Elliot Golan
With the completion of both the Center for Sciences building and Child Development Center slated for this spring, Pierce students and faculty can walk into their new school with confidence in their safety.
In the wake of the recent earthquake in Haiti and all the havoc it caused, seismic safety is fresh on many minds.
Living in Southern California only accentuates this concern.
With all the new construction taking place on campus, it is good to know that both the people of Pierce and the over $50 million investment the new buildings have been are safe.
Before any construction even began, blueprints had to be approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), according to David Tsao, project director for Swinerton Management on campus.
Their review focuses on three key components: Structural safety, which includes earthquake concerns, accessibility, and fire safety, according to Eric Lamoureux, a Spokesman for the DSA.
He added that a DSA certified inspector is on-sight throughout the construction process to ensure that all building stays in accordance with the approved schematics.
Considering the history of the region, Pierce and the state should be applauded for having such rigorous requirements on new construction.