Dear School of Film/Video students, faculty and staff,
We wanted to keep you apprised of the progress that we are making in reconstructing the Character and Experimental animation areas (as well as the Gamelan Room) that were water-damaged by an overflowing cooling tower on June 5.
The restoration team completed the wooden framework needed to support the negative air equipment and filtering system on the second and third floors, and last week, the team began to remove the affected drywall and flooring, clearing away debris and moving materials to dumpsters.
We are meeting with potential architects/designers and project managers to reconstruct and remodel the affected areas. Simultaneously, we are also planning for temporary spaces to house the affected departments. As we mentioned in our first communication, CalArts Facilities and Film/Video are working together to ensure that students, faculty and staff have the tools, technology, and spaces needed when we return to campus this fall.
Please note that there is currently no access to A115/A116 (Experimental Animation) or A221 (Character Animation) due to the remediation, abatement, and upcoming renovations. While this unfortunate incident happened on the heels of our return to campus after more than a year away, we are using this situation to renew, adapt, and improve the technology and facilities of the animation programs.
We will continue to update you on our progress and have set up a special Animation Facilities webpage with reconstruction updates and information.
Thank you to those who have reached out with your concerns. We wish you a continued safe and relaxing summer.
Abigail Severance Jesse Smith
Interim Dean Vice President for
School of Film/Video Operations and Facilities