Drew University is currently in talks of redeveloping some of the buildings on campus in order to maximize the amount of wind flow delivered across the entire forest.
The construction aims to start in the winter of 2026, where most of the work will be done on remodeling the roofs in order to angle them in a triangular shape to increase chances of wind tunnels forming throughout the walkways in between dorms. The university hopes that these new developments will act as a “gigantic air conditioner in the summer” and during the winter “a fun time for anyone who happens to pass by.”
With the increase of wind on campus, there will be a more efficient airflow near buildings such as Brown and McLendon Halls. This will also cause a wind tunnel to form near the base of Ehinger Center, acting as a centrifuge whenever any wind at all happens to blow near the building.
Students will most likely struggle to walk up to grab their lunch and dinner during these months of construction. Students with bangs especially are being advised that they should begin to invest in headbands or hair clips unless they are willing to be momentarily blinded by the sheer force of air headed their way this winter.
Since a majority of Drew’s campus is stacked by tall, rectangular buildings forcing the wind to push itself around the buildings’ corners and act as a suction, the incoming changes to the roofs will only be adding to that. Rather than only some spots on campus being more windy than others, all of campus will be subjected to stronger winds than usual and the variety will lie in how high the wind speed travels to in those areas.
“I’m not too bothered by it,” one Drew university student says. “My friends and I are hoping we can dress up in inflatable suits and just start flying. Could be fun.”
Another stated, “No, I’m not looking forward to it. I already have to fight like a cartoon character whenever my papers fly up in the air. The other day, my glasses flew off.”
The Drew community is divided on the new development and updates on the construction and remodeling plans are still ongoing. It’s hard to tell if this is the wisest decision for the school at the moment, but students at Drew have always been willing to go wherever the wind takes them.
Wynn DeTunell is a senior majoring in architecture
