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Originally Posted by PGHFan
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Hm. Having spent 5 years on the campus as an architecture major, I admittedly have my own mixed feelings about the actual "aesthetics" of the campus, and all are entitled to their opinions. But I will take a shot nonetheless...
1. The first 'article' is severely misinformed and uneducated, and not worthy of any further response.
2. The second makes a somewhat valid point about the 'overbearing' nature of individual buildings on the campus, though I'm not sure where the information about a "lack of extracurricular activities" is coming from, and how that would dictate unsuccessful architecture, if it were true (the school currently has over 250+ extracurricular student organizations). The first photo, of Margaret Morrison Hall, is a beautiful example of detailed Beaux-Arts architecture by Hornbostel. Having essentially lived in the studios of this building for three years I can probably list more faults than positives (most of which are due to countless renovations/alterations over the buildings 100+ year history), but it is by no means an ugly building. Aesthetics of the Gates Center aside (image 2), it establishes some useful campus connections and breathed fresh life into the urban environment of the campus. It has a lot of poorly planned interiors and excessively expensive furniture, but I think time will prove it successful and lasting. I will concede that there's not too much to praise about the third image of the Robotics Hall addition to Hammerschlag; it essentially marks the 'rear end' of the campus and is the most unflattering view of the campus, marring the singular power of Hammerschlag. It is far nicer on the inside than the outside.
As far as the third article, if anything, the University Center is the 'ugliest' building on the entire campus. This, mainly because it is trying to mimic past style executed by Hornbostel, and doing so unsuccessfully. If it weren't for it's program as the focal point of student activities, it would be a dull and vapid monstrosity. No one can deny the brutality of Wean Hall but it is an impressive tectonic expression and endearing nonetheless.
The single most successful thing about CMU from an architectural, urban planning, and design standpoint is how the modern campus responds both to Hornbostel's original masterplan intentions and the challenges of creating an open yet connected campus within a tight area with many physical site challenges. Look at the designs for the new Nano Center under construction, which is being constructed essentially in air space over a completely 'unconstructable area', as well as underground. It is this creative application of seeing opportunity where others don't that largely reflects the schools collaborative philosophy, whether conscious or not.
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