N-Wing Renovations Spark Controversy
The proposed renovations include reupholstered furniture. (Image: instagram@thekingsu)
This spring, the lounges in the North Academic Building (N-Wing) at King’s are getting a makeover. For Giving Tuesday, King’s requested donations from the community in order to transform the somewhat-outdated lounges. The project will result in two renovated spaces: an Alumni Lounge and a Student Commons area. The Alumni Lounge will feature standing tables, large planters, bistro-style tables, and hardwood flooring. Similarly, the Student Commons renovation plans include reupholstered seating, planters, and new flooring. According to King’s, these spaces will together “demonstrate our renewed focus on student experience and contribute new amenities and environments that support campus vibrancy” (kingsu.ca).
However, the proposed renovations have not been without controversy. When King’s revealed the project on its Instagram account in December 2020, many students responded with shock and disappointment. Recent King’s graduate Caleb Koning stated that “the [lounge] areas are good enough as they are – it’s not about the space, it’s about the people we are with.” He pointed out that due to COVID-19, King’s was forced to make budget cuts, including reducing professors’ salaries. This considered, Caleb argued that the donor money should instead “be put towards more important things,” such as staff salaries. His comments sparked a flurry of agreement among students. Many echoed Caleb’s sentiments, pointing to other areas the money could be used for. Suggestions included improving campus wifi, creating a student support fund, and increasing the monetary value of scholarships and bursaries.
“The [lounge] areas are good enough as they are - it’s not about the space, it’s about the people we are with.”
In spite of the controversy, many students acknowledged that they understand the university’s decision to use donor money for the renovation project. In light of the economic turmoil caused by COVID-19, King’s was anticipating a lower donation total than in previous years, and thus needed to find a smaller-scale project that the funds could be channeled into. The N-Wing revitalization project was a perfect fit.
As well, many students acknowledged the importance of having on-campus study spaces. “A good study space is really valuable for me because it gets really difficult to study cooped up in my apartment,” stated Thaler Knodel, a residence student. “To have places on campus where I can study and be with friends means a lot to me."
As King’s is an older building, most students agree that it lacks modern, spacious, and inviting study spaces. However, is now is the time to provide students with those spaces?
King’s students’ thoughts on the proposed renovations. (Results obtained through an Instagram poll @tkuchronicle)