Darrin Communications Center (DCC)

Introduction

Darrin Communication Center (DCC) was named after David M. Darrin ‘40, an honorary degree recipient at RPI and naval aviator during World War II. Darrin, a long-standing trustee, was honored with the DCC namesake in 1987, 4 years after his passing. Today, it serves as a hub on campus, housing RPI's largest lecture halls, and commonly hosting freshman-level introductory classes such as chemistry, physics, and calculus. It is also home to the Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) and the DCC Cafe.

Appearance

The DCC sits in the center of campus, suiting its role as a principle building for student education. The DCC was built to be one of a kind, and a technological advancement, featuring large 550-person lecture halls and television studio classrooms. This technology has been improved throughout the building's history, allowing for lectures to be recorded and/or livestreamed. Situated across from the Russel Sage Dining Hall and Jonsson Engineering Center, the DCC sports a modern exterior, with angular brick features and large open windows looking into the main hallways. It is also directly attached to the Low Center for Industrial Innovation, which towers over campus.

History

Compared to many other buildings on campus, the DCC is a modern build, meant to support and represent RPI’s charge into the modern, more digital era. In 1962 a competition was held to determine the architecture for the building. The final design was decided on in 1963, but the project encountered many delays. Initially, the building was planned to be constructed where Cogswell Laboratory currently stands, but this was vetoed. The building site was them moved to a more central location near the '86 field. The project was again postponed to 1968 due to a lack of federal funding and architectural issues. In 1970, grants were finally acquired, and the $6.2 million project moved forward. Completion was scheduled for 1972 but delayed a year due to poor field conditions and design complications. In 1973, the building was complete and ready for student use. It was then formally named the Darrin Communication Center in 1987, paying tribute to Darrin's contributions to the institute.
Since its completion, the DCC has undergone periodic updates to maintain its technological edge, keeping it aligned with RPI's goals for cutting edge education facilities.

Current Status

Today, the DCC continues to be one of the most utilized buildings on RPI's campus, particularly for larger, introductory classes. Its 300-level lecture halls are capable of seating hundreds of students. These lecture halls are equipped with audio-visual systems that provide opportunities for demonstrations, particularly in chemistry and physics. Most of the lecture halls hold a typical auditorium style, while DCC 330 was built in a semi-circle configuration allowing for a more open discussion platform. Smaller classrooms on the 200-level allow for a more intimate setting for professors to hold upper level courses. The CCPD, also housed on the 200-level allows students to prepare themselves for industry and sponsors many important events like resume workshops and career fairs.

Resources

[1]“David M. Darrin.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 11 June 1983, www.nytimes.com/1983/06/11/obituaries/david-m-darrin.html#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin,%20senior%20vice%20president%20and%20treasurer%20of%20the.

[2]“Home.” Darrin Communication Center, archives.rpi.edu/institute-history/building-histories/darrin-communication-center#:~:text=Darrin%20Communication%20Center.%20An%20architectural%20competition%20for%20an%20Instructional%20Communications. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

[3]“Home.” David M. Darrin, archives.rpi.edu/institute-history/david-m-darrin#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin%20was%20a%20and%20Honorary%20Degree%20Recipient%20at. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

[4]“About David M. Darrin.” ReconRally, 9 Apr. 2012, reconrally.wordpress.com/2012/04/09/about-david-m-darrin/#:~:text=David%20M.%20Darrin%20was%20born%20in%201917%20and%20became%20a.