After a summer of hammering, drilling and sawing, the sounds of mouse clicks and keyboard strokes are music to the ears of faculty, staff and students at the University of Houston School of Communication.

This semester, the school unveiled its revamped Communication Technology Center (CTC), which offers additional computer stations and an atmosphere designed to facilitate collaborative projects.

“This facility creates, for the first time, a space for faculty and students to gather, study, and work on assignments,” said Shawn McCombs, CTC manager and LAN administrator of the School of Communication.

The new-look CTC provides more open space, a conference room and two seminar-style classrooms. It also offers students a computer kiosk for quick e-mail checks or print jobs and two touch-screen, collaborative learning stations perfect for working on group projects. Additionally, the center hosts a lounge area that is ideal for working and socializing.

The redesigned computer lab was formally celebrated during a reception Sept. 7, but the revelry actually began on the first day of classes when students saw the vast improvements for themselves.

“As a professor, I now can meet with several students at one time, look over group projects, discuss ideas and make suggestions in an open area that allows for everyone to participate,” said Keith Houk, clinical assistant professor of communication.

The CTC’s new design was rendered by Brave Architecture – owned by UH architecture professor Fernando Brave – and construction was overseen by G&G Construction.

“The response we’ve received from faculty and students has been tremendous,” said Beth Olson, director of the School of Communication. “This is an important step for the school as we further engage new technologies as teaching tools and prepare students for a field so heavily dependent on computers.”