BACKGROUND INFORMATION

     Our firm, Shearing Engineering LLC, was hired by New York University to conduct a preliminary design for an activities center. The buildinig, Roofus Leaking Memorial Activity Center, is expected to contain facilities such as a multipurpose auditorium with removable seats, stage, kitchen and restaurant, a game room, TV room, Administrative offices for staff members, bathrooms, and janitorial/mechanical storage spaces.  Before the unexpected passing of Mr. Roofus Leaking, Leaking had already laid out a preliminary structural scheme, however the president of the university insists that the structure remains one story in height in order to preserve the view of the Hudson River. Since the property square footage is limited, an underground story will have to be constructed. The first floor will contain the multipurpose auditorium, stage, bathrooms and storage facilities. All other rooms will be located in the basement. The facilities manager of the university has also requested that the building be designed with a flat roof and red brick siding so that it is in accordance with the university master plan.