Whitworth’s campus has undergone significant architectural changes as the university has grown, evolving from a small college to a growing university. Whitworth’s growth has taken almost a century, through America’s tumultuous times, and through its crowning moments.
The sensibilities of the day and the ideals of each era has left its touch on Whitworth’s campus, most notably in the architectural styles of campus buildings. From McMillan Hall’s ode to tradition, to East Hall’s testament to modernity, each hall is a reflection of the values of its day.
Whitworth’s nascent beginnings as a fledgling college in Spokane can be seen in the first buildings built: McMillan and Ballard Hall. Although Ballard was reconstructed in 1927 it was destroyed by a fire that gutted the entire building. McMillan was not originally built to be a dormitory. But both buildings are traditionally modeled, in a way imitating other already established colleges and universities in the nation. During the early 20th century, buildings followed classical norms, lending them an aura of imposing grandeur. In some ways, this can be interpreted as a way to legitimize the school during its critical first years.
The next crop of dormitories was not built until the fifties. Warren Hall was built in 1952. An additional section was added in 1963, enlarging the building by four floors, including the basement. Arend Hall was next, constructed in 1957. Post World War II sentiment nurtured solidarity around the country. Both Warren and Arend’s layouts exhibit the amount of attention paid to community building, mirroring the sense of civic pride fostered by the fifties. Large lounges and study areas promote interaction among its residents.
However, Warren's appearance clings to traditional motifs while Arend attempted to modernize. Arend’s clean lines and glass lounge area in the front stand counterpoint to Warren’s decorative facade details and floral motifs which trace their roots to European Cathedrals. Warren's bizarre battlement-esque ledge above its main entrance also evokes a castle- or fort-like feel.
The sixties and seventies ushered in a new era of social change and a return to rustic norms. Stewart Hall, constructed in 1963, was built with a unique suite design to help foster relationships between its residents and allow a "united and intentional living community among its residents."
Steve Thompson, director of capital projects, says that the Whitworth concept is incorporate larger lounge space in which all of the students can gather together.
Gone are the decorative elements seen on other buildings. Stewart's use of cinder blocks evinces wartime realities imposed by the Vietnam War and the need to economize. The same austerity is seen in the freshmen dormitory, Baldwin-Jenkins Hall, constructed in 1968. At the same time, BJ's exposed supports and red brick facade reflects Pacific Northwest architectural sensibilities. Its earthy tones and use of materials that evoke a sense of rusticity and open space are typical of buildings in the region.
Despite the ongoing Vietnam War, the 1974 World Fair was elected to take place in Spokane. The Village was erected in 1972 next to BJ to accommodate visitors going to the World Fair. Today, what is left of the village attests to its original purpose. The rooms were designed as singles to house individual visitors. Its minimalist design as well as its bungalow-like feel is all remnants of the era.
The advent of the new millennium brought with it a rash of building projects. Boppell Hall, built in 2001, integrates the new decade's idealism on individualism, and manifests this ideal in the building's design.
“Boppell and Duvall were designed as suite style buildings to provide housing options for students and still allow for community building space,” Thompson said.
The rooms are grouped together into small apartment-like clusters. This is intended to allow residents to begin to experience life on their own in apartments. These suites mimic apartment housing and teach their inhabitants how to be self sufficient.
Duvall Hall, built in 2006, also borrows from Boppell's apartment philosophy. Its pod design integrates private and public spaces, maintaining community while promoting individual identity. Duvall's large windows that look out toward the Hixson Union Building give the building a modern feel. Similarly, East Hall boasts large plate glass windows that let in light and lend the building an airy feel. East's design tries to open up space between all the floors, providing spacious lounge areas for its residences.
It is also important to note that many of the buildings are influenced by building codes.
"Significant changes have been for requiring fresh air in all buildings, as well as fire sprinklers," Thompson said. "This tends to make the buildings taller, as more room is needed between floors for these utilities.”
Location and topography also play important roles.
The evolution of the school as well as the changes in attitudes through the decades in the architectural styles of buildings on campus is apparent in their design.
Despite their differences, the dormitories, like the student body, are all united in their similarities. Tied together by the distinctive red bricks that have come to define the university's look and ethos, these buildings are small glimpses into Whitworthian life, past and present.
Iris Wu can be contacted at iris.wu@whitworthian.com.
Be the first to comment on this article!