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Transitional Style

The buildings of the late 1960s and 1970s exhibit features associated with several styles. They are transitional between the extremes of the International Style and the new look of the Post-Modern Style. They include elements of the New Formalism, a style promoted by Minoru Yamasaki, who designed the buildings on the Medical College of Ohio campus. Other influential figures of this transitional period include Charles-Edouard Le Corbusier and Philip Johnson. All were reacting against the severities and programmed look of the International Style as seen in structures such as the Engineering-Science Building and Snyder Memorial. These transitional buildings are typified by the combination of geometrical shapes to form structures. There is less interest in flat surfaces and more on round. Another common feature of this period is the use of a series of tall rounded colonnade archways. Absolute symmetry is replaced with varied shapes balanced against one another.

7. Ritter Astrophysical Research Center


Architects: Richards, Bauer, and Moorhead
Date Completed: 1967
Cost: $1 million

Ofthe four academic buildings built in the 1960s three housed the sciences. Ritter Astrophysical Research Center reflects many transitional elements between strict Internationalism and New Formalism.

Features to note:


8. William S. Carlson Library

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Architects: Munger, Munger, and Associates
Date Completed: 1973
Cost: $8 million

Carlson Library begins a trend back to the Gothic tradition in UT architecture. While showing some International Style components, it has obvious elements of Gothicism as well. There was a conscious effort by the architects to incorporate slanted roofs and Gothic towers in the design. The Law Center, constructed at the same time, reflects similar transitional elements. Geometrical shapes are important parts of both buildings.

Features to note:

Other Buildings of the Transitional Period:

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Law Center

Architects: Britsch, Macelwane-Poseler, and Lubeck
Date Completed: 1972
Cost: $8 million <!/CENTER>

 

Center for Performing Arts

Architects: Hahn and Hayes
Date Completed: 1976
Cost: $3.5 million

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Driscoll Center for Continuing Education <!CENTER><!IMG SRC="arcc25.gif" width=500 ALT=[Picture of Driscoll Center] ALIGN=Bottom>

Architects: Samborn, Steketee, Otis, and Evans
Date Completed: 1978
Cost: $2.8 million

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Document Custodian: Canaday Center Staff

Last revised 1, June, 2007

 

Last Updated: 6/27/22