One of the reasons that I love our university's campus is because there is such a variety of architectural styles represented on it. As the student population has grown over the years so has our campus. While all of the buildings aren't uniform in style, material, or color, the variety is beautiful -- in a sense it reflects the history of the university's growth and maturation.
The student union building is a great example of classic modern architecture on campus. It was built in 1953 -- everything about its style and construction, from its overall design to its fixtures, reflect the era of its birth. These days, as in the past, the union building is a hub for student activity with a large cafeteria, office spaces for various organizations, meeting rooms, and even a ballroom.
Changes are always occurring on campus -- new buildings being constructed, old and decrepit ones torn down or renovated. These changes are signs of growth and improvement, which is exciting but can also carry a mournful tone. You see, there is a new union building presently under construction. In fact, it is nearly finished and is set to open this Fall. Certainly it is a sign of growth -- the students need additional space and state-of-the-art facilities, more than our current union building can offer them.
But, with the progress comes a hint of melancholy. The future of this modern jewel looks grim. It is set to temporarily house the university's administration offices for a few years while a much older, historic university building gets a complete renovation. But after that...? The professor and I hope that this building, that so perfectly reflects the 1950's, won't be torn down. I fear our hope is not enough.
We can hardly count ourselves as preservationists, but if the professor and I could finagle an audience with the board of trustees I think we could make a strong argument for repurposing the old union building into office, studio, and gallery space for one of the university's art or design-based curriculums.
Student union building, 1953
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