Incredible, amazing and beautiful are just a few of the words used by TJSL students to describe walking out onto the fifth floor outdoor balcony for the very first time.
“Awesome, cool, very, very, cool!,” said 1L Andrew Halbert. “And out here I can actually use my cell phone!”
Dean Rudy Hasl was more than happy on Tuesday, May 10 to announce that the balconies outside of the Student Lounge and the fifth floor library were officially opened.
“The opening of the fifth floor balconies represents another great achievement in the completion of the new law school facilities.” Dean Hasl says: “The landscaped terraces provide an unusual opportunity to capitalize on the beautiful weather of San Diego in creating outdoor space which complements the indoor library and student lounge areas. Surrounded by an 85-foot green wall and other planting beds, the terraces provide a unique area in which to build the law school community and to provide students with areas for discussion, pleasure, and study."
There are two distinct areas of the fifth floor. One part is connected to the library and can be accessed through the library doors on the west side of the building. The other part is attached to the student lounge and can be accessed through the student organization area and the student lounge. There is no passage between the deck areas that serve the library and the student lounge and the door that separates these areas will be kept closed.
"I remind all students, staff, and faculty that smoking is not permitted on the balcony because of the proximity to the building entrances and our LEED status," said Dean Hasl. "However, eating and drinking are strongly encouraged. Signage will be added to explain the planting areas and the actual plants that have been included in the various beds. Please enjoy these new spaces.”
1L Mikail Lane is excited that the balcony is now open “I will probably study on the fifth floor more often knowing that I can just walk outside.”
