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“This looks like a community college straight out of a Marvel movie.”
That was my first thought when I entered the new McVeigh Data Science Building at the University of Miami. The new building houses the departments of Emerging Technologies in Business and Design (ETBD), Statistics, Computer Science, and Software Engineering.
As I continued to explore, the building just struck me as odd. McVeigh’s overall aesthetic differs from traditional Miami buildings like McGuffey’s and Upham’s, which exude a run-down charm that captures a sense of antiquity. These guys from Miami see the stark contrast between the two worlds and wonder what all this is for. More specifically, who is this for?
The answer is not entirely clear, but this much we do know. It’s just that it’s not made for students.
As a student at ETBD, it seems pretty strange to navigate a building centered around “innovation” and “accessible design.” Although McVeigh is not as famously obscure as Bachelor Hall, it is one of the most unusually constructed buildings I have ever visited.
Everything from the stairs to the odd arrangement of classrooms appears to be arranged without any rhyme or reason. I also don’t understand why the sterile, hospital-style look you see in the Clinical Health Sciences building is so prevalent. Even in the fields of health and science, spaces devoid of warmth and personality tend to be counterproductive, as they inhibit the creative and collaborative aspects that are important to each field.
But maybe there is a way to solve this madness. As I quickly realized, McVeigh is more than just a new building. It is a strategically placed showcase to make an impression and a beacon of modernity. While its complex layout may not meet the needs of students trying to find their way to classes, it certainly serves as an ideal backdrop for a college tour.
As Miami continues to face financial stress, with majors eliminated and university employees laid off, McVeigh has become a symbol of prosperity. This building is a statement to prospective students and their parents that, despite economic challenges, Miami remains at the forefront of innovation and progress. It is a carefully constructed facade designed to seduce and offer a sense of security, ensuring that the attractiveness of the facility remains at its maximum even in uncertain times.
While McVeigh may not be the most student-friendly structure, it definitely plays an important role in promoting the university to potential enrollees. The investment appears aimed at attracting more capital than just students, as the university faces the harsh realities of post-COVID-19 budget constraints.
But I also think the university could have used some of this funding ($20 million) in other areas that directly impact the student experience. With these funds, Miami could have improved existing facilities, expanded academic resources, and enhanced student services. The decision to allocate large sums of money to a structure that prioritizes aesthetic appeal over the pressing needs of Miami’s communities raises questions about the university’s priorities and whether they truly align with students.
By spending this amount of money on a new building for McVay, Miami signals a broader strategy. However, the success of that strategy remains uncertain and unproven.
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Camila Lopez-Diaz is a third-year media and communications major with an ETBD minor from Mason, Ohio. They post in the student opinion section and actively participate in research.
lopezdcp@miamioh.edu
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