Haines Hall UCLA: A Journey Through History and Architecture

UCLA's Westwood campus, sprawling across 419 acres, is home to nearly 200 buildings, each with its unique story. Among these edifices, Haines Hall stands as a testament to the university's rich history and architectural evolution. Originally known as the Chemistry Building, Haines Hall is one of the four original structures that formed the foundation of UCLA's Westwood campus in 1929, along with Royce Hall, Powell Library, and Kaplan Hall (formerly the Physics-Biology Building).

From Vermont Avenue to Westwood: The Birth of UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) traces its origins back to the late 19th century when it functioned as a teachers' college. For nearly four decades, the institution expanded in size and scope across two Los Angeles campuses. In 1919, California Governor William D. Stephens signed a bill into law, officially establishing the Southern Branch of the University of California. This marked a significant milestone in UCLA's journey toward becoming a comprehensive university.

Early Days as a Normal School

In March 1881, the California State Legislature authorized the creation of a southern branch of the California State Normal School (now San Jose State University) in downtown Los Angeles. The goal was to train teachers for the growing population of Southern California. The Los Angeles branch opened its doors on August 29, 1882, followed by a formal dedication ceremony on September 9, 1882.

Transition to Vermont Avenue

In October 1912, the Normal School trustees sold the original campus in downtown Los Angeles. By 1914, the teaching college had relocated to a new campus on Vermont Avenue (now the site of Los Angeles City College) in East Hollywood.

Becoming the Southern Branch

In 1917, UC Regent Edward Augustus Dickson and Ernest Carroll Moore, Director of the Normal School, began advocating for the school to become the second University of California campus, after UC Berkeley. Despite facing resistance, their efforts were successful when Governor William D. Stephens signed Assembly Bill 626 into law on May 23, 1919, officially transforming the institution into the Southern Branch of the University of California.

Read also: Explore Haas Hall Academy

The Move to Westwood

Under UC President William Wallace Campbell, enrollment at the Southern Branch grew rapidly. By the mid-1920s, the 25-acre Vermont Avenue location was no longer sufficient. A committee was formed to explore potential sites, ultimately recommending the Letts' Estate (later called the Beverly-Westwood site).

The Janss brothers, the owners of the estate, agreed to sell the property for approximately $1 million, significantly less than its actual value. This was made possible by municipal bond measures passed by Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Venice.

Construction commenced on the new Westwood campus, with George W. Kelham serving as the supervising architect and David Allison of Allison & Allison as the designer. Allison envisioned the Romanesque style that would characterize the campus. In 1929, the first undergraduate classes were held on the new campus, accommodating 5,500 students.

Haines Hall: A Cornerstone of the Westwood Campus

Haines Hall, originally constructed as the Chemistry Building, played a crucial role in UCLA's academic endeavors from the outset. Along with Royce Hall, the College Library (now Powell Library), and the Physics and Biology Building (now Kaplan Hall), it formed the core of the new Westwood campus.

Architectural Style

Like the other original buildings, Haines Hall was designed by Allison & Allison in the Romanesque Revival style. This architectural style is characterized by its rounded arches, symmetrical facades, and use of brick and stone. The building's design reflects a conscious effort to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing campus environment.

A Hub for Chemistry

For many years, Haines Hall served as the primary home for UCLA's chemistry department. It housed laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices, fostering a vibrant community of researchers and students. The building played a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge and training future generations of chemists.

The California Hall Fire

An interesting anecdote from the early days of the chemistry department involves a fire at the Vermont Avenue campus. On January 3, 1929, a blaze erupted in California Hall, a two-story wooden structure that housed the chemistry laboratories. The fire, aided by combustible chemicals, quickly engulfed the building. While the cause remained unclear, the incident underscored the need for a modern and safe facility, which was soon realized with the opening of the Chemistry Building (Haines Hall) at the Westwood campus.

Renaming in Honor of Charles Grove Haines

In recognition of his contributions to UCLA, the Chemistry Building was renamed Haines Hall after Charles Grove Haines. Haines was a UCLA alumnus who served on the political science faculty from 1925 to 1948. His dedication to teaching and scholarship left a lasting impact on the university.

Fowler Museum's Former Home

Interestingly, the Fowler Museum of Cultural History was formerly located in the basement of Haines Hall. This speaks to the building's versatility and its ability to accommodate diverse academic disciplines over the years.

Architectural Evolution at UCLA

Since its establishment in 1929, UCLA's campus has undergone significant architectural transformations, reflecting evolving styles and the university's growing needs.

Read also: Remembrance and Progress

Early Influences

The oldest buildings on campus, including Haines Hall, feature stained, rounded windows, indicative of their early 20th-century construction. Kerckhoff Hall, with its pointed windows, showcases a Gothic-inspired design.

Post-World War II Modernism

Following World War II, the GI Bill led to a surge in student enrollment, prompting a shift toward more minimalist building designs. This trend was influenced by the modernist movement, which emphasized functionality and simplicity. Buildings like Schoenberg Hall, with its white rectangular pillars, exemplify this style.

Unifying the Campus

In the 1960s and 70s, efforts were made to create a more unified campus aesthetic. The use of brick and concrete masonry blocks became common, as seen in Bunche Hall, built in 1964.

Postmodernism and Beyond

The early 1970s marked the beginning of a postmodernist period, characterized by a departure from the grid-like structures of modernism. Architects sought to incorporate ornamentation and attention to detail, as seen in later constructions like the Orthopedic Research Hospital Center (built in 2007).

Naming Conventions

Over time, the way buildings are named has also evolved. Initially, buildings were named based on the subjects taught within them. Later, it became more common to name buildings after notable professors and donors.

Haines Hall Today

Today, Haines Hall continues to serve as an important academic building at UCLA. While no longer solely dedicated to chemistry, it houses various departments and programs, contributing to the university's diverse intellectual landscape.

Enduring Legacy

Haines Hall stands as a reminder of UCLA's humble beginnings and its remarkable growth into a world-renowned institution. Its Romanesque Revival architecture, its history as the Chemistry Building, and its connection to Charles Grove Haines all contribute to its unique character.

A Symbol of UCLA's Past and Present

As students and faculty walk through its halls, Haines Hall serves as a tangible link to UCLA's past, while also embodying the university's commitment to innovation and academic excellence in the present. It is a building that has witnessed countless moments of discovery, learning, and collaboration, and it will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of UCLA for generations to come.

tags: #haines #hall #ucla #history