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.