Courtyard Will Prove a Low-Cost Way to Add Great Value

The Courtyard at Huntsman Hall

Once we decided to seek funding for a new building, we faced the decision of whether or not we would tear down the current business building – the George S. Eccles Business Building built in 1970 – and build a completely new building, or to build a new building that would connect to the Eccles Building. For a variety of reasons, we decided to put the Eccles Building to good use. As we researched some of the implications of this decision, we realized that due to fire code requirements, there would need to be a space between the buildings. In this case, the structures will be about 24 feet apart.

We realized that this space between the buildings would be a perfect opportunity to take advantage of a low-cost way to add considerable value to that area by creating a courtyard. We charged our architects with meeting the challenge of designing low-cost space that would provide high value to the students in the business school. We think they have come up with some outstanding ideas.

The courtyard won’t be fancy but will offer two things that the brand-new building cannot offer: trees and the great outdoors. I’ve included two artist renderings of the courtyard to give you an idea for what that area might look like.

The Courtyard at Huntsman Hall

This courtyard will not only offer a place for individuals, but groups could use it as a refreshing meeting place. There will be some large group gathering areas. As a matter of fact, when it is nice outdoors, students might successfully lobby their professors to move the class to the courtyard. There are also tables that can be used for student team meetings.

Other potential uses include graduation receptions, catered dining events, big events, other festive activities like we usually plan during Business Week and Entrepreneurship Week. There is even an area that could serve as a stage for such celebrations.

And who knows, if we have someone who is very bold and innovative, they might choose just to go outside to sit quietly and enjoy the courtyard. There will be space for that too.

Ken Snyder