Main Library/FLB/Smith Hall/Institute for Genomic Biology

April 7th, 2015

Today we toured several different buildings around the main quad. These buildings included the Main Library, Foreign Language Building, Smith Hall, and the Institute for Genomic Biology. We started at the Main Library where it was evident how architects use spaces to convey all sorts of meaning. Having it been my first time entering and walking through the stacks of the library, I was immediately in awe of the size and planning that was involved while designing the building. When entering the main stacks, there is a feeling of space decreasing and crunching down upon you. Because the space is very limited and dark, it's kind of a creepy yet enchanting experience (and also the moving shelves remind me of Hogwarts). As one of the largest university libraries in the United States, it's clear that there are rightful bragging rights.

Next we entered the Foreign Language Building. The purpose of this building is to foster and create a space where the numerous amount of foreign languages offered can have their own resources and classrooms. Although many believe that the building's design is just plain weird and not cohesive with the rest of the main quad, the design actually tells a great story and allows its occupants to personally experience it. Professor Hinders proposed that the design was based off an inverted Tower of Babel, where the building opens up to the skies and heavens as it ascends higher. This theory was justified by the amount of open space and natural lighting from the upper floors.

Next on our list was Smith Memorial Hall. Being a building for hosting musical performances and classes, its design accommodated for mimicking the effects of a grand auditorium. One has to enter through a grand threshold entrance (consisting of tall pillars, an ascending staircase, and three set of doors) and it opens to large internal hallways. The large auditorium is adorned with intricate woodworking and beautiful interior designs lining the walls and stage. 

Lastly, we visited the Institute for Genomic Biology. Facing the same problem of UGL, and not being able to have a design with a tall height because of the Morrow Plots, the Institute instead builds down into the ground. I personally really enjoy the design of this building for it creates a modern vibe through its materials and architecture. For example, the stairs are made of glass and are held by a metal framework and the materials are all modern and eco-friendly.

Construction Site

April 2nd, 2015

Today we were given a tour of the construction site for University of Illinois' newest building addition, the Center for Wounded Veterans. This project has a couple of months to go before it is ready to be open to the public, so it was a great learning experience to see the building during its construction process. Being a building of the College of Applied Health Sciences, we had the opportunity to talk to one of the head developers and overseers of the project.

Although, this tour focused on the actual construction and building of an architect's design, it is important to realize that an architect also has the responsibility to oversee their design and assure that all the constructors are following the specific plans. This center is meant to become a rehabilitation center for University of Illinois' Veterans of wars with or without disabilities. Because this building will have to house and provide services for handicapped veterans, its design needed to accommodate all those additional regulations. 

The building's structure was basically in tact and built, and the framework was already complete. We were able to see the electrical and plumbing systems being set up, as well as the elevators and the plans for the large kitchen area. After choosing this Nevada Street location after being given 10 different options, the developers and architects truly understand and have accommodated successfully to whom the building will serve.

Mount Hope Cemetery

March 31st, 2015

Today's tour was a bit different from the buildings that we have looking at these past couple of months, for we weren't actually touring a building but instead a plot of land dedicated to the dead- the Mount Hope Cemetery. Because death and cemeteries aren't usually talked about, this experience was a new one for me. We started our tour at the Mausoleum where we saw where the wealthier families were buried and their urns were placed. From observing all of these family names, we were able to picture the rich history that Champaign-Urbana has to offer. As we moved through the Cemetery, we were able to see numerous grave stones and the system that they were separated by- whether it be by religion, ethnicity, or social status. Even the material of the gravestones served as another sign of social status or the time of their death. 

In addition to headstones denoting Catholics, Jews, and other religious burials/gravestones, there was a private area lot dedicated to veterans of the United States Military. On each of their headstones there were notes of where they served and any honors that they were granted. In contrast to the rest of the cemetery, these headstones had the feature where they were flush with the ground and easily blended in with the ground. 

The rest of the cemetery belonged to the wealthy prominent family names of Champaign-Urbana. Their headstones were much larger and some even had their own sectioned-off area with areas to sit. For example, the Atkins family headstones were very large and made of the finest materials. There were a section marked off by smaller stones and there was a large stone monument (a design similar to the Washington Monument) that was dedicated to the family name. This became a clear indication of the family's importance to the community and university. 

Campus town/Green Street

March 17th, 2015

This week, we had the opportunity to expand our knowledge about an area we typically walk on; Green Street and Campus town. The bustling, commercial street that we as students walk everyday was once a underdeveloped land of single-family homes. This very street has certainly grown into the most popular and well-known street in campus town. Starting off as an area somewhat destroyed by overflow and flooding of the Boneyard Creek, it quickly built a new retention system and fixed its planning issues within the community. 

Once bars and apartments started being built on Green, the houses were strategically covered up, therefore leaving the original structures standing. In addition, high-rise apartment complexes and popular restaurants brought a new crowd of students and spectators. Although students complained that Green Street's urban appeal and feel decreased when walking westward, this problem was fixed by new regulations and modifications for the storefronts and sidewalks. 

Because of the booming popularity from restaurants, bars, and newly constructed apartment complexes Green Street and Campus town made a complete transformation from its original layout. By adapting to its changing environment and the college student life, Green Street and Campus town represent the ever-changing nature of urban planning and architecture. 

Downtown Champaign

March 10, 2015

Founded in 1855 and originally known as "West Urbana", Champaign eventually flourished and became its own individual city. Champaign started its roots with the Illinois Central Railroad and the railroad station. It has become the central hub of the city community and the rest of the roads extend from the station. A building that also serves as a central hub is the Champaign City Building or the city hall building. This building sits upon the continental grid that once separated the land into parcels meant to be sold. 

Around the 1980s city officials decided to close vehicular traffic on Neil Street to try and create a pedestrian mall, but once business drastically declined Neil Street opened once again. Another factor that led to the growth of downtown Champaign was the "north Prospect" shopping district and the opening of bars in the community. 

We ended our tour at the West Side Park. Originally meant to house the courthouse and other public buildings, it now serves as a wide open space for the community and its gatherings. 

Business Instructional Facility

March 3rd, 2015

I recently stepped into the Business Instructional Facility for the first time. Because I walk past the building everyday on my way to class, I have always admired the appealing exterior modern design. It is a building that stands out from its surroundings and is rightfully one of the most impressive buildings on campus. Designed by architect Cesar Pelli, BIF is one of fifteen buildings on campus that was awarded the highest rating of platinum on the U.S. Green Building Council LEED Certification exam. BIF's energy-efficiency and environmentally-friendly design allows the building to serve as an aspiration for future UIUC's buildings. 

Although there are several unnecessary designs included just to achieve a higher level of points, some of BIF's design features reflect modern architecture and its sustainable outlook for the future. For example, the main lobby welcomes an abundance of natural light through the massive wall windows thus decreasing the need for artificial electrical lighting. Because more windows means more heat, the large overhang of the roof is necessary to shade and try to eliminate the overheating of the atrium floor. In addition to the overhang, BIF has a high performance insulation running through the entirety of the walls and windows in order to cool the building when necessary. 

Another green and environmentally-friendly design component is the roof. We had the opportunity to look at the roof gardens on the side edges of the building roof. Apparently these plants reduce rain run-off and the impact of heat on the HVAC of the building. These plants were also specifically chosen for their regional use and ability to thrive without continuous irrigation and care. 

In the end, although the Business Instructional Facility is considered a platinum rank for LEED certification, there are several factors of the design that are considered to be useless or unnecessary. Regardless, BIF is a great example of a modern architecture that greatly considers sustainability and timeless design. It will continue to serve as a prime example of what future buildings should be designed in the upcoming years. 

Armory, Huff, and the Football Practice Facility

February 17th, 2015

Today we focused on observing structural systems within the Armory, Huff hall, and the Football Practice Facility. In these buildings we were able to view the steel trusses and girders that essentially hold up the entirety of the structures' ceilings. Not only do these basic elements provide necessary structural support, but they also provide additional aesthetic to the interior of these buildings.

We started our tour in Huff Hall and had the opportunity of entering the main gym. To accommodate the immensity of the gym itself, its trusses and beams met at their highest point in the middle of the gym, thus giving the roof an arching effect. Similarly, the Armory also had an arching effect in its roof. Because the Armory itself is much larger than Huff and the Football Practice Facility, its roof structural system included a large set of pins connecting the two extending sides. 

In the Irwin Football Practice Facility, the structural roof system is a little bit different than Huff and Armory. Being under a constraint of not having the building appear as a wall between the art and law buildings on campus, the architect had to create a severely sloped roof to allow for a shorter roof height. 

Through observing the interior of all three of these buildings, we are able to understand the purpose of the roof plans. The structural systems consisting of trusses, girders, beams, and joists all offer support and aesthetic for these buildings.

Career XPO

March 5, 2015

Today we had the opportunity to attend the architecture Career XPO at the Ihotel. At the XPO, we were to interview at least one architectural firm. The firm that I chose to interview was PGAV Destinations. Their stand immediately caught my attention for its bold orange color and its exciting pictures of zoos and roller-coasters. Obviously, this firm is not your typical architectural firm.

I had the chance to speak with two of PGAV's representatives' Emily and Ashley. PGAV Destinations is located in St. Louis, Missouri and consists of 70-100 employees specializing in a variety of jobs. Their mission is to create remarkable places for people, or in Emily and Ashley's terms, "No ugly shit". In their firm there are a variety of occupations such as individuals specializing in architecture, exhibit design, landscape design, environmental graphics, sculpture, industrial design, urban planning, and a multitude of other backgrounds. Because they are an ideas-based practice, PGAV Destinations works on all sorts of projects like roller coasters, zoos, aquariums, museums, space shuttle homes, and much more. This aspect of the firm really stood out to me because they are given the opportunities to have crazy, fun, and unique experiences while working. Their most recent project was a village hotel for the Biltmore Estate and other designs for the Grand Canyon. According to Emily and Ashley, when interviewing for potential employees they are most concerned with finding individuals who are comfortable with thinking out of the box, are well-rounded, outgoing, and adventurous. They also look for interviewees with internship experience and a creditable education.

Emily and Ashley both love their jobs because they aren't restricted creatively and get to experience the impact of their work in first person. Emily became interested in this career field at a young age, from when she started playing around with legos. This became a quick indicator of her creative design skills and passion for architecture. Ashley's father was a contractor, so design has always been an influence in her life. Interviewing this firm was very interesting and informative. PGAV Destinations seems to be a unique and great firm to work for.

Erlanger House

February 24th, 2015

Today we had the opportunity to tour the Erlanger House located right off of campus in Urbana. This unique house was designed by architect James Baker for a university dance instructor/professor, Margaret Erlanger. Immediately when approaching the house from the neighborhood sidewalk, you are puzzled by the all brick exterior facade of the house. It is irregular compared to its surroundings, for it has a modern, simplistic, and closed off design. There are no windows present on the exterior and conveys a blocked off atmosphere. In addition, the entrance is hidden and difficult to find. This design just serves as another component to the closed off ambiance. 

When entering the door, the visitor is greeted by an immense amount of light and open space. The entire house has an unadorned facade consisting of Chicago common brick, glass, steel, stone and wood. Emphasizing the simplicity of the house, Baker designed the house to only have a open living area, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a master bath. With such an open but small floorplan, the Erlanger house reaches a new level of simplicity. Another unique and modern component to the house is the amount of natural light. There are two expansive windows that showcase the closed courtyard and backyard. The brick of the house continues through the windows, therefore blurring the line between the outside and the inside of the house. The light that shines through these windows reaches the entirety of the house and serves as an advantage for minimal energy consumption. 

This house is designed to require minimal maintenance and energy consumption. This house is unique for its modern and simplistic design, especially compared to the surrounding historical houses. 

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

February 5th, 2015

Today we had the opportunity to take a tour at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Designed by Max Abramovitz, a University of Illinois alumna, the center has become the designated venue for the most spectacular performances presented at the university. Krannert Center is a complex including four main theatres; Foellinger great hall, Tryon festival theatre, Colwell playhouse, and the Studio theatre. Each performance facility has its own specific purposes and architectural components that complement the space. This center is named after millionaire industrialist and alumna Herman C. Krannert and his wife Ellnora, for they were the original donors to the creation of the center. After developing flexible cardboard, Krannert became a millionaire and soon became a donor to several different facilities in the country. 

In the Krannert Center lobby there are several architectural designs that are unique. The lobby extends about the length of 6 (?) tennis courts and its floors display a tile that is entirely unique. It is made of teak from Thailand and resembles the landscape of the midwest from a bird's eye view. 

Along with the distinctive wood tile, Krannert's touch was also found in the ceilings and walls near the theatres. The wall is lined with a texture mimicking the look of the flexible/foldable cardboard, therefore paying homage to Krannert and his invention.

 We moved onto the biggest auditorium in the space, Foellinger Great Hall. It has a nice lobby space that utilizes natural light and serves as a entrance into the theatre. I think that this natural light truly adds to the appeal and ambiance of this grand entrance. The Great Hall is well known for its acoustic ability and purposeful architectural designs. For example, there are no right angles or parallel surfaces in the entire auditorium which in turn allows the sound vibrations to reflect back to the audience. In addition, the design of Foellinger Great Hall is perfectly symmetrical (they even added a fake door to stay true to the symmetry). 

Overall I think that this tour was very valuable because it is an amazing and unique facility that our university is proud to showcase. All of the auditoriums and amphitheaters serve a specific genre of the arts and exhibit considerate designs pertaining to the purpose of the space. 

Abbott Power Plant Tour

January 29th, 2015

Today we had the opportunity to attend a tour at Abbott Power Plant in Champaign. Even with its two towering pipes in the air, I somehow never noticed the plant on campus. Because it is located on the edge of campus, it doesn't typically draw the attention of students except for the occasional smoke coming from the pipes. The University has operated this co-generation plant since 1941 and contrary to popular belief the plant provides 75% of the electrical energy used on campus.

We began the tour with the knowledge that the plant converts coal, natural gas, and potable water into energy directly consumed on campus. These raw materials come to the plant and become filtered/converted into usable energy. This plant is considered both energy efficient and cost-effective because of its combined heating, cooling and power production cycle. Even though the black emissions and smoke appear to be harmful pollutants to the air on campus, the emissions actually pose little health risks. In one of the pipes it is smoke from the burning coal, but coming from the other pipe is only harmless steam. 

Taking this tour was very interesting and informative. We were able to look at the engines and boilers up close and see how they work in action. There are so many different components at work at all times, and seeing them in this work environment was fascinating. This plant loads more efficiently and conserves energy by consuming fewer natural resources. Now that I know that Abbott Power Plant is responsible for so much of the electrical energy, I have learned to appreciate the buildings around us even when they aren't continuously praised or noticed.  

Main Quad / Engineering Quad

January 27th, 2015

Today was my first day of ARCH 199 KH. We started off our tour at the steps and lobby of the well-known Foellinger Auditorium. I had previously done a project on the auditorium, so I was well aware that this auditorium served as a central point of University of Illinois’ campus. Located on one end of the main quadrangle, it certainly makes a statement in uniting all the different studies and their designated buildings. 

Professor Hinders then further explained that this campus, more specifically the main quad, lies on an axis that runs through the majority of campus. We were able to walk along the main quad and we then observed how the buildings lead the line of sight to significant buildings like Krannert Center. 

Also in the Quad we were able to see buildings that are awaiting additions and updates such as the Henry Administration building. Professor Hinders also explained to us the significance of the bush hedges that complete each of the buildings and allow for a completed thorough look. Each of these buildings are designed to represent their time and era of architecture, and because of this, the architect has the creative freedom to develop a specific design to reflect modern society. For example, the Foreign Language Building looks a bit out of place next to the older and buildings surrounding it. This is because the architect incorporated modern inspirations into the design. 

After passing the Union at the other end of the main quad, we were interrupted by a change of axis. The engineering quad felt like it was shifted over and not in line with the main quad nor the Union. The quad had to incorporate a pedestrian-friendly bridge to accommodate the river flowing through the campus.

Whilst walking through the engineering quad, we passed by a series of buildings that led up to the Beckman Institute building. Because I rarely walk through the engineering quad, I was unfamiliar with most if not all of the buildings. In addition, Professor Hinders’ opinion on the Beckman Institute struck me and truly allowed for me to think of the building and its poor design. By essentially building a wall blocking the entrance towards the outside of the campus, it shuts out the outside community. This doesn't portray a welcoming message or image for the University itself. I enjoyed this tour through the main quad and engineering quad, for now I have a different perspective and appreciation for the paths that I walk everyday.