Bruce Bottomley Photo)

The pizza was gone before you knew it, as about 200 hungry grad students came to grab a slice and check out their new digs.

Dubbed the “grad pad,” it’s a roomy new study and social space solely for graduate students. Located on the fourth floor of the Killam Library, it’s accessible by a DalCard swipe system.

“I’m quite happy with it,” said a beaming Patrick Bonnick, the president of Dalhousie Association for Grad Students (DAGS) and a PhD student in physics. “It’s a communal area both for studying and socializing. Especially with the Grad House not being ready, we really need this space.”

The opening of the Grad House has been delayed to allow for the safe removal of asbestos discovered in the walls. It’s now expected to open in February.

The new space in the Killam, formerly offices and storage, features a large quiet study area with tables and chairs, two group study or “break out” rooms with conference tables and white boards, a seminar room which can accommodate up to 12 people and a lounge area outfitted with leather tub chairs, a raised counter with bar stools and kitchenette.

Ian Wagschal and Anne Sinclair worked on the design of the space. (Bruce Bottomley Photo)

The quiet area also contains 90 lockers which will be available through the Faculty of Grad Studies on a first-come first-served basis, lockable filing cabinets and wireless access.

Ken Burt, vice president of finance and administration, said the new space will act as a test site. If students like it, the concept could be rolled out elsewhere in the university. “So let us know what you think of it,” he said.

Open, bright and even rather retro, the space was designed by architect Anne Sinclair of Halifax in collaboration with Ian Wagschal, project manager with Dalhousie’s Facilities Management. In her design, Ms. Sinclair said she was inspired by the ‘60s architecture of the Killam Library—“that combination of harsh concrete and warm wood.” She was able to salvage the wide rosewood railings found throughout the library and repurpose them as low tables and the bar. The ceiling over the kitchen area also has a history; it’s made from office bulletin boards.

“I think this shows us that reusing things is sustainable but it can also be quite beautiful,” she said.