Well folks, the referendum on the new UTSU student centre passed. If you voted “no,” like me, you may be disappointed. But hey, that’s democracy for ya. Now the question is, since we’re going to pay for this shiny new building for the next 50 years, what do we want from it?

That answer will be different depending on whom you bother asking. But there are a number of ideas that our students’ union should think about.

Whatever happens and whatever gets included, the centre must emphasize public space. That means a big, open design. I’m thinking of a well-lit, well-furnished central space that takes up the entire first floor of the building. Think of how pleasant the Toronto Reference Library is when you first walk in: a small pond (not a bad idea for the student centre, now that I mention it) and natural light pouring in from overhead. Let’s face it, who doesn’t look better in the sun?

The centre should emphasize usable spaces, not just study spaces. If I want to study, I’ll go to Robarts and lock myself in that dungeon for three hours. But if I want to rehearse, or play a game of snooker, I want to come here. The focus should be on spaces that can be used to perform: soundproofed studios with pianos in tune; maybe even a dance floor with a barre and mirror. Or how about a studio for visual artists as well? All these things should be taken into consideration.

The centre should NOT be an athletic facility. We already have Hart House and the AC—there is no need to clutter up space with exercise equipment and sweaty bodies. The design and function of this building should focus on relaxation and repose, not pumping iron.

Under no circumstances should UTSU or any other political group be given office space in the centre. You all already got what you wanted, no need to rub it in my face every time I try to hang out there. So don’t even think about it. I want you to stay in the building you are in now, where I can keep a close eye.

The centre should be, above all things, beautiful. If we are to have a place to go and unwind and commiserate with our fellow students, it should be pleasing to the eye. Don’t worry about breaking new ground by copying the ROM’s Crystal. Instead, find a design that brings in natural light and uses elegant materials to convey the importance of this facility. Beauty is so often rated below functionality. The result is usually something like Robarts, which as I believe I already made clear, feels like a prison. But if the building conveys beauty, people will want to go there and spend time in it. Even people who, like me, voted against this project.

These are just a few ideas to consider. Oh, one last thing—if it’s going to be 24-hours, you’d better have coffee and cigarettes. Certified organic and fair-trade, of course.