by Michael J. Crosbie

The Yale Art and Architecture building in New Haven, Connecticut, designed by legendary architect Paul Rudolph and completed in 1963, is now close to how its architect intended it to be, after a 45-year journey through celebration, fire, indifference, and abuse.

One of the most iconic architecture school buildings in the world, the object of a love-hate relationship with those who have known it, has found new repose amid a complex mixture of adoration, restoration, and exhilaration.

The restoration of Rudolph's masterwork, and the addition of an adjoining building for the art history department, are the work of New York architect Charles Gwathmey, a former student of Rudolph's who actually worked on the original building. The $126 million effort was guided by Yale's architecture dean, Robert A.M. Stern, who as a Yale student in the 1960s gave tours of Rudolph's concrete castle of architecture.

Architecture in the Raw

The building made Rudolph one of the most famous architects of his time. He came to Yale in 1958 as chair of the architecture department, and started work on a new home for the art and architecture programs.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Art & Architecture Building at Yale University has been restored by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates. Photo: Richard Barnes Extra Large Image Paul Rudolph designed the Art & Architecture Building, completed in 1963. Photo: Courtesy Yale University Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.