September 19, 2006

Collegiate Architecture and the Power of Place

 

Architecture is Timeless

Architecture is, I dare say, the most ubiquitous, influential, and ancient form of expression in the world. Essentially, our lives revolve entirely around the buildings that we encounter in our daily lives, from our homes that we reside in, to the places where we work, to the grounds of recreation; there is no possible way to escape architecture, except in complete natural solitude.
Architecture is the central theme to our lives, as ¿it shapes the landscape of our everyday lives¿ (Sudjic, Bump 430). A university is presented with the monumental task of incorporating every aspect of life-work, play, and everything in between-into one architectural haven, where each aspect of the campus, each building, successfully interweaves the ¿character of a people and place, not one or the other, in an intricate social, cultural, and institutional fabric¿ (Berdahl, Bump 411). Considering UT, I feel that the university¿s numerous architects successfully accomplished such a feat. I tend to agree with Law and his hailing of UT¿s varied styles of architecture as a celebration of versatility; each building is an expression of its purpose. In fact, in a way, the differing building styles represents and even encourages all of the different types of studies that UT offers, illustrating its commitment to diversity. The ¿Cret design¿-a signature look of many buildings-that incorporates limestone adds to a comfortable tone, unlike the harsh, modern look of the PCL that fosters an environment representative of isolated study, not connotative of comfort. Similarly, the Spanish/Southwestern style that stays true to Texas¿ Mexican roots provides both familiarity and practicality: the deep loggias ¿protect students and faculty from the heat of the sun¿ while acting as a central theme throughout most of the buildings to unify the campus (van Ryzin, Bump 429). Even the newer buildings seem to represent a liaison between past and present: San Jacinto Hall¿s Mediterranean style roof of sloping red tiles is reminiscent of a older buildings, while the new age box look of the overall building springs into modern design. Most buildings¿ designs also complement their functions. For example, the residence halls promote community, as Andrews, Blanton, Carothers, and Littlefield all enclose a quad for work, play, or just hanging out, while the colossal Main Tower that overlooks the entire campus serves as a ¿focal point... the center of campus, the guiding light, the north star of UT¿, and the Texas Memorial Stadium serves dual purposes of providing a grounds for sports, while also preserving a sense of unity and oneness among the crowd-a basic tenet of teams in sports (Singapura, ¿A Need for Community in Chaos). Also, the ¿open spaces character¿ of the university¿s layout helps to sustain both the commitment to community necessary for student interaction and also unify people to place, interweaving architecture with inhabitants, through the courtyards, plazas, malls, walking streets, and parks (¿Campus Master Plan¿, Bump 410).

Personally, I appreciate the Vedic style, much like Prianka, and its ¿purpose to be ¿in harmony with Natural law¿¿ (Singapura, discussion post; Maharishi Veda). Perhaps I naturally gravitate towards such a style due to my ethnic background, which looks to nature for guidance, teaching ideas that relate to the natural order of life and relying on harmony with the universe.
Either way, it leads me to appreciate the layout of the campus that connects every building with manicured lawns, sidewalks, and visually appealing landscapes. I often find myself leaving the dorms just to be outside, to discover a tranquil atmosphere in which to study. Similarly, the focus on the atmosphere between buildings promotes a recurring theme found in UT¿s
architecture: an encouragement of student interaction. The pleasant walks to and from classes and the sprawling courtyards provide the ideal atmosphere to meet, share, and enjoy others¿ company. Although I have never taken a genuine interest in architecture, UT provides the perfect springboard from which to begin.