by ArchitectureWeek

The Danforth University Center provides a new gothic-style gathering space and "front door" for Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Designed by Tsoi/ Kobus & Associates, Inc., the center received one of eleven Palladio Awards for 2009.

In scale, orientation, materials, and detailing, the Danforth Center continues the Jacobean collegiate gothic style of the original campus buildings by Cope and Stewardson, dating to the early 1900s. The new structure is also designed for LEED Gold certification.

Three primary building masses interlock with two north-south connector volumes, forming courtyards that align with existing campus forms. Organized with a variety of user groups in mind, the building's main entrances direct undergraduates to the dining areas, provide visitors easy access to an orientation room, and conduct faculty and students to the center's large public gathering space.

A gothic facade of Missouri Red granite ashlar and Indiana limestone dress stone is supported by an interior concrete wall and structural frame.

In Andrea's Name

The annual Palladio Awards program honors outstanding achievement in traditional design, as exemplified by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio, who created contemporary architecture for his time while using models from the past for inspiration and guidance.   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE The Danforth University Center at Washington University in St. Louis earned recognition in the 2009 Palladio Awards. Photo: Jeffrey Totaro Extra Large Image Tsoi/ Kobus & Associates studied English gothic precedents to create the Danforth University Center in keeping with the original vision for the historic Washington University campus. Photo: Jeffrey Totaro Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.