Good Design at Bucknell — Quads and Open Spaces
The architectural landscape of Bucknell is full of surprises — a mix of pleasant aesthetics and inexplicable choices. One facet of this mash of design is the obvious emphasis on open spaces and symmetry across these spaces. Whether it’s the main quad, the science quad, or one of the other fifteen quads scattered around campus, they’re certainly some of the most visually and spiritually pleasing spaces to occupy when at Bucknell; a distinct shift from the largely suffocating interiors that you’d expect from the inside of academic buildings.
Malesardi Quadrangle
The first space that captures the quality design of Bucknell’s open areas is the Malesardi Quadrangle, the campus centerpiece. From the two views of the main quad depicted below, we should be able to recognize the aforementioned symmetry and emphasis on space. The lining trees, building facades, and paved pathways are all in accordance with each other, bringing a reminder of naturality to the most heavily tread area on campus. This naturality is brought not only through the greenery and forestry, but through the idea of symmetry itself; how often does a lack of symmetry pop up in nature? Through symmetry, our expectations for how this area should look are met, and we are comforted by this inherent correctness.
From the overhead view below, we develop a deeper grasp on the architectural design choices made to emphasize this space “in between.” Columns, chimneys, the number of windows — mostly everything — is in parallel here. This preservation of sameness pops up a few times across campus, and when it does, you should expect it to be quite nice.
Academic East/West Rear
Moving to a far lesser known quad on campus, we again see some of the same notes mentioned above. The idea of “betweenness” grants the user of this pathway both the feeling of comfort in their enclosure and freedom in their space, all while preserving the aesthetic principles that make some of Bucknell’s design choices seem ingenious. However, if I were to take this picture from 30 feet further back, a distinct breach of symmetry between academic buildings would occur — a purposeful, but puzzling design choice. The building on the left of this image maintains the parallel form that most buildings on campus highlight, while the building on the right diverts towards curvature and rounder edges. An “interesting ”divide from the style of nearly every other building on campus.
Science Quad
Another open space that receives a fair amount of use is the science quad. Between the ancient and modern libraries lies a quad that mimics the main quad in its greenery and functionality. Full of diverting pathways to cross from building to building, the great trees of this quad provide the user a feeling of comfort under the canopy. Of all spaces on campus, I’m probably most thankful for the existence of this one — without it, the buildings I spend most of my time in would likely be crammed together. The breath of fresh air that this space delivers can be grounding.
A couple other honorable mentions include the Rooke Science lawn and the lawn in front of the main quad (which, perhaps, is the most notable open space on campus).
In summary, the design of these spaces is truly what makes Bucknell a beautiful campus, as the design of the buildings themselves are often questionable. The core elements of liberality that open spaces entail brings life to Central Pennsylvania, and in turn, to the students.
