As construction continues on the new Human Ecology College building, a crystalline, geometric time capsule will be placed in the building this November. When the construction is completed next year, the capsule will be displayed for the public to view.

Prof. Jack Elliott, design and environmental analysis, is leading the time capsule’s design. The capsule, composed of five compartments designed with golden ratios, will be encased in a glass case in entrance to the new expansion.

According to Elliott, the capsule will be opened in 50 years.

Keeping the capsule in public view, rather than burying or hiding it inside the building for decades, assures that it will continue to hold value over time, Elliot said. He compared the capsule to a tomb or crypt, emphasizing that the capsule will be put in a place of honor.

Elliott said the capsule’s crystalline geometric properties are almost “of the future, or unworldly.” At night, the case will be illuminated by LED lights from within the glass case, which will create a mystic glow, Elliott said. 

The capsule’s five compartments represent the five departments of Human Ecology and the structure of the piece reflects the structure of the college, Elliott said. 

To represent the five departments, twelve undergraduates are working to fill the time capsule. They have yet to decide which items to put in the capsule. 

Elliott said he would like to see the human condition of the times and the state of the world to be represented. An explanation of the current threats to the world, some artifacts and some research should be represented, he said. The project should provide a snapshot of what time was like during the period it was made, he said. 

The capsule is designed to fit into an eleven foot by two-and-a-half foot space. Elliott said this type of space typically calls for objects that make “statements of power and identity.”

This is not the first time a capsule has been sealed on campus. In the College of Human Ecology alone, there is a capsule in the cornerstone of Martha Van Rensselaer Hall’s west addition and another in Mann Library. 

However, this capsule appears to be the first on campus that is fully displayed to the public and the first whose design is intended for viewing.

The new Human Ecology building, which is expected to be completed next year, will be attached to Martha Van Rensselaer Hall and will sit on Forest Home Drive.

The structure will include a new parking garage and space for teaching and research.

An art gallery, research labs, design studios and woodshop will also be featured in the new building.