Spaces in Between Places

I have often heard, and have myself often repeated, that what makes a campus truly wonderful are the spaces that develop (planned or otherwise) between buildings.

Sure, the buildings are an important expression of the campus’ mission and values. But a great deal of student life happens between buildings, formal events planned by student groups, impromptu games of touch football or study sessions held outdoors.  Arguably, the environments these places foster are just as important to defining a place and the contextual architecture that surrounds them.

I’ve spent a good portion of my life at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - first as a student and later as an employee in the design and construction field.  Let me to tell you my favorite space on campus and why it’s wonderful to me.

There is a space in between Noyes Lab and the Chemistry Annex that is called Centennial Plaza.  Nicely scaled, it welcomes students and campus visitors to stop for a while and experience life at the University.

Are these inviting spaces between buildings products of the master planning process?  Or do they owe themselves more to the building design process?  Are they merely products of well proportioned space, or do they have other origins?  What might those be? Let me know what you think.

Tags: Campus Spaces, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Campus Spaces; Campus Design; Noyes Lab; Chemistry Annex; Centennial Plaza at UIUC

1 Comment to Spaces in Between Places

1. 

   I think the landscape planning has a lot to do with it. Check out Michigan State’s campus. The green spaces were planned by Olmstead Jr., and they add most of the campus feel.

   It’s kind of like music, sometimes the silence can be just as important as the sound.
Eric Fazzini on February 26th, 2010

Leave a comment