Enjoying and showing appreciation for school architecture is just another way to show pride. On that note, VALLEY wants to showcase some amazing PSU architecture from the UP campus.
What Surrounds Us
The architecture of a college campus can greatly shape the feel of the place, and Penn State, University Park is no different. Many of us have our favorite buildings or landscapes on this campus. Buildings and landscapes can remind us of why we love this school and what makes this place unique and special. Some buildings and spaces are iconic while others display sheer beauty and engineering feat. Many define our daily lives by giving scenery and background to our unique and individual paths at Penn State.
The Pattee Mall
The path leading up to PSU’s Pattee and Paterno library is grand with impressive buildings that line rectangle lawns and elm trees. Many of the buildings of this mall reflect a style of classical revival or neoclassical architecture which draws inspiration from Ancient Greece. More specifically, the following buildings are Beaux-Arts-inspired buildings.
Schwab Auditorium
Found on the right side of the Pattee Mall is the Schwab Auditorium. This building reflects strength and elegance with simple, geometric, crown molding and long symmetrical archways that surround the building. The archways of the front entrance are filled with large black doors and black tinted windows along with thin, detailed designs and delicate balconies. Not visible from the ground, the building has a hip roof likely for the auditorium’s acoustic purpose.
Carnegie Building
The Carnegie Building which is home to Bellasario’s College of Communications also reflects the color scheme and style of the Schwab Auditorium. Diagonal from Schwab, it has more detailed and intricate crown molding and displays wide pillars inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture.
West Halls
Of all the on-campus dorm housing, West Halls arguably gives the greatest feel of an older and more romantic college atmosphere with its gorgeous courtyard enclosed by buildings of Neo-Georgian style characterized partially by gable roofs and red bricks or stone (red brick in this case).
The Cottages
You may pass at least one of the four adorable cottages found on UP’s campus in your daily schedule. These cottages are a blast into Penn State’s past as they were once homes for Penn State faculty who received them as part of their compensation. Most were built originally in the 1880’s-90’s when many more existed. Today, they serve modern purposes for the school but are cherishable historical ties.
Stuckman Building
The Stuckman building is home to the College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture and therefore seems fitting to be distinct in its appearance. This building can be seen from afar with its green tint color from the oxidation of its recycled copper cladding. The material was chosen for its recyclability, local availability, minimal maintenance costs and durability. Moreover, this building seamlessly hosts many glass windows.
Italian Renaissance Revival
Close to the North of campus in an area called the Ag Hill Complex, you may have passed or had a class in either the Weaver or Armbsy buildings. These buildings stand out from their neighbors radiating warmth with their reddish color brick matched with their arcades and Mediterranean-style red tile roofs.
Millenium Science Complex
This building cannot be missed. The L-shaped Millenium Science Complex is a research facility for many of the university’s premier research organizations, and its architecture exudes innovation and advancement. Arguably, the most fascinating feature is the cantilever or projection over the public plaza. With a cut-out in its center, light streams in and over the plaza’s garden in a mesmerizing way.
There are so many architectural beauties on this campus! Which do you love? Tweet us about it on X @VALLEYmag.
