The Architecture of the University of Virginia

20150319_083145_1

The Architecture of the University of Virginia is incredible and getting a tour of it led by Edward Lay is even better. Each year for the past 3 years, I have organized a tour for Department of Energy employees to show them building developed with sustainability in mind. Thomas Jefferson did just that with the Academical Village. He believed that an architect should design for their seventh generation, a concept he found in the Iroquois Constitution.

20150319_083103

Almost 200 years ago, Jefferson created his vision for the Academical Village. The Rotunda, inspired by the Pantheon in Rome was originally finished in 1826. In 1853 an addition was built on the rear of the building and in 1895 it burnt due to an electrical fire. It was rebuilt and modified by Stanford White in 1899.

20150319_082725_1

Now the building stands in a sea of scaffolding as it is once again being repaired and restored.

As we walked the lawn, we noticed George Washington has an energy drink – must have been a long night.

20150319_082822_1

Stanford White also designed Cabell Hall, Cocke hall, and Rouss Hall that are at the opposite end of the Lawn from the Rotunda. It was Jefferson’s vision to leave the end of the lawn open – symbolizing the idea that one is never finished learning. The open view was unfortunately closed in with these new buildings at the direction of the Board of Directors.

20150319_082540_1

The UVA Chapel, in a Gothic Style, was built on grounds in 1890. It was designed by Charles Cassell. While many universities of the time had the religious building as the main focus of the campus, Jefferson believed that the Library (Rotunda) should be the heart of the University.

20150319_083320_120150319_112051_1

Author and Professor Emeritus Edward Lay led a wonderful tour. He shared many stories, ideas, and of course historical facts.

20150319_100310_1

Pavilion X has been restored to include the attic parapet and flat roof  as Jefferson originally designed it. It also no longer has the glossy white paint taking on a more sand tone closer to what would have been done originally. This is the first in a series of future renovations to bring the Lawn back to the original design – of course – pending board of visitors approval.

20150319_101434_1

Jefferson created the Academical Village to include student rooms between faculty housing. In the lower level of the faculty housing was the classroom, the upper level the living quarters. Each Pavilion (faculty house / classroom) has a distinct architectural manifestation as Jefferson believed that all students should understand great architecture.

20150319_101438_1

Professor Lay had lots of stories about materials used, architectural precedents, and life on the Lawn. His stories about duels, shootings, beatings, and parties on the lawn are beyond entertaining. Life on the lawn today moves at a much simpler pace.

20150319_102110_1

We also got the rare treat of visiting the balcony of the Colonnade Club. This second level space on the lawn is considered to be private for the faculty.

20150319_104430_120150319_082917_1

What appears to be perfect symmetry along the lawn, is actually perfect asymmetry with no two things exactly matching. The column spacing changes, bricks change, pavilions are all different, capitals all different, and even space between pavilions change along the lawn. Jefferson did this to take an irregular terrain to make it look regular and very formal. He wanted to expose those in Virginia to high design and to do this, needed to use some illusion to achieve the right formality.

20150319_104623_1

Inside the Colonnade Club we were given a glimpse of what is original and what was added as times changed.

20150319_104757

Range rooms on the outside of the Academical Village were also used to house students.  Here we visited Edgar Allen Poe’s Room.

20150319_105430_1

In front of the library there is a display of the Berlin Wall. Two sides of the same wall show the stark contrast that existed in the two Berlins in this display.

20150319_110401_1 20150319_111727

We even had a chance to meet a celebrity while waiting on our bus. What a wonderful day of architectural delights.

20150319_142858_1

 

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Related Posts

Now hiring: Office Manager / Bookkeeper

Now hiring: Office Manager / Bookkeeper

Now hiring: Office Manager / Bookkeeper Gaines Group Architects is growing again. We believe strongly in being in ...
Variety is the Spice of Life

Variety is the Spice of Life

The variety of architectural projects we have the opportunity to work on is fairly amazing. The types, locations, ...
Seeking Community-Oriented Architectural Designer

Seeking Community-Oriented Architectural Designer

Now Hiring: Architectural Designer Location: In-Person, Harrisonburg and Charlottesville   About the ...
Check Out These Renovations in Charlottesville and Wintergreen

Check Out These Renovations in Charlottesville and Wintergreen

Two exciting renovations are underway in Charlottesville and Wintergreen! Check out the in-progress photos ...
10 Things To Do Around Your Home This Fall

10 Things To Do Around Your Home This Fall

The beautiful Virginia leaves are changing to oranges and yellows, and fall is upon us. As we slip into cozy, ...

Discover more from The Gaines Group Architects

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading