![Nuns from Jangchub Choeling Nunnery in Mundgod, South India, begin the creation of the Medicine Buddha Sand Mandala at the Peter J. Gomes Chapel in Lewiston, Maine, as part of the Jangchub Jamtse Tour, on June 24, 2024. The mandala is part of the Jangchub Jamtse Tour and aims to generate positive energy and mend physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental ailments.The event is open to the public until June 28, 2024. (Theophil Syslo | Bates College)](https://www.bates.edu/news/wp-content/blogs.dir/174/files/2024/06/4x6_-400x267.webp)
In Gomes Chapel, a Buddhist healing ritual grows, one grain o…
Created in Gomes Chapel this week by Tibetan nuns, the colorful, exquisite sand mandala will be dissolved into Lake Andrews, but its healing energy will remain.
A vital residential life has always been an important part of the Bates experience. New student housing will create a vibrant community, relieve overcrowded existing residences, and be a visible and welcoming new presence along Campus Avenue. The new housing will be built across Campus Avenue from Chase Hall in two 4-story buildings on the two blocks between Central Avenue and Bardwell Street. Locating the housing across from the Campus Center extends the pattern of distributing housing around the campus and ensures that the future Campus Center in Chase will be energized by a significant nearby student population.
The residential complex will be made up of two related L-shaped buildings that share a common green space.
Campus Avenue is seen as a “porous” border to campus, encouraging neighbors and the community to visit and use the campus. The new residential complex will house 230-260 students and a retail commons consisting of the campus store and Post & Print functions. Located at the seam between the campus and the surrounding community, the new complex and grounds will present a prominent entrance and gateway to the College.
Rain gardens, a form of storm water mitigation, can be visually attractive and also used as a visible educational tool for sustainable practices. Seating walls, paved terraces with informal seating, and green spaces for passive and active uses are also key components of the site and landscape design.
Shared living rooms located on the corners of the buildings provide residents with panoramic views of the campus and neighborhood context.
A large multipurpose lounge on the ground floor overlooking the new campus green provides students with spaces to study and socialize.
A large multipurpose lounge on the ground floor overlooking the new campus green provides students with spaces to study and socialize.
Locating the Retail Commons functions on the ground floor of 65 Campus Avenue presents a unique opportunity to locate the shared commons for the residents on the top floor of the building. Large windows with panoramic views, an exposed ceiling and casual furnishings will create a new type of student space that is unique on Bates’ campus.