Finding the Past and Future on Historic Campuses
by Philip Chen
Steeped in tradition, historic campuses are defined by the heritage of their buildings and landscapes. The continuum of these settings, buildings and quadrangles, has set the environment for generations of scholars. Yet, when we reflect on these buildings and spaces, we recognize that the institutions and cultures represented by these monuments have evolved. How should we approach treasured campus buildings and their settings when a new building or expansion is needed?
It is said that buildings speak to us from the past, and Architecture speaks as much about culture and community values as it does about aesthetics. If historic buildings are a record of our past, then our new buildings, in dialogue with the old, should speak about how the world around us has changed.
The Designer Guidelines at the University of Pennsylvania address this continuum for their 125-year old campus: “Buildings on the campus reflect many styles, and the essential quality of the campus is one of buildings that speak in their own voice about their purposes and the era in which they were built.” This approach is reflected in ABA’s rehabilitation and expansion of the Penn Music Building, located in the heart of the University’s historic district. The Music Building was constructed in 1892 as a dormitory for orphan girls. Later converted into University physics labs, the landmark building was never suited for the teaching and performance of music. ABA’s work began with a thorough investigation of the existing building, and its history and context. By investigation the façade’s architectural organization, a design framework was established for the new addition. Both the University and design team wanted a building where the making of music was not only heard, but also seen. So while the addition is sympathetic to the existing building in its materiality, rhythm, and proportions, it sits in sharp contrast with the buildings’ traditional solidity. Its lightness and transparency openly share the art of music making with the campus community. The addition acknowledges new patterns of campus circulation, offering public facades, pathways, and landscape on all sides. In keeping with the University’s adopted Climate Action Plan, this project integrates multiple sustainable elements and is the first LEED Gold building on Penn’s historic campus. The Music Department finally has a home which truly befits its nationally renowned program.
Architecture also has the power to breathe new life into a building whose purpose has changed. For the University of Chicago, ABA is designing the adaptive reuse of the Chicago Theological Seminary building, turning the 85-year old building into the new home for the University of Chicago’s Department of Economics and the Milton Friedman Institute for Research in Economics. Constructed between 1923 and 1928, this complex of buildings includes chapels, a library, offices, and classrooms. The design project revitalizes the building by injecting it with a vibrant program, one of the largest and most acclaimed departments at the University. With strategic design interventions and additions, the project will reorganize entrances and circulation and make the site open and accessible to the entire University. The project will also introduce new and innovative building systems, and add state of the art teaching, research and conference facilities – all while knitting the building into the fabric of the historic campus and gardens.
The discourse between past, present, and future is a vital part of the college and university experience, and campus architecture should engage and promote this conversation. The buildings and spaces we make today should honor the past as well as explore and celebrate the future.
Philip Chen, ACA LEED AP is principal at AnnBeha Architects of Boston, MA