A few have questioned whether the structures, which at the moment are composed of mostly bare wooden frames, will be durable enough to be safe and long lasting.
University President Stephen Kopp said that there isn’t anything to worry about.
“First of all, buildings that are built on Marshall’s campus generally exceed any requirements with regard to specifications and code,” he said. “The decision we made was based on the fact that we thought this was the best value and would provide the best life safety features for our students.”
The wooden walls, exposed for the moment, will eventually be covered in brick. Kopp said the treated wood can resist fire for one to two hours. The building, like all residence halls at Marshall, also will be equipped with a sprinkler system.
“This is the way residence halls are being built today,” he said. “If you look at our towers, which were built to last 150 to 200 years, lifestyle-wise they’re obsolete.
Students don’t want to live that way any more.
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/homepage/x2054226938I don't care what Kopp says. Wood framed buildings are more of a fire hazard than steel-framed ones.
Fires don't usually start on the outside of structures.