University Hall
With its commanding limestone columns and grand windows, University Hall, the venerable cornerstone of BGSU, emanates a sense of grandeur and formality. Its three-story, rectangular form, clad in warm beige brick, set the campuses’ architectural tone early on, with nearby Moseley Hall, Hanna Hall, Williams Hall and Shatzel Hall resembling its neoclassical style, known for high columns, majestic scale and simplicity of design.
Built in 1915, University Hall was the first academic building on campus. It has undergone eight substantial interior renovations since then, the most recent in 2017. University Hall serves as a majestic backdrop for significant University events, including Convocation and Commencement ceremonies. Attendees often marvel at its magnificence as they enjoy the sprawling, lush green quadrangle punctuated by perfectly manicured landscaping.
“As the architectural centerpiece of the campus, University Hall exudes a sense of tradition and belonging," said Kristi Peiffer ‘10, ‘20, associate director of campus construction. “It's a place where students can connect with the University's rich history and envision their own academic future."
Inside the century-old building, guests are greeted by a stately imperial marble staircase in the Michael E. Hoskins Grand Foyer that guides them to the second floor, adorned by more striking columns. The warm, inviting glow from the modern spherical chandeliers suspended above the entrance to University Hall creates the ideal ambiance for the thousands of admiring students and families who grace its historic halls before embarking on campus tours.
The dynamic facility is home to the BGSU Office of Admissions and several other high-impact programs, including pre-professional programs, the Center for Undergraduate Research and international programs and partnerships, among others. University Hall also boasts flexible and adaptable active learning environments in its six cutting-edge classrooms.
Alumni Gateway
Dedicated in 2022 during the 100th BGSU Homecoming, the Alumni Gateway is a contemporary reinterpretation of the original campus gateway, a symbol of the University’s history and tradition dating back to its founding in 1910. The gateway's design, characterized by its warm, beige brick subtly echoes the architectural language of University Hall, the campus's inaugural building. This deliberate connection establishes a visual continuity between the past and present.
The Alumni Gateway’s open and inviting configuration leads to the masterfully designed Schmeltz Family Fountain, which serves as the centerpiece of the plaza and features nine programmable LED lights that can be lit to match any occasion.
A meticulously landscaped oasis, the central plaza serves as a multi-functional space for studying, socializing and relaxing and is equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi access, electrical outlets and comfortable seating. The gateway's strategic placement seamlessly connects the University with the fabric of Bowling Green, a city renowned for its student-friendly environment. Construction of the gateway, which had been in the works since 2010, began in spring 2022 following the demolition of the Administration Building.
Maurer Center
The Maurer Center, a modern addition to the historic Hanna Hall that seamlessly blends elegant stonework and brick with expansive glass windows, honors the history of BGSU while exuding a contemporary, professional aesthetic. This sophisticated design, characterized by clean lines and a sense of openness, provides a fitting home for the nationally ranked Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business. The 50,000-square-foot building houses a series of high-concept, high-tech classrooms designed to foster collaboration and innovation. The centerpiece of the Maurer Center is a three-story open atrium featuring a mock Wall Street trading ticker that encourages interaction and entrepreneurial spirit among future business leaders.
“Taking classes in a modern, state-of-the-art building is invigorating,” said Kailee Ransom, a BGSU senior majoring in business administration specializing in marketing and entrepreneurship. “The level of thought put into the design, classrooms and collaboration spaces reflects the University’s commitment to maximizing our educational experience. The Maurer Center is a treasured space on campus. I spend a lot of time learning, studying and relaxing there.”
Hanna Hall, one of the University's original structures, is seamlessly integrated into the Maurer Center's design, preserving a piece of BGSU history while contributing to the building's architectural integrity. The extensive use of glass throughout the Maurer Center promotes interaction among faculty, students and staff. Abundant natural light fills the interior spaces, enhancing the building's overall sense of openness and modernity. The expansive third-floor terrace offers beautiful, 180-degree views of campus.
Wolfe Center for the Arts
An architectural marvel on campus, the Wolfe Center for the Arts is a daring departure from conventional academic buildings, commanding attention with its minimalistic aesthetic. The structure’s clean lines and uncluttered facade create a visually striking and timeless presence apt for the University’s epicenter of creativity and artistic expression. Designed by a world-renowned Norwegian architectural firm, the Wolfe Center shares a lineage with iconic structures such as the Library of Alexandria in Egypt and the 9/11 Memorial Museum in Manhattan.
“While the Wolfe Center is strikingly modern compared to the architecture of many of the buildings on the BGSU campus, its unique design reflects the creativity borne within its walls,” Peiffer said. “Our students and the community are fortunate to have this architectural marvel on our campus.”
The building's luminous facade, achieved through the skillful manipulation of light and reflective surfaces, creates a dynamic interplay with the surrounding landscape. The grandeur continues inside as the soaring two-story lobby is flooded with natural light from the spectacular glass curtain wall adorning the building’s entrance. A grand staircase offers a commanding presence, inviting visitors to the building’s upper levels. At the heart of the 98,000-square-foot arts complex is the Donnell Theatre, featuring a full stage house and orchestra pit designed to evoke the magnificence of Broadway stages. The Wolfe Center also houses an actor’s theater, choral music hall, classrooms, scene shop, costume shop, rehearsal rooms, digital production labs and music and dance studios.
Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design
Nestled within the heart of the University, the Geoffrey H. Radbill Center for College and Life Design is a testament to the power of design to transform the student experience. Its two-story glass entrance in McLeod Hall framed by brick walls offers a tantalizing glimpse of the innovative spaces awaiting on the second floor. Home to the University’s groundbreaking Life Design program, the Radbill Center’s inviting atmosphere, comfortable seating and ample lighting beckons students to explore and engage. The dramatic transformation of the space in McLeod Hall, formerly the Mathematical Sciences Building, symbolizes Life Design’s efforts to significantly alter the undergraduate student experience through dedicated support and design thinking skills.
“The Radbill Center was thoughtfully designed as a warm and welcoming haven on campus, encouraging students to collaborate, embrace their curiosity and explore their futures with the help of dedicated Life Design coaches,” Peiffer said. “The innovative space, intentionally open with architectural touches that provide natural gathering spaces, is a treasure on our campus with students at the heart of every design decision.”
The centerpiece of the Radbill Center is the thoughtfully designed gathering area, a space that encourages connection and collaboration. The circular ceiling, a striking architectural feature, draws the eye upward, creating a sense of openness and possibility. The expansive, vibrant mural on its wall, with images of a map and a person walking, serves as a visual representation of the program's mission: to empower students to chart their own course.
Bold, three-dimensional, expressive artwork adorns the walls, inspiring students to embrace curiosity, take action and explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. The Radbill Center has become a beloved destination for students, a place to study, collaborate, and connect with peers and mentors. Its success lies in its ability to create a welcoming and inspiring environment that supports students in their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
Jerome Library
Rising eight stories above the BGSU campus, the Jerome Library, adorned with a captivating abstract mural by former artist-in-residence Donald Drumm, has become an iconic symbol of the University. The mural, a dynamic composition of meandering lines and shapes, invites exploration and contemplation, mirroring the intellectual journey undertaken within the library's walls.
Jerome Library celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2017. The dynamic hub of scholarly activity houses a vast collection of more than 7 million books. Beyond its impressive collection, Jerome Library offers a wealth of resources and services to support the academic and research endeavors of the learning community, ranking among the top 50 most amazing college libraries in the U.S.
Social House at The Oaks
Social House at The Oaks Dining Center’s striking architectural form, characterized by a soaring glass curtain wall supported by robust wooden beams, creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. This striking juxtaposition of materials and forms elevates the dining experience, transforming mealtime into an occasion.
The expansive glass facade not only floods the interior with natural light but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding campus. This seamless connection between the interior and exterior spaces enhances the dining experience, blurring the lines between indoors and out. The facility's green roof, adorned with a carefully curated selection of herbs and vegetables, demonstrates the University’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The fresh ingredients find their way into the kitchens below, enhancing the dining experience with unique flavors.
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Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349
Updated: 10/03/2024 01:26PM