As I spent time in Virginia this summer, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to walk the halls of history and visit the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. You might say this is a long time in coming because, as a former student of architecture, I spent a lot of time analyzing Thomas Jefferson's layout and design of his
Academic Village. At the heart of Jefferson's concept, remains the focal point Rotunda (originally containing school rooms and library), with ten Pavilions (housing students/faculty and dining facilities) extended from the Rotunda thus creating a central open area known as
The Lawn.
Admittedly, it seemed surreal to walk among these buildings and on
The Lawn after studying about them so many years ago! I was definitely in my element as one who loves history and any chance to witness it. Even though it was one of the hottest days of the year -- with a heat index of around 105F (40C) -- I didn't short-cut my visit to this campus or any of the buildings central to Jefferson's design.
Unfortunately the Rotunda suffered major damage in a 1895 fire that left only the brick shell. Fortunately for us, though, the Architecture department at UVA organized efforts to rebuild the Rotunda to its original design; the building we see today is, in essence, as it was when it was built. One liberty the administrators took in the rebuild was adding modern-day air conditioning which I certainly didn't mind! The renovation efforts were well-received because in 1987, Jefferson's
Academic Village was named a World Heritage site which puts it in good company with the
Taj Mahal, Versailles and the
Great Wall of China!
During our tour of the Rotunda, we witnessed some pieces from Jefferson's day including his statue sculpted by Alexander Galt. The story goes that students "rolled and dragged the statue out of the burning building on mattresses" in the late 19th century fire.
There are so many features I could mention but I will limit my comments to highlight the oval shaped rooms that create the hour-glass entrance halls, the Argand lamps (chandeliers) brought back from Paris that were more economical than candles, architectural elements from four ancient orders (Tuscan, Doric, Ionic and Corinthian) and, of course, the top floor Dome Room containing library shelves behind paired columns with an oculus skylight that continues to light the space.
Apparently Jefferson enjoyed overlooking the
The Lawn from the top-floor Dome Room. From here he could see his community of scholars involved in what he hoped were lifelong pursuits of learning and quests for knowledge.
The rest of the campus isn't too shabby either =) Keeping with Jefferson's design elements, the University of Virginia makes for one of the most beautiful campuses in America today.
