Cathedral of Learning

Ah, the Cathedral of Learning. From Roy Rogers in the basement to the Victory Lights, no other building defines Pitt as much as this. A visionary concept to build during the Great Depression, CL has or had it all, except sleeping quarters. So many of us took our general classes in this building, but one that we all should have is the History and Architecture of Pitt. One month of classes could be used to talk about how much this building acts as a beacon for higher learning in western PA. Derided by CMU'ers, CL has the fantastic Nationality Rooms, cavernous common room, countless offices, and the ability to view the city from the 36th floor. Hidden behind the "Gothic" architecture, lies a truly modern building, express elevators, steel frame work, all referencing the age of similar, but low buildings in France and England, most notably Oxford. Many architects denounced the backward looking exterior, saying a more modern glass curtain wall would have been appropriate for the era. This is true, but given the connection with higher learning, the solid stone veneer has aged well, and added a false sense of this building being hundreds of years old, not just eighty. The lawn was the main "green" space for years, excluding the enormous Schenley Park to the east, on campus. Our ivory tower helped us find our way home on many excursions from local watering holes. Enough with the memories, from Frank Lloyd Wright, who loathed the CL and Heinz, most likely because he did not win the commission, "The best thing that could happen to Heinz Chapel, is for the Cathedral to fall on it." He sought the destruction of both buildings! Tomorrow, Heinz Chapel.