Johnson, SusanFlathman, JenniferPochert, Erin2023-09-062023-09-062006https://hdl.handle.net/1794/288356 pagesIn the period following World War II, the University of Oregon experienced increasing enrollment and a need for buildings to house rapidly expanding programs. One of the areas that experienced the greatest growth was the sciences. During the early 1950s enrollment in science programs increased dramatically. The study of science at this time grew increasingly specialized with a need for new equipment and support spaces. The University intended for “Science I” to provide a modern home to all of the science disciplines. The 1952 design by Lawrence, Tucker, and Wallman emphasized utility and economy. The internal arrangements stressed flexibility of partition walls and durability of materials. The designers selected a reinforced concrete frame to accommodate the mechanical and equipment load necessary for “modern” science programs. The building has simple rectangular massing with the exception of the projecting entry bay at the northwest edge. The unadorned walls and massing reflect the building’s half modern style. It is said that the plain concrete façade is the result of budget cuts and that the original design called for brick. Further research is required to confirm this. The chair of the building committee of the State Board of Education, Dr. R.E. Kleinsorge, described Science I as “the single most important building ever added to the campus.” Kleinsorge’s sentiments are evidence of the increasing importance of science at the University of Oregon and the eagerness with which the community anticipated its construction. Typifying the new age of technological architecture, the building had a specially designed ventilating system, which pressurized inside air slightly greater than outside air, making labs odor-free. Also, chemistry labs were equipped with showers in their doors, (Sandahl). The building is connected to Columbia Hall via a skybridge on the second story. The building was connected in 1962 to what was originally known as the east wing of Science I but is now known as Onyx Bridge. In 1990, the building was renamed Pacific Hall. In 1990, a connection was added between Pacific Hall and the new wing of Lawrence Hall. The building continues to house science facilities but now also accommodates the Yamada Language Lab, Environmental Studies department, American English Institute, and facilities for the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.enCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-UShistoryarchitecturecultural resources surveyOther