The Purdue Bell Tower: A Monument of Brick, Limestone, and Legacy
“One Brick Higher” “On January 19, 1894, Purdue University dedicated Heavilon Hall, an engineering laboratory with a tower that soared above the modest skyline of the fledgling campus. Four days later, the structure lay in ruins, destroyed by explosion and fire. Amid the shock and tears of the disaster, Purdue President James Smart issued a…
The Five Orders: Doors
Five Pillars of Architectural Vocabulary, Delivered Weekly on Sundays Welcome back to The Five Orders! This week, we’re covering five architectural terms related to doors. We’ll explore the functional, symbolic, and spatial roles of these elements through our vocabulary for the week. The terms are: threshold, jamb, portal, transom, and lintel. If you don’t know…
Neil Armstrong Hall: A Monument to Aerospace
The Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering at Purdue University is a striking fusion of architectural symbolism and cutting-edge engineering design. Standing as a monument to both Purdue’s legacy and the aspirations of humanity, the building’s modernist elements, including a cantilevered steel truss and expansive curtain walls, echo the ambition and vision of its namesake. With…
The Five Orders: Modernist Architectural Features
Five Pillars of Architectural Vocabulary, Delivered Weekly on Sundays Welcome back to The Five Orders! This week we are going to be covering 5 modernist architectural features. They are: pilotis, curtain wall, free plan, ribbon windows, and flat roof. If you don’t know one or more of these terms than keep reading. Make sure to…
WALC: The Heart of a Contemporary College
Discover the design and impact of Purdue University’s Wilmeth Active Learning Center (WALC), a $79 million contemporary academic hub that blends modern engineering with educational innovation. Explore its architecture, functionality, and cultural significance in the heart of campus.
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