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In comparing the original architectural plans with this earlier photograph of University College, we see that they wee followed closely. Today, University College is no longer accurate to its plans, thanks to a pair of additions in the 1960s. University College's architectural style is called Collegiate Gothic, notable for its use of buttresses, pointed arches, stain glass windows, rough stonework and other medieval trappings. In these two aerial photographs we can see some of UWO's early growth quite easily. The 1942 photographs shows how few buildings there were originally. The newest building in 1942 was the McIntosh Memorial Gallery, which may be seen to the left of the Natural Sciences building. By 1955, Campus is in its first stage of growth. Thames and Spencer Hall have been built, as has the gates at Richmond (not visible). This very early photograph, taken before even Lawson Hall was built, shows UWO as it would have looked in the 1920s. The J.W. Little Stadium, shown here, is located where the Labatt Health Sciences building is today. In the modern photograph we can observe how campus has grown, with University College at its center. The Contrast between Western's first library and it's most well known is striking. Lawson Library, it was ensured, would resemble University College when built. It and every building on campus constructed before 1969, was done in the Collegiate Gothic style. In this way, all the building flowed together, giving campus a sense of grand style. In 1970, Weldon Library was built. Weldon is a fine example of 1970's Brutalist concrete design. Once it broke architectural tradition, there was no returning to the beauty of University College. |