University President John T. Casteen, III announced yesterday that, after a 14-year post at Stanford University, David J. Neuman will serve as University architect beginning at the end of this month.
Neuman will work with the Board of Visitors to oversee and steer plans for the improvement, design and construction of University buildings while learning about the preservation of the University's distinct historical features, according to a University press release.
"I am extremely happy to be working at U.Va.," Neuman said. "It really is Mr. Jefferson's campus, and an excellent school."
Neuman's projects at Stanford spotlighted the campus renewal-oriented plans of Stanford founder Frederick Law Olmstead. In the same historical spirit, he said he plans to focus on the University's traditional and celebrated architecture.
"One of my biggest challenges will be to blend old and new ideas cohesively at a school full of history," Neuman said. "Another challenge will be to adjust to calling Virginia's campus the 'Grounds.' I'll have to get used to that."
Leonard Sandridge, executive vice president and chief operating officer at the University, said he expects Neuman to show serious concern for the preservation of the natural environment that Grounds offers.
"We expect that he will evaluate the preservation and use of our historic resources, the design of our new buildings, the care and improvement of the Grounds, the protection of green spaces, and the reservation of land," Sandridge said.
Karen Van Lengen, dean of the Architecture School, cited Neuman's familiarity with campus planning as one of his greatest strengths.
"He has tremendous experience with campus architecture and he knows the field very well," Van Lengen said. "He will certainly be able to negotiate the combination of older buildings with new changes."
Neuman will replace the recently retired Pete Anderson, who shaped the current master plan for Grounds architecture.
No immediate plans await Neuman, but he said he plans to spend his first months at the University learning about the community and building relationships with student organizations.
While Neuman said he does not look to begin work at once, he does envision the eventual completion of the South Lawn Project, which entails the renovation of humanities buildings including Rouss Hall and Cocke Hall and the complete reconstruction of New Cabell Hall.
Van Lengen said the Architecture School will benefit significantly from a close working relationship with Neuman.
"We would like to keep a strong dialogue going between us, and we hope to involve him in studio work, reviews and classes here," Van Lengen said.
In addition to his work in campus planning and architecture, Neuman is the author of three books on the subject of college facilities and contributes regularly to architectural journals. He received the Corporate Architect Honor Award from the California Council of the National Institute of Architects in 2000 for his accomplishments at The University of California-Irvine and Stanford.
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