In 2010, Y and I went on a day trip to Pittsburgh to look around before going to Ikea to pick up some new furniture. My favorite place in Pittsburgh is the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh, which I made use of when I lived there, so we made that one stop on our itinerary.
From a distance, it is an easy to see landmark for getting around the University of Pittsburgh campus.
Standing at its entrance, the building’s magnitude is unavoidable. And, to think that this gigantic building–the second tallest educational building in the world–is dedicated to learning.
It’s interior first floor study space is equally impressive. This cavernous space lends itself to individual and collaborative work.
From an upper floor, you can look east to see Carnegie Mellon University.
Before leaving, Y took a photo of me sitting in one of the big chairs in the study area on the first floor of the Cathedral of Learning.
I think that all universities should invest in basic studying and learning spaces where students can work individually and together. It can be something as architecturally impressive as the Cathedral of Learning, or it could be something designed around sustainability and efficiencies such as Georgia Tech’s Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons. Whatever form it takes, it should center on students and their needs whether they live on campus or commute. Essentially, students need space to study, work, and collaborate outside of the classroom.
