Architectural (Dis)Order: Penn's Campus
Penn’s campus provides us with the best of both worlds: old yet new, historic yet modern, elegant yet hip. But is it really possible to wear a gown with biker boots? A vest with ripped jeans? A tie with sunglasses and a beanie? Sure! It is this contrast between the traditional and the up–and–coming that transforms campus into a world of its own—castles (and Castle) share ground with glass buildings in a unique blend that, much like Penn’s students, demonstrates our diversity. But how much difference in aesthetic appeal can we handle? Is Penn’s campus schizophrenic? College Hall is a grand structure that seems to command respect. The serpentine stones of green neighbor courses of white and brownstone, creating a pallet that is earthy and classy. The design is of the more conventional “Geometric Gothic” tracery, a key indicator of design before and after the Civil War. The building stands in such a way that it respects the paths combining Locust Walk and Woodland Avenue by blending naturally with the rest of the campus scenery.