a good read - mastering mckim's plan, one of two

So not so much about houses today. Sometimes you find yourself really taking architecture for granted, even the things that are relatively "new" in terms of design. When I was in college, I picked up a book second hand somewhere, probably from a sidewalk book vendor honestly. It is a newer book, published in 1998 by Professor A. J. Ayer. The book, Mastering Mckim's Plan is a great read about the 1894 commission of Columbia University's campus.

And a little walk down memory lane, folks. Clearly Butler Library (approx 1934) and Low Library (circa 1905) are the centerpiece buildings.
Inside Butler, in the Wien Reference Room, in the early 1990's. You can imagine little students panic stricken on a caffeine high during finals week, no? For a more extensive modern tour, visit the Desk Set.

Sundial approx 1914, you can read more about the original Sundial here.

Alma Mater circa 1919
Earl Hall circa 1900

Schermerhorn circa 1900

Hamilton and Hartley circa 1907
I wish I could have found a better sized photo of the This view is from Taint Gate of the Van Amringe Memorial Quadrangle. Van Am Quad from approx the mid 1950's. The rumor is that the gate is called that, " because '’T’aint part of Hartley and ’t’aint part of Wallach." ref.


And lastly a modern rendering of King's College circa 1754. Certainly, pre-Mckim Mead and White Campus, compliments of the Columbia Archives.

Funny side note - I wanted to find some good historic shots of the Lewisohn and the Math building but all that came up were images of Gossip Girl... and for another good laugh, "President Bollinger's" twitter

Further reading on the subject. Photos from the Library of Congress, WikiCU, Columbia, CardCow, WikiMedia and NY Architecture