Commons Renovations: Idea to Reality

Written by: Ethan Cottrill
Edited by: Owen Guy

MVS is gearing up for lots of construction this summer! As the new Reddy Student Union starts to take shape, let’s take a few steps back and examine how this project got started in the first place. 

After some helpful tips from Ms. Trick, we discovered that it all started with an Senior Aries project created by MVS alum Alexis McNutt in 2020. Her Aries project, titled “How to Build the ‘Perfect’ School,” was inspired by an architectural concept called “environmental determinism,” which focused on the idea that the environment you are in shapes your behavior within it. This concept was especially popular in the design of asylums, where they made the profound discovery that daylight and fresh air had positive effects on the patients. 

In addition, she was inspired by personal frustration when there were never any good places to do homework in school. Between the noisy and busy multipurpose Commons, busy library, and uncomfortable hallways, it’s not a great environment. In the past couple years the library has gotten a bit better. But if there are no more seats left, then you’re out of luck. Alexis also noticed that public libraries and coffee shop type settings always were much more peaceful and easier to work in. After making lots of observations, she came up with a design that could accommodate anyone. Some people like big tables, others like big desks, and others like laying on the floor. The addition of a second floor came about from a love of the Loft area, while noticing that the rest of the Commons ceiling was only used for the occasional balloon. With all of these ideas, she came up with a final design that she hoped everyone could work well in together, and also utilizes a lot of previously wasted space.

Here is a picture of the design model:

Fast forward to today, and those initial ideas are finally coming to life. But how do current students feel about these changes? Ram Report surveyed Upper School students and the results were a mixed bag of opinions. Many students are excited about the 2nd floor, with all the new spaces and the promise of a modern, well-designed area dedicated to them. As noted by multiple survey responses, and Alexis herself, Upper School has the least amount of space dedicated to them, despite the most demanding academics. 

Our first question asked people if they are satisfied with the temporary measures put in place while construction takes place, like Upper School announcements in the gym. Out of the respondents, 75% were satisfied with the changes.

One major issue we covered was the lack of lockers currently. Out of the people we asked, 63% of them said they used their lockers consistently. Others said that they only use it for storage. Some have been given alternatives through the middle school cubbies and sharing senior hallway lockers, but for most it wasn’t satisfactory. (Editor’s Note: I use my locker daily, but because of the Commons lockers being removed, I have to use my band locker as my everyday locker. It’s small and inconvenient to go to, which is very frustrating when I want to spend my time doing something I want or need to do. Instead, I have to walk around campus.)

Other problems people had were the library being too crowded due to an influx of students from the old commons and the hallway benches in front of the science wing being removed. To me, it made no sense to remove them now instead of waiting until school was over. It was one of the only spots I was comfortable in, so I am unhappy with that change. Additionally, one student also noted that the Lofino gets really noisy due to gym classes which makes it hard to focus in. However, most people found replacements after a few weeks.

The average excitement rating on the new cafeteria designs was 4.06 out of 5, which is quite high. 42% of the respondents said they would use the Design and Fabrication labs and are excited for them. Many people commented about how beautiful the render of the new design looks. We’ll see how true to the preview they are in the future. Another student was happy with the designs, but was quite upset that spring break would be cut to only one week next year.

While Alexis modestly admits her Aries was originally an attempt to find a better homework spot, it’s turning into something quite cool. It’s also a testament to the potential power of an Aries project and how just one student can change MVS. She is now pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Oregon, with an interest in educational facilities. 

If you want to learn more about the Commons and our two cents, read Part 1 of this article series (Link) on the construction for more information on the cafeteria and food options next year!