When Bucknell’s Facilities division began raising tents around campus in preparation for the return of in-person classes in fall 2020, the first thought on the minds of most was certainly not, “People are going to love these.”

But according to Justin Salyards, project manager for Facilities, over the two years that followed many at Bucknell gained an affinity for the white big tops protruding from among the cherry trees and collegiate Georgian buildings.

Even after vaccines and other safety protocols reduced their necessity, faculty appreciated the option of a shady space to teach on a beautiful central Pennsylvania day. Students likewise took a liking to the room to study, hold club meetings or just enjoy the beauty of Bucknell’s campus in the cool shade that the tents afforded. The fondness extended to the very top: “It was actually President Bravman who asked, ‘Can we make some of these permanent?’ ” Salyards says.

And so this summer Bucknell constructed two permanent pavilions on campus, one near the Dent Drive entrance to Rooke Science Center and the other between Academic West and Bertrand Library, which acts as a canopy above the outdoor study space gifted to Bucknell as the senior tribute of the Class of 2016.

Outfitted with power outlets in their supporting pillars and lights that turn on with the campus streetlights, the pavilions add a new dimension to Bucknell’s outdoor amenities, which have played an increasing role in the University’s efforts to enhance academic and student life. In fact, the same fondness Salyards uncovered inspired the Class of 2022 senior tribute: a smaller, powered pergola between Academic East and Academic West.

“Especially with COVID, a lot of students were studying outside at the study spaces by Academic East and Academic West, but those tables are always filled,” says Maddy Mallory ’22, vice president of her class. “We all love the outdoor study spaces, so we thought this would be used a lot.”

Salyards says comments like those, and his experience with the tents, have reframed how Facilities approaches the continuing development of Bucknell’s campus.

“When we build buildings, we’re always concerned about the exit doors and pathways, about pedestrian flow, about the views and the vistas and how things fit with the campuswide architecture,” Salyards says. “But now we’re thinking not just about how it looks to travel from this building to that building, but about what people will do in the meantime. Is there a pavilion to stop and enjoy, a picnic table or Adirondack chairs, places to play certain games or sports? Instead of just looking at pedestrian transportation, we’re thinking about the activities that might take place in these spaces.”