On Tuesday, April 7th, we observed how the form that a structure takes can convey meaning, as it pertains to the Main Library, Foreign Language Building, Smith Hall, and the Institute for Genomic Biology. We did some speculating, we did some theory crafting, but above all else we had a slam-bangin' good time.
First stop on the tour to end all tours was the main library, where we explored one of the largest depositories of knowledge in the United States (maybe) and got our first look at how architects use spaces to convey meaning. We entered through the eastern entrance and immediately saw the grand scale of the interior. We ascended large staircases, which contributed to the significance of the location, as we headed for the main stacks. On the second and first floors are located large studying rooms with tall windows, giving off the air of importance and striking awe in the hearts of many a caffeine-addicted late night studier. From there, we ventured into the main stacks, which store countless school records and just about any book about anything you could possibly want. It was interesting to see how the shelves served as structural supports for the rest of the building, or even just how deep the proverbial rabbit hole went with all of the books.
Departing from the library, we headed on over to the foreign language building where we discussed the modern day Tower of Babel. Professor Hinders theorized--correctly or incorrectly we may never knooooooow--that the building was modeled after an inverted Tower of Babel, whose mythological significance was tied to the languages of the world and their origins. While that story ended with the tower's destruction and the genesis of the world's languages, our story ends with the tower's completion and the intermingling of said languages. To reflect a reversal of the story, the tower itself is inverted. As opposed to shutting out God, who destroyed the original tower, the building opens up to the skies and allows light to cascade through the main lobby. Open space is used to great effect to invite the passerby to enter and learn what the building has to offer.
After leaving the Foreign Language Building, we made our way to its next door neighbor, Smith Hall. Home to an incredible auditorium and much of the undergraduate musical facilities, Smith Hall mimics the grandeur of Foellinger. To convey its purpose of entertaining the community, the entrance faces the east, connecting it to Urbana. Large pillars and an open threshold greet outsiders before compressing to a human-sized entrance. Once crossing this threshold, however, it opens once more to the large internal hallways. Upon entering, there is a large auditorium, whose materials and designs are selected to provide an enjoyable acoustic experience. Above there is a balcony, and the whole auditorium is adorned with intricate woodworking to provide not only an enjoyable listening experience but also and enjoyable viewing experience. The same grandeur that was present outside and in the auditorium extends through the hallways and stairways, as the nearly symmetrical building is sure to impress all who enter.
The Institute for Genomic Biology is faced will an issue similar to that of UGL, in that its proximity to the morrow plots prevents it from rising too high above the ground. Because of this, it retreats into the earth, with only administrative services and an entrance above ground. The stairs leading to the underground facility give the illusion of a light, "futuristic" framework, as the risers are semi-transparent and the steps themselves bear a metallic sheen. They lead to a large lobby, fully equipped with a coffee shop and ample seating. It is from here that long hallways form a network for the various offices and labs, as they conduct their research on genes, and biology, and genomic biology.
All in all, I give this tour two thumbs up, especially with the Tower of Babel idea regarding the foreign language building. It was quite interesting to see how the organization of space can impart meaning onto those who use the space.
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