Williams College: A Comprehensive Campus Guide
Williams College, routinely ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the United States, is situated in the Berkshire Mountains of western Massachusetts. Its 450-acre campus, master-planned by the esteemed Olmsted Brothers, accommodates 2,000 students within its 100 academic and residential buildings, some of which date back to the late 18th century. This guide explores the architectural evolution and design intricacies of this distinguished institution.
A Historical Overview
Williams College: The Campus Guide, the 32nd volume in Princeton Architectural Press’s Campus Guide series, provides more than just a tour. This series, which began with the University of Virginia in 1999, has expanded our understanding of collegiate design at prominent American campuses. Authored by Eugene J. Johnson, Amos Lawrence Professor of Art, Emeritus, and Michael J. Lewis, Faison-Pierson-Stoddard Professor of Art, the Williams guide benefits from the authors' extensive experience and complete freedom in their opinions and observations.
The early physical presence of Williams was Yankee utilitarian. For much of its two-hundred-year history, the school was small, isolated, and not well endowed. Throughout its history, the college faced hurdles, including its initial small size, isolation, and limited endowment. In the mid-19th century, the college saw contributions from a notable grab bag of Victorian designers, including Gervase Wheeler, Thomas Tefft, Richard Upjohn, Henry J, Hardenbergh, and J. C. Cady. Design during this period was often haphazard, influenced by donor whims, with tastes leaning towards the safely conservative through the 1950s.
Key Architectural Developments
Despite hosting an avant-garde art department-a famous incubator of architectural historians and museum directors-Williams did not get a Functional Modern building until the 1960s. Despite commissioning such leading names, building at Williams remained ad hoc and episodic. The college's architectural journey reflects a blend of intentional design and opportunistic development, resulting in a diverse collection of buildings that embody different eras and styles.
Early 20th Century Vision
College president Harry Garfield hired Ralph Adams Cram, the brilliant campus designer who shaped Princeton into an architectural masterpiece. Cram felt that his interpretation of English Georgian was more appropriate to the New England school. As always, Cram demonstrated a mastery of proportion, materials, and appearance.
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Modern and Contemporary Architecture
The Architects Collaborative (TAC) was hired to craft a campus plan, while the college awarded an honorary doctorate to TAC founder Walter Gropius. In the 1970s Charles Moore extended the art museum. A stunning library by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is offset by William Rawn’s Center for Theatre and Dance, a gratuitous “expression of architectural ego,” the placement of which truncated a bold axial plan by Denise Scott Brown. Missed opportunities include an unrealized Steven Holl art building and a somewhat flaccid student center by James Stewart Polshek. The maligned Paresky Center in question, designed by The Polshek Partnership in 2007. Mikko Heikkinen and Markku Komonen were interviewed, along with Alvaro Siza, Tadao Ando, and another architect (the names were never revealed to the public) about adding a wing to the Clark Art Institute.
Notable Buildings and Spaces
Thompson Memorial Chapel: Designed by Francis R. Allen in 1905, the chapel stands as a testament to traditional architectural values and spiritual significance on campus.
Williams College Bookstore: Designed by CambridgeSeven, which opened in 2017, showcases a modern aesthetic and functional design, catering to the needs of the college community.
Paresky Center: Designed by The Polshek Partnership in 2007, this building has faced criticism, highlighting the subjective nature of architectural appreciation.
The Olmsted Brothers' Master Plan
The Olmsted Brothers' master plan is integral to the campus's appeal. Their vision shaped the landscape and spatial arrangement of the college, creating a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural design. The 450-acre campus provides a picturesque setting for academic and residential life, enhancing the overall college experience.
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A Critical Perspective
The Williams College campus is not without its architectural controversies. The placement of William Rawn’s Center for Theatre and Dance, described as a gratuitous “expression of architectural ego,” disrupted a bold axial plan by Denise Scott Brown. Similarly, the Paresky Center, designed by The Polshek Partnership, has faced criticism. These instances highlight the challenges and complexities of campus planning, where aesthetics, functionality, and historical context often clash.
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