Bricks and bouquets - an apt phrase to describe some of the experiences of settling in new offices (Institutenweg and Capitol) after the TWRC fire.
Mark Kaulisch(Germany), first-year PhD student, CHEPS
Mark started his PhD in the midst of CHEPS' reorganisation in Capitool 15. He says, 'When I started my PhD I did not have an office to work in. Gradually, desks, computers and literature were moved in here. It was a unique experience for me to start my PhD in such an environment - in a foreign country, in the aftermath of a fire!' Mark is ambivalent about working in an open office. 'While on one hand it creates a good work atmosphere, on the other, it can get difficult to concentrate.'
Dr. Leo Goedegebuure, Executive Director, CHEPS
'CHEPS prides itself at having one of most extensive libraries in the world in its field and everyone is thankful the library was saved. All our materials were sent here packed and labeled accurately. Sadly, the reorganisation process was marred by incidents like loss of accounts books and breaking open of the money box. We work in an open office now, which is in fact very enjoyable.' In lighter moments the old dartboard is dearly missed.
Professor Michael Steehouder, TCW
'The biggest disadvantage here is that there is no informal meeting place for interaction amongst students themselves and with teachers. Also, after the initial enthusiasm to get things back on track there was a phase of low morale in the department but things are looking up again. We were touched when at an International Conference in Belgium a request was made to support us - we have received four boxes of literature as a result of that.'
Kiran Hiremath (India), third-year PhD student, EECSM
Kiran airs his grievances: 'The biggest problem here is lack of privacy. People walking around disturbs one's train of thoughts. Lack of blackboards adds to the agony. Since we do not have internal phones we have to use our mobiles for which we have to go outside so as not to disturb others. Group activities like group lunch, have taken a backseat, as earlier our offices accommodated everyone.'
Dr. Gjerrit Meinsma, UD, EECSM
'Well, teaching is inconvenienced due to lack of blackboards. Also,interaction with PhD students is not as frequent as it used to be, for instance coffee breaks at 10 or so which one attended on and off was a great way of social networking. And I miss my collection of boomerangs consumed in the fire.'
Jenny Lindstorm (Finland), Master's Student, EEMCS
'Since its an open office I don't find it safe to leave my things behind. So I have to carry all my stuff home. Also, the office can get a bit noisy sometimes. However, the positive side is that now I interact more with the other students than I normally would have.'
Dr. Frank Twilt, Director - Applied Mathematics
'The direct consequences of the fire have been overcome with tremendous support from everyone. Sure there are some problems, for instance, the system to monitor progress of students was not in place immediately after the fire and that has added to the work burden now. But everything apart, this tragedy made us realize what a close-knit family we are. Well, it could have been much worse was the most distinctly common comment expressed. Kudos to all for striving on!!
Deepa Talasila
Capitol 15, one of the new offices at the BBT-faculty (photo: Maurits Diephuis, march 2003).
