Colleges and Universities as Historic Institutions: a Study of the Historical Context of Campus Architecture: Founders Hall, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.

N

30

Architectural Character; Building Design; Campuses; College Buildings; College Role; Educational Facilities; Educational Facilities Design; Educational History; Facility Improvement; Higher Education; Historic Sites; History; Local History; State Universities; Urban Universities

A study of Founders Hall at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) explores the history of that building and its symbolic role for the campus and the institution. The building was originally a residence built in the late 19th century and was later the location of the Richmond School of Social Work and Public Policy and of the Richmond Professional Institute. Founders Hall was designed in a French Second Empire architectural style and is in good condition for its age. An addition to the rear was not integrated in style or materials with the original building. The building is currently used for student contact services. A major interior renovation took place in the 1980s. Institutional materials on which much of the study was based had the limitation of "official sanction" which may have tended to cast the best historical light on events. Other institutional studies focused narrowly on repair and renovation or space analysis. Founders Hall appears to support VCU's image of itself as a venerable, prestigious institution and, in a city concerned with its historical appearance, as a preserver of historic buildings. (Contains 15 references.) (JB)

1995

ED377801