Architectural Refections

Tour of the South Quad

Tuesday, January 20, 2015:

Today we toured the campus’s South Quad. Starting at the Stock Pavilion, we observed the differing styles of the buildings framing the quad and discussed the placement of the buildings along the campus’s varying axes and the meaning of this placement. Prior to our tour, I never realized the importance of building placement along a central axis to signify prominence. For instance, on our campus, along the central axis buildings where large groups of people gather, such as the Union or Foellinger Auditorium, are located on the central axis. A central location makes sense not only because multitudes of students frequent these buildings so a convenient placement is important but because these buildings also signify unity and the collective student body. The fact that these buildings represent a collective group of students makes them important to our campus’s central design, justifying their location on the central axis.

 Another axis our class discussed was the military axis which runs east to west beginning at the ACES Library and terminates in the Six Pack. Designed as a mimic of Foellinger Auditorium, the ACES Library is a representation of a collection, much like the Union or Foellinger itself. However, unlike these buildings on the central axis, the ACES Library is a collection of knowledge, thus validating its position as the beginning of an important axis. Conversely, our class discussed the irrationality of having the axis terminate in the middle of student housing. Unlike a library or a popular auditorium, dormitories do not represent a powerful collection. We conjectured that a museum or another library would be a more suitable location to bookmark the military axis.

As we continued to make our way up the South Quad to the UGL, we noticed the symmetry that characterizes this quad, with opposite doorways lining up almost perfectly. We also observed that the South Quad, while attempting to mimic the Main Quad, was proportioned much more awkwardly than the other quads on campus. Unlike the Main Quad, the South Quad was designed too wide, creating an awkward appearance. Trees lining either side attempt to fill in this empty space.

Tour of Temple-Hoyne Buell Hall

Thursday January 22, 2015:

            We began this class period by “reading” the various architectural features of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, starting with the building’s parti, or the design’s big idea. THBH is essentially three separate buildings connected by an atrium and a series of bridges. The three disciplines housed in the building, architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning, are each given their own wing, in hopes that the bridges and atrium will promote discussion and collaboration within the separate branches of architecture. The bridges also serve the dual purpose of facilitating discussion between the students and faculty.

            While at Temple Hoyne, we also discussed the concept of phenomenal transparency. Using the famous example of the picture of both a vase and two faces, we discussed the mind’s inability to focus on both the foreground and background simultaneously. While I am quite familiar with this concept when applied to painting, I was unaware that the same phenomenon occurred in architecture. The screen and staircase in the atrium were a perfect example of such an occurrence of phenomenal transparency. When focusing on the staircase, the screen was in the background and vice versa.

            The concept of phenomenal transparency was also present in the design of the Architecture Building, but with more classic designs and features. At first glance, the Architecture Building may appear the same as any of the other red brick buildings on campus. However, as we discussed the subtle architectural designs present, I began to notice the unique quality and beauty of this building. The architect, Charles Platt, created phenomenal transparency with both the subtle appearance of arches amidst the window’s individual parts and the illusion that the window’s stone framing slips behind a more protruding section of the frame. The outside appearance is further enhanced by the detailing on the columns bookmarking the main entrance. The leaves atop the columns are extremely ornate and detailed and had completely escaped my own attention until our class tour.

Tour of Main and North Quads

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Today, our class toured the main and north quads on campus. Being the first thing that made me want to attend the University of Illinois, I have always loved the architecture and just the overall environment of the main quad. Starting at Foellinger Auditorium, our class once again discussed the significance of buildings on the campus’s central axis, but this time delved further into the dome structure of the auditorium representing a building where a large number of people could gather. We then went on to create the analogy of all the buildings on this quad to a family gathered at the dinner table with the Union and Foellinger as the parents and the surrounding buildings as the children. I found this comparison truly fascinating, for you could extend the metaphor to represent the buildings all coming together at the table of knowledge where students too can come to learn as well (so hokey, sorry). But moving on, I was also really surprised to notice that the Henry Administration Building had had an addition put on one side but not the other. Prior to the tour, I never realized this building, or similarly the Union, was asymmetrical. I walk past these buildings on almost a daily basis, yet had failed to notice a significant architectural feature.

As we moved on to the north quad, I was surprised at how architecturally ineffective its design is. I had always thought the north quad was quite pretty with the stream flowing through it. However, as Professor Hinders pointed out the lack of symmetry and failed attempts at mimicking the main quad, this illusion was shattered. I was particularly disappointed with the side axis ending in a building that was grandiose by no means; it was quite anti-climactic. Reaching the end of the north quad with the Beckman Institute, I was surprised to learn that the architects had not put a door or main threshold at the north side of the building. As we discussed the implications of this architectural decision, I came to believe more and more that it was offensive to those who live north of University Ave and are essentially blocked off from campus. Rather than offering a warm welcome, Beckman imposes a cold, unwelcoming façade to all the neighborhoods north of campus.




Tour of Abbott Power Plant

Thursday, January 29, 2015   

           

            Since Professor Hinders is in Italy, we went on a tour of Abbot Power Plant. I had always been curious as to what exactly was in Abbot. The smoke stacks can constantly be seen on the horizon, yet everybody seems to know very little as to what lies behind its chain-linked fence and brick walls. Having once considered being a chemical engineer, I was genuinely curious as to what my work environment would have been had I chosen to pursue that path and work in a factory. I arrived at Abbot hoping that the tour would answer any remaining questions I still had about this major I was once so passionate about.

            Upon first entering Abbot, I was taken aback by the loud noise of machinery that greets you at the front door. As we proceeded to go on the tour, these loud noises made it extremely difficult to hear what was being said as we were led through the various types of machinery and boilers, even though we had put earplugs in. However, I was surprised to learn that Abbot does not produce all of the electricity for campus, but rather all the steam needed for campus. I had been under the misconception that the plant was responsible for all of campus’s electricity for quite some time. The first piece of equipment that we were shown were the boilers on the main floor. I do not remember the exact dimensions, but they seemed to stretch on for several yards when we looked inside the shut off boilers. When we moved on to the boilers that were fully running, I could barely look inside of them without being blinded, for the fire was so incredibly bright.

           After the boilers, we proceeded to go to the newest addition of the power plant. This part had been added following a fire which had occurred in the plant around the year 2000. It was obvious that this section had been a later addition to the building. The windows are in better shape and the equipment in general appeared to be less worn. The coolest thing I thought though was a machine that resembled a jet engine. After checking out the engine, we proceeded to take a tour of the plant’s basement. Again, the noise made it difficult to hear, but I thought the plant manager said something about steam explosions that can occur when dust gets into the system. Needless to say, I was somewhat happy when we emerged from the basement explosion free.




Tour of Krannert Center of Performing Arts

Thursday, February 5, 2015

                Prior to today, I had only been to the Krannert Center for Performing Arts once, in order to see the play “By the Skin of Our Teeth.” Nonetheless, throughout my career at U of I, I have always considered Krannert to be a landmark of the University. Unlike, any other building, Krannert is characterized by an extremely abstract shape and a very wide construction, covering over 1.5 acres. Immediately after entering the building, I was taken aback by the overall open design. From a fiberglass and aluminum ceiling to expensive hardwood floors, every part of Krannert’s design was meticulously thought out to impress its guests.

                After a tour of the main lobby and a brief history lesson on the construction of Krannert, we proceeded downstairs to investigate the work being done behind the scenes of the theater. As soon as we entered the main hallway of the basement, I was shocked by the change in atmosphere of the building. The main floor was extremely polished and put together, whereas the basement was much more hectic with people running around and the walls being constructed of cinderblock. I was most impressed by the prop room in the basement. It seemed to be filled to the brim with props with little order in regards to its organization. However, Mina, our tour guide, pointed out that despite its wayward appearance, the prop room was arranged to readily provide any prop necessary. I was beyond impressed when she informed us that this room was so well insulated that they could construct props as loudly as needed without the noise being heard by the majority of the theaters.

                Exiting the prop room, we walked down the hallway amidst rolling carts and people carrying costumes towards the backstage of the opera theater. It had always been a lifelong, yet strange, dream of mine to be backstage. I was in awe of the immensely high ceilings, which stretched approximately 92 feet above our heads. I was also impressed by the sheer size of the space behind the stage and all of the various props and contraptions the theater could store behind the curtain.

                Following our excursion backstage, our tour ventured to Krannert’s “Great Hall,” which Mina described as Krannert’s “baby,” and it was no secret why. Being able to seat over a thousand people, the theater was massive. She went on to point out the theater’s amazing symmetry, stating opposing panels were even ensured to come from the same tree. I also impressed to learn that no right angles existed in the theater in order to produce the highest quality sound possible. Even the sound of an employee’s heels as she walked across stage, echoed throughout the entirety of the theater.




Mechanical Systems in Temple-Hoyne Buell Hall

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

             Drawing on our past tour of Abbott Power Plant, our class took a tour of the mechanical systems within Temple Hoyne Buell Hall. Unfortunately, the locks to the mechanical system rooms had been rekeyed so we were forced to take a tour from the outside perspective of the pipe systems. Nevertheless, I found our tour both informing and interesting. It was fascinating that all the heat and coolant supplied to the building originated from Abbott Power Plant. I often take modern conveniences for granted; therefore the sheer distance between the buildings and the technology available to modern society amazed me, even though I realize some pipe systems stretch on for miles and miles.

            We began the tour by discussing the combination of supply and return pipes present in the building. The architects of THBH were clearly proud of the mechanical systems within the building, for all pipes are exposed and the building is even designed to showcase these pipes. Most notably, the largest supply and return pipes are primary fixtures in the building’s lobby and are difficult to ignore. Moving upstairs, we followed these two main pipes as they intertwined throughout the various rooms. We were able to distinguish the returning and supply pipes by the fact that the supply pipe was attached to a separate box. In this box, a fan and coils of heated water rested, waiting for the temperature in the room to be altered so that they could begin either the heating or cooling process. The return pipes, on the other hand, were characterized by vents that were slightly dustier and produced a small current as air was sucked up into them. I found it interesting that the dust was present because the stream of air entering the vent was not strong enough to pull the dust from the metal. Professor Hinders also pointed out smaller RHWR and RHWS pipes, which were hot water returning and supply pipes that ran through each of the design rooms. These pipes were heavily insulated, while the main vents appeared to lack such insulation.

            After walking through the series of design rooms, we proceeded to Professor Hinders’s own office. At this point of the pipes’ structural design, the supply pipe branched off at each pair of rooms so that a portion of the pipe could provide either cooled or heated air to each office.  The entire network of pipes within Temple Hoyne Buell Hall appeared efficient and impressive.

Tour of Huff Hall, Armory and Practice Field

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

            Today was an especially interesting tour because we covered the architectural structures of buildings that I have been in multiple times. However, I have never paid much attention to the structural design of these buildings, especially Huff Hall and the Armory, and therefore I was shown a differing perspective of these everyday buildings. We started off in the main gym of Huff Hall. As soon as we entered, I couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming smell of athletic equipment. Professor Hinders began by pointing out the various beams that supported the huge ceiling of the gym. The first of many architectural features was the presence of trusses that spanned the width of the ceiling. These trusses helped to transfer the force exerted by the weight of the ceiling horizontally to girders, which then were able to apply this force vertically onto columns. As Professor Hinders explained, vertical force is much more manageable than force directed horizontally. He proceeded to demonstrate this by illustrating that a person can withstand force directed vertically upon their head much better than force directed horizontally at their chest by softly pushing Julia.

Once we all understood the concepts governing the structural framework of Huff Hall, we continued our tour by taking an underground tunnel to the Armory. Having never been in one of the university’s many tunnels, to say I was excited would be an understatement. I was thrilled that I was finally getting to explore one of these legendary tunnels; however, I was slightly disappointed to find that the door to enter the Armory was locked, so we were forced to turn around. After we entered through the front door of the Armory like commoners, we continued to the main track where a small group of athletes were practicing. It was interesting to notice that the trusses of the Armory were all connected at the top of the ceiling by pins. Like Huff Hall, the Armory ceiling was supported by a series of columns; however, the trusses and ceiling in general were much more arched than that of Huff. I was also amazed that only one side of track was secured in place by large iron beams, whereas the opposite side lacked such an unmoving design. I also thought it was extremely interesting that by walking on the hallway that was overhanging the track, a person’s exerted force was transferred across the beams to the beams actually above the overhang. I would have assumed that the force would be exerted downward, and this force transfer almost seemed to defy the laws of nature.

After leaving the Armory, our class trekked over to the football practice field. This building combined aspects of both Huff Hall and the Armory. However, unlike these previous structures, the practice field’s arched ceiling was supported by a truss that ran the length of the field, in order to allow such a high ceiling. Also unlike the buildings visited previously on our tour, the columns which supported the structure were hidden in the cement wall rather than being displayed transparently. It was pretty cool being in the practice field, this being the first time I’ve been.



Tour of Erlenmeyer House

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Today we ventured out into the cold into an Urbana neighborhood just south of Lincoln Avenue. As Professor Hinders led us down the cobblestone street, he pointed out the basic structure that almost every house in the neighborhood shared. The front of the houses was marked by a front porch to welcome guests, which then flowed into a space for entertaining after stepping through the front door. The service section of the home, the kitchen, was then located in the rear of the house. Looking at the homes that lined the street reminded me of a simpler time. Being built around the 1950’s, the homes appeared very quaint and designed for a time period when families would spend hours sitting on their porches and converse with their neighbors who strolled by, since they were located relatively close to the walkway.

However, when our parade finally came to a halt, the house we were standing in front of was vastly different than any other on the street. While it was in line with the other homes on the street, this house lacked a front porch, windows and even a visible door. Unlike the others, this house was designed for privacy rather than welcoming guests with open arms. When I first looked at this house, I was reminded of the novel Fountainhead, which I read in high school. This book is the story of a young architect whose designs are radically different than any of his contemporaries. While many vocally criticized his designs, the architect was unphased and only designed for those who were passionate about his style. Clearly, the design of the Erlenmeyer home was enormously different and more abstract than any other house in the vicinity.

Upon entering the Erlenmeyer home, I was immediately taken aback by the stone floor. It created a seamless transition between the exterior and interior of the house, giving the impression that you remained outside. While I was intrigued by this aesthetic decision, I was not a fan of the feeling of the hard stones underneath my stocking feet as I walked towards the living room. Looking around the main living space, I really liked the sitting area which was almost like a pit as it was more than a foot beneath the main floor. I also really liked the large windows on either side of the room, which let in large amounts of light. Originally, this took me by surprise since the façade of the house lacked any windows at all. The window that showcased the small courtyard was seamlessly constructed to once again blur the distinction as to what was on the interior and what was on the exterior of the house. We then proceeded to the kitchen, which was rather tiny. Adjacent to the kitchen was an even tinier bathroom. I, personally, would find living in this house by myself lonely since the downstairs produced a slightly cold vibe.

Being a clumsy person, I was extremely cautious as we walked up the stairs to the second level as to not slip on the hard wood or fall into the holes next to the top of the stairs. I found the bedroom much homier than the downstairs living space. All natural light created by the large windows illuminated the room. I also really liked the concept of having the light switch on the floor; it really showed how Mrs. Erlenmeyer’s lifestyle as a dancer was incorporated into the design of the house, as with the lack of handrail on the stairs. The decision to have the carpet continue into the master bedroom confused me at first; however, Professor Hinder’s explanation that this created flow and continuity between the two spaces upstairs made the architect’s choice much clearer.  




Business Instructional Facility

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Today we toured the Business Instructional Facility. This tour could not come at a better time, personally. My friend, who is a junior in high school and considering attending the University of Illinois to study business, is visiting next weekend, and I am planning on giving her a tour of the campus. Since she is interested in the business school, I was intending to show her BIF as a highlight of my tour. Thanks to Professor Hinders, I will be able to give her a much more comprehensive tour of the building and point out interesting features, such as the LEED certification, which ironically the University uses to entice students as well.

We began the tour by discussing the topic of sustainability and the features of BIF that attempted to increase the buildings own sustainability in terms of both energy and material. For instance, we discussed how concrete is one of the most efficient materials since it requires very little energy to create and ship. Because of this efficiency, BIF incorporated concrete into their flooring with hardwood floors placed on top. This concrete absorbs the heat from the sunlight that penetrates through the large windows on the side of the atrium. I found the intricacies and preciseness of this system really impressive, especially the fact that the architects were able to manufacture an overhang that prevented the sunlight from hitting the floor during the summer so that it did not overheat. 

Next weekend when I show my friend around BIF, I will be sure to show her the gardens on the building’s rooftop. I found this aspect truly unique to BIF and definitely considered it a highlight of our own tour. However, one characteristic that I will certainly not show her is the pair of shower and changing rooms located next to the bike rack that nobody can access. It is an understatement that these rooms are ridiculous. These features were clearly installed only to gain a point in LEED certification, as they are completely unnecessary with Huff Hall 30 yards away, as Professor Hinders pointed out.

However, the simple fact that the University financed several green measures, such as the rooftop garden, concrete floor and energy panels, when constructing BIF merely to get the LEED certification is a bit disenchanting. Being green is obviously an honorable goal; however, when this goal is overshadowed by financial motives, it begins to lose some of its value. Nonetheless, BIF accomplished her ultimate goal and received a platinum LEED certification. 



Architecture Career XPO
Thursday, March 5, 2015

Today, our class attended the architecture career XPO at iHotel. Having been to the engineering career EXPO earlier in the year, I had a general idea of what to expect once we arrived at the XPO. However, this experience was a lot less stressful knowing that I would not be talking with future employers, trying to gain an internship position. The architecture career XPO was also slightly less crowded than the engineering one, making the overall atmosphere extremely less hectic than that of the engineering career fair.

The first company to which I talked to was Klein and Hoffman, a primarily restorative architecture firm based out of Chicago. I was very impressed by the range of buildings that Klein and Hoffman preserved, working on buildings including the Hancock Building, the Shedd Aquarium, historic churches and many others. After talking a little bit more to the representatives, I was astounded to hear that they sometimes worked on the side of high rise building, hanging stories above the ground below, working on issues such as window sealant. I would be absolutely terrified to work in those conditions. I was also really intrigued by the fact that the company was not interested in hiring undergraduate interns because that was my primary goal of going to the engineering EXPO in the fall. The representatives expressed their desire for students to explore a wide range of architecture fields before committing too heavily to one.

After we had finished talking to Klein and Hoffman, Professor Hinders expressed his desire for me to converse with another company, PGAV. When I had first entered the XPO, I had been too distracted by the Jimmy John’s booth to notice their booth, but once Professor Hinders pointed it out to me, I was very intrigued. This company’s resume was awesome. Having designed amusement parks, the building housing the Space Shuttle and Sea World, PGAV sounded like it would be so much fun to work at. The company actually very much reminded me of the Imagineers at Disney World. However, when I asked what part Engineers played in their design process, the work of the engineer appeared much less fun than that of the architect. PGAV Architects is primarily centered in Kansas City and St. Louis and has 130 professional employees. This is nearly double the amount of employees at Klein and Hoffman, which makes sense since PGAV seems to be undertaking much larger projects nationwide than the Chicago based restoration firm.

  

Downtown Champaign

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

           When I first heard that we were going to tour downtown Champaign, I was very excited. I had never gotten the opportunity to walk around the downtown area; however, I had driven through it multiple times and thought the overall atmosphere was extremely welcoming and cute. On the bus ride over to the train station, I was surprised to learn that Champaign had once been referred to as “West Urbana.” The idea of Champaign living in Urbana’s shadow was very shocking to me, for I had always considered Champaign as the more developed and visited city of the two.

Once we started walking the streets of Downtown, Professor Hinders pointed out the general schematics and layout of the area. The first major building we came across was City Hall, located on Main Street. It makes sense that City Hall, a building which represents the town of Champaign, would be located on the most central street in the downtown area since both aspects are central to Champaign’s identity as a town. As we continued up towards Neil Street, Professor Hinders provided us with the background of the businesses located along one of Downtown Champaign’s major streets. In order to increase people’s desire to do their shopping downtown, the city attempted to create a strictly shopping center in the heart of downtown by closing the roads off to cars so that shoppers were allowed to walk freely. However, as it had in Chicago and other cities, this idea failed and was removed within ten years. Even though this practice did not help the businesses, I really liked the idea. As a shopper, I would truly enjoy being able to be outside while shopping and being able to walk around freely. I also found it interesting that the majority of the new businesses were bars and that is was these bars that stimulated the area’s economy. Looking at my own hometown, I now realize that the majority of the business on the main street are bars that also sell food.

We then proceeded toward the large park at the intersection of Church St. and State St. The park was surrounded by churches of Methodist, Episcopal and Baptist denominations as well as a library. Professor Hinders pointed out the artistic nature of having the churches, park and library located in such close proximity to one another; as it promotes the growth and health of one’s soul, body and mind. I also thought it was very poetic how the government post office was built out of a strong, lasting material to instill faith within people that the American government itself was strong and everlasting.

When I return home for Spring Break, I will certainly be able to pick out several of the features that characterize Downtown Champaign in my own town’s downtown area, such as the wide variety of churches located close to one another and a sturdy central post office.




Campus Town

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

           

Being what first attracted me to the University of Illinois campus, I was more excited for the tour of Campus Town, primarily Green Street, than any other tour thus far. As we began our tour by walking up Wright Street, I was shocked to learn that Campus Town had once been ravaged by floods and even described as an embarrassment to the University. Trying to imagine a Green St. without an abundance of restaurants, bars and shops is near impossible for me. It makes sense that Champaign was reluctant to invest in Campus Town since they do not receive tax payments from many students, nor are many students registered to vote in Champaign. However, I would have thought that Champaign would realize that an attractive Campus Town attracts students and therefore potential residents and I am so glad that the University made the connection between a good-looking Campus Town and an increased draw to potential students.

As we began walking down Green Street, we discussed the history of the various store fronts that line the street as well as the width of the road and sidewalks that separated these businesses. As Professor Hinders described the designated University students’ race to beat the traffic planners hired by the city to design Campus Town, I found myself becoming anxious. Even though this obviously occurred years ago, I hated the fact that Green Street could have potentially looked any different than it does now, and I can only imagine the stress these students felt as they battled with the city to see their dream realized. Looking at the current facades that line Green Street, I found the contrast created by the majority of the building fronts on the north side of the street having been renovated, while those on the south side remaining essentially in the same condition as they had years and years ago very interesting.

Coming to a halt on the corner of Sixth St. and Green St., Professor Hinders proceeded to discuss the history of the housing situation in Campus Town. Last week while on my way to TIS Bookstore, I noticed for the first time that Cly’s and Firehaus were actually constructed by placing a façade on the front of a single family home. I was amazed that I had never noticed this before and thought it was a very cute, small town touch on Campus Town. When Professor Hinders pointed this out to our class, I thought it was humorous how the majority of the students in our class had also failed to observe this in their past visits to Campus Town. Either the houses are very well concealed or we, as a group, are not observant whatsoever. I was also very amused by Professor Hinders’s comment noting how students are pressured into signing leases extremely early in the year prior to the lease going into effect when there is such an abundance of apartment buildings on campus. From my own experience signing apartment leases, I can attest to the pressure students experience to sign extremely early, making it an extremely stressful experience.

As we continued down Green Street, the buildings became more spread apart and just in general less aesthetically pleasing with older facades. I particularly dislike the façade of Skylight Courts with the dark brown brick and the atrium, attempting to draw in visitors. However, I did like the general rule followed in past years, prior to the construction of the 309 tower, that apartment buildings were to be set back off the sidewalk, once they achieved a certain height. This design created a more homey and less commercialized and city atmosphere. 



Cemetery

Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Since today was such a lovely day, I was thrilled at the idea of taking a walking tour outside. However, to be perfectly honest, my mood was slightly dampened upon learning that we were to take a tour of the cemetery at the edge of campus. Upon arriving at the cemetery, we first toured the indoor mausoleum, a concept that I had never come across before, nor heard about. At first, it seemed a little creepy to be walking around a building where graves lined the walls; however, after spending some time examining the grave markers, I became slightly fascinated while sobered. I became rather intrigued as to whom these people were and I felt for their families who had to see them pass. We passed by a tomb with a card taped to the front that showed a picture of a newborn baby. It was obvious that whoever was laid to rest here was deeply loved and missed. He was only 32 was he passed away almost ten years ago.

After the mausoleum, we proceeded to the Jewish portion of the cemetery. I was surprised to see the abundance of upright headstones that covered the entirety of the cemetery. When my grandpa passed away in 2012 and my grandma a year later, my family was forced to purchase a flat headstone so that the groundskeepers could easily mow the grass. I was very touched by the numbers of tombstones that had rocks placed on them, a Jewish tradition, for it showed that these people, like the man in the mausoleum, were deeply loved and missed. It reminded me very much of visiting my grandparents’ graves and bringing flowers and wreaths to place on their tombstone so that a little piece of us would be with them, keeping them company, showing that we would never forget them.

Moving on towards the section of the cemetery reserved for members of the United States military, Professor Hinders pointed out a lone yew bush at the corner of the area. At one point in time, there had been four yew bushes framing the corners of this designated section; however, as they grew, they began to overcome the graves and three had to be removed. I noticed this was becoming an issue with a number of trees at the cemetery with their trunks dangerously close to headstones. Despite this, the trees located intermittently throughout the cemetery created a peaceful environment.

As we continued to wander through the cemetery, Professor Hinders drew our attention towards the large headstones that normally marked the burial site of an entire family or, as in the case of Clint Atkins, an influential member of the Champaign community. I thought it was a very sentimental concept of having an entire family buried in the same location so that they will be together forever. I was amazed by the older gravesites that had stairs leading up to the major family headstone, for this is a formality that is no longer practiced in today’s society. On the other hand, I found the large monuments marking the gravesite of a wealthy individual to be a bit obnoxious.



Building under Construction

Thursday, April 2, 2015

Today, we toured the future center for wounded veterans, which is still under construction, on the east side of campus. Having never been into a building while its construction was in full swing, I was uncertain of what to expect. As soon as we entered the building, we were greeted by an array of noises from various drills, the clanging of pipes and the radio. We began our tour by ascending into the basement where the construction crew was carefully laying pipes in their designated location. The whole layout of pipes appeared extremely intricate and it is obviously extremely important that each pipe is put into its proper place, making the task seem almost stressful. As we intertwined our way out of the basement and onto the main floor, I became very self-conscious that our parade was getting in the way of the construction workers and their work, so I tried to maneuver around their stations as quickly as I could.

Once we arrived to the main living space, the head of construction and the Dean explained some of the aesthetic design features of the building. I found it very interesting how the architect incorporated large windows in the main living space so that the soldiers would be able to be aware of their surroundings at all time, making them feel more comfortable in the space. This just goes to show that there is a purpose in each facet of a building’s design. Our tour leaders then began to explain some of the early stages of the project, such as deciding upon a location for the building. Nevada was truly a great location for the veterans’ center because it places them right at the heart of campus, which is not only convenient, but helps to illustrate the importance of the veterans to the student body. I found it amazing when they said that they expected construction to be complete within a couple of weeks given that the first floor needed drywall to still be put up. It’s astounding how quickly these projects can be completed, once a certain stage is reached.

After a comprehensive tour of the first floor, we ventured to the second and third levels where the veterans will be sleeping and going through therapy. These floors appeared to be nearly complete, with solely the ceiling exposed. Looking up, there seemed like so much piping and insulation was jammed into the ceiling and even the head of construction made a comment about how sometimes they struggle to create enough room in the ceiling for all that is stored there.

Finishing up our tour was a quick look inside a bathroom on the first floor. The head of construction went on to explain that they were still in the process of deciding which type of ceiling to install here, either a drop ceiling or paneled ceiling. With the building so close to being completed, I found it interesting that major design decisions were still being made. However, he made a good point in stating that sometimes as you begin to implement a design, you begin to realize that specific idea may not work, so an alternate design needs to be put in place. After having walked through so many completed buildings, I enjoyed getting to experience the construction of a building and seeing the process that creates all of the architectural features we have discussed.



Main Library, Foreign Language Building, Smith Hall
Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Today, we began our tour in the Graduate Library. I mostly just cut through this library, studying there very infrequently, so I was excited to go on a comprehensive tour. After spending some time in the lobby, we moved into the Reading Room. Professor Hinders pointed out how the windows on the east wall symbolized the incoming of light and knowledge from the heavens onto the students studying there. I found this extremely poetic, and for the first time, I was able to look past the unattractive green paint and see the beauty of the design of the Reading Room. I noticed how the elongated windows created a very grandiose atmosphere, making studying in this room appear very majestic.

We then proceed to the Main Stacks. Having never been there and having only heard stories of its size and volumes it contains, I was very excited to explore the space. As soon as we entered, I was amazed by the sheer size of the space. It seemed to stretch on forever, as I stared at the end of the hallway. We then went up to the mezzanine floor. When Professor Hinders pointed out just how thin the floor was, I became slightly nervous that it would collapse under the weight of our class and the shelves of books that rested on top of it. As we proceeded towards the back of the floor, we came across a row of small offices for professors and students to do their research. Personally, I found these to be the most depressing offices I have ever seen, for they were extremely cramped and poorly lit. On our way out, Professor Hinders showed us some of the technology used to access all of the books on the shelves. For example, some of the shelves have the ability to be moved side to side in order to conserve space.

Our destination after the Graduate Library was the Foreign Language Building. Prior to entering, Professor Hinders began telling the story of the Tower of Babble. In an effort to speak to God, man began to build a great structure that ascended into the Heavens; however, God felt that man had overstepped his boundary and struck down the tower. When the men awoke, they began speaking in various languages, and thus was the origin of language. The Foreign Language Building appears almost to be the Tower of Babble flipped upside down as to welcome God into the space and participate in the learning of languages. Even though Professor Hinders does not know whether this is the inspiration for the design of the Foreign Language Building, I like to think that it is, for the story is so central to language.

The next stop on our tour was Smith Memorial Hall, the music building. Like Foelinger, Smith has a grandiose entrance, making the individuals who enter shrink their perception of themselves in comparison to the magnificence that is the building. However, once inside, the building appears to open up again, welcoming its guests and signaling to them that they are located in a great space. While I found the great hall impressive, I was dumbfounded by just the glimpse that I got of the onyx room located on the second floor. The room juts out into the hallway, establishing its importance. From just the cursory glance I was able to get, this onyx room appeared to be even more magnificent than the great hall that greeted us on the first floor.

We concluded our walk with a quick tour of the Genomic Institute. Like BIF, this building was much newer, with the purpose of impressing its guests as they walked in on limestone floors. The staircase located on the main axis of the building was constructed partially of glass, an expensive material. I still find it almost humorous how architects have to work around the Marrow Plots, ensuring that their building will cast no shade upon the famous field. 

Education Building and Krannert Art Museum

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Today, we started class by taking a tour of the Education Building. Hoping to obtain a minor in secondary education, I frequent this building on a weekly basis and have never been a fan of the 1960’s style architecture, particularly the window paneling on the side with bold, black girders and the overhanging roof. I looked forward to this tour to see if my perception of this building as one of the ugliest on campus could be altered. Professor Hinders began our tour by explaining the architect’s grand plan with the design of the building. The architect hoped to continue the atmosphere created by Illini Grove across the southern portion of campus by placing the building in essentially a hole in the ground and have it be surrounded by trees. After hearing this perspective, I understood the architect’s decision to build the building beneath ground level for the first time. Possibly one of my least favorite features of the building is the large overhang that encircles the building. When Professor Hinders explained that this was a design choice made to emulate a Roman Temple without the pillars, I respected the presence of the overhang, marking the building as a temple to learning, even though I still found it to be ugly.

Moving inside, I was amazed when Professor Hinders pointed out how the wooden slats that covered the walls hid closets and pipes. I have walked through those very hallways countless times and have failed to ever notice them prior to our tour. We then proceeded upstairs to the third level. The offices located here were very small and cramped; however, the large windows that took up the entirety of the outside wall helped these tiny spaces to appear to be more open. My favorite part of the tour by far was getting to go outside onto the overhang and look at the campus sprawling out from the Education Building. While on the roof, we also discussed the fact how the basement protrudes farther than any other component of the building. This is not evident looking at the building from the outside immediately due to the building’s low position. Moving back inside, Professor Hinders drew our attention to the architectural features put in place to promote air flow, such as the slats in the doors and the circular holes in the upper portion of the offices’ walls. This really goes to show how much practicality is taken into consideration while designing a building in addition to the architect’s design aesthetic.

After the Education Building, we proceeded over to the Krannert Art Museum. I found it really interesting that the copper appeared to be unaffected by water simply because it was in the vertical position so that the water could run off. I would not have thought that would make such a big difference. Upon our first entrance into the building, we passed by a flight of stairs with a design along the handrail. My mind was blown when Professor Hinders drew our attention to the fact that the design was a replica of the building itself showcasing the pregnant sides. 



Philo

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Today, our class ventured to Philo, just 20 minutes away from campus, to get a glimpse into small-town America. I have been to Philo once before with a friend who lives there and, from my experience, I could understand why it served as an excellent example of a small town. I loved the drive out to Philo and found it extremely peaceful with cornfields stretched out endlessly into the horizon on either side of the highway. On our way to our first destination in Philo, Casey’s General Store, Professor Hinders explained Casey’s business strategy. By having locations in solely small towns across the Midwest, Casey’s serves as a scaled down version of a Wal-Mart to service the town’s residents for their immediate needs for which they do not want to drive the distance to the nearest big chain store in another town.

            Upon our arrival to Philo and after a quick stop at Casey’s, we drove through the downtown area. We had driven completely through it before I even realized that we were on the main street. It consisted solely of a library, post office, bars and a barber’s shop. It reminded me of our visit to Downtown Champaign, for it shared many of the same staples; however, it seemed to be a hundred times smaller. Professor Hinders then showed us the grain elevator and the other various farming buildings that service the local farms. These were all located behind downtown and near the railroad tracks so that trains could both bring in goods needed to farm and carry out the harvested crops to market.

After our quick venture downtown, we drove through the local cemetery, which framed the west side of the town. It was interesting to notice that the headstones only marked the side that faced the town, almost welcoming people as they entered the cemetery. The landscape which lied just west of the cemetery was characterized by expansive cornfields and the outlying towns were just visible, making it a breathtaking sight.

After pulling out of the cemetery, we drove through the neighborhoods that made up the remainder of the town. The majority of the houses seemed to be around 50 years old and were all constructed of different styles. They resembled many of the homes in Urbana that we passed on our way to the Erlinger house, with large patios and porch swings. Professor Hinders mentioned that the original settlers of Philo were primarily German and therefore were primarily Lutheran, Methodist or Catholic. We could see this represented in the community with churches of each denomination located sporadically throughout the community. One part of Philo that seemed out of place when compared to the rest of the community was the “suburbia” of bigger, newer homes that lay on the east side of town. These homes did not follow the same architectural design as the rest of the town. They had much bigger lots and did not possess the front porch that largely characterized the other homes.   

Overall, I loved the small-town feel of Philo. With such few stores and houses, the community seemed to be rather close. This being said, I do not think I would want to live in a town like Philo until after I was retired.