Architect Breaks Down the Most Common Styles of College Campus | Architectural Digest
Architectural Digest・16 minutes read
College campuses have evolved from historical architectural traditions, such as the cloistered designs of Oxford and Cambridge, to modernist and brutalist styles that prioritize functionality and innovative design, as seen in the works of architects like Thomas Jefferson and Louis Kahn. This architectural evolution reflects broader cultural shifts and contemporary educational needs, culminating in postmodern designs that blend various styles and historical references, such as Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown's Gordon Woo Hall at Princeton University.
Insights
- College campuses have evolved architecturally over centuries, transitioning from historical styles like colonial and Gothic to modernist and brutalist designs, reflecting cultural shifts and the desire to express contemporary values. This evolution is evident in Thomas Jefferson's design for the University of Virginia, which emphasized a harmonious "academical village," and in the later works of architects like Louis Kahn and Robert Venturi, who integrated playful and historical elements into their designs, showcasing the diverse architectural landscape of modern educational institutions.
- The architectural styles found on college campuses often coexist in a way that highlights both tradition and innovation, with newer buildings frequently drawing inspiration from earlier styles while adapting to current educational needs. For instance, Gordon Woo Hall at Princeton University combines elements of Collegiate Gothic with modern features, demonstrating how contemporary architecture can pay homage to historical influences while meeting the functional demands of today's educational environment.
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Recent questions
What is the definition of modernism?
Modernism is a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from traditional styles and a focus on innovation, functionality, and rationalism. In architecture, modernism emphasizes simplicity, clean lines, and the use of new materials and technologies, often resulting in structures that are stripped of ornamentation. This movement sought to reflect the changing social and cultural landscape of the time, prioritizing the needs of contemporary life over historical references. Notable examples of modernist architecture include the works of architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who designed buildings that exemplified these principles, such as the Illinois Institute of Technology.
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Improving study habits involves adopting effective strategies that enhance focus, retention, and understanding of the material. Start by creating a dedicated study space that is free from distractions, ensuring you have all necessary materials at hand. Establish a consistent study schedule, breaking your study sessions into manageable chunks with regular breaks to maintain concentration. Utilize active learning techniques, such as summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to others, or using flashcards for self-testing. Additionally, setting specific goals for each study session can help keep you motivated and on track. Finally, consider incorporating a variety of study methods, such as visual aids, group discussions, or online resources, to cater to different learning styles.
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A college education offers numerous benefits that extend beyond academic knowledge. Firstly, it provides individuals with specialized skills and knowledge in their chosen field, enhancing employability and career prospects. Graduates often have access to higher-paying job opportunities and are more likely to experience job stability. Additionally, college fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are essential in today’s workforce. Beyond career advantages, college also promotes personal growth, allowing students to develop independence, build a network of peers and mentors, and engage in diverse experiences that broaden their perspectives. Furthermore, the college experience often encourages lifelong learning and adaptability, equipping graduates to navigate an ever-changing job market.
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Summary
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Evolution of College Campus Architecture
- College campuses are designed like self-contained cities, often centered around a quadrangle (or "quad"), which has historical roots in the cloisters and monasteries of religious orders that housed educational facilities, such as those at Oxford (founded in 1096) and Cambridge (founded in 1209).
- The colonial architectural style is exemplified by Harvard University, established in 1636, and the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, who designed it in a quasi-Georgian style influenced by Palladian architecture, featuring a central Rotunda modeled after the Pantheon in Rome.
- Jefferson's design for the University of Virginia included an "academical village" around a stepped courtyard, with buildings made from red brick, a common material in colonial America, and the term "red brick university" was used to describe newer institutions that emerged after Oxford and Cambridge.
- The Collegiate Gothic style, which became popular in the U.S., is characterized by buildings made of masonry and stone, with features like pointed Gothic arches and spires; the first example was Old Kenyon at Kenyon College, built in 1824.
- Modernism emerged in the 1940s, with the Illinois Institute of Technology designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, who utilized a Chicago street grid layout and created buildings that were two to three stories tall, made of brick and glass, and stripped of ornamentation, emphasizing rationalism and functionality.
- Crown Hall, completed in 1956 at the Illinois Institute of Technology, is notable for its glass construction and a roof design that eliminates interior columns, creating an open, soaring space, showcasing Mies van der Rohe's innovative approach to architectural design.
- Brutalism, exemplified by the Richards Medical Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania, completed in 1961 by Louis Kahn, features raw materials like brick and emphasizes functional design, separating served and servant spaces, and incorporating external elements for building services.
- The term "brutalism" originates from the French "béton brut," meaning raw concrete, and was popularized by architect Le Corbusier, whose Carpenter Center at Harvard, completed in 1963, is a significant example of this style, constructed from poured-in-place concrete.
- Kahn's architectural philosophy emphasized the poetic qualities of materials and spaces, leading to influential designs that shaped the aesthetic of many college campuses across the U.S., with his work being recognized as pivotal in post-World War II architecture.
- The evolution of university architecture reflects broader cultural shifts, moving from historical styles to modernist and brutalist designs, as institutions sought to express contemporary values and aspirations in their physical environments.
14:50
Postmodern Architecture at Princeton University
- Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown's Gordon Woo Hall at Princeton University exemplifies the transition to postmodernism in architecture, characterized by the incorporation of historical references. Built for Butler College, the hall includes a dining area, offices, a lounge, and a library, designed to unify the college's various buildings. Key architectural features include large bay windows that echo Collegiate Gothic motifs, a Palladian window above the shed roof, and a band of ornamented brick interrupted by a circular stone-trimmed scupper, showcasing a blend of styles and clever historical references.
- The design of Gordon Woo Hall employs playful elements, such as cartoon-like stone representations of keystones above a recessed glass entry, which humorously nods to traditional arch construction despite the modern steel lintel support. This approach reflects a broader trend in campus architecture, where buildings from various styles coexist, often influenced by contemporary educational needs and donor preferences, with larger campuses typically featuring at least one building from five distinct architectural styles.
