Historic Resource Survey Form : Chapman Hall
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Date
2006
Authors
Johnson, Susan
Lingo, Shawn
Mauro, Jeremy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Chapman Hall, designed by Ellis Lawrence, was constructed in1939. The building is named for Charles H. Chapman,
President of the University from 1893-1896. The project was funded by the Public Works Administration, a New Deal era program. It is
part of the Lawrence plan for the central campus area anchored by the Memorial Quadrangle. Originally, it was part of a three-wing
humanities complex intended to mirror the similar science complex of which Condon Hall was the only section constructed. Like its
sister buildings on the Memorial Quad, Chapman Hall is stylistically complex and difficult to classify. The arrangement of the diverse
elements that constitute the architectural composition is generally Classical in feeling. The individual elements draw on a wide range of
Greek and Roman archetypes and there are even a few Egyptian echoes, such as the corner pilasters that represent bundled reeds.
Much of the terra cotta detailing has a definite Art Deco or Moderne machine-inspired feeling. This represents the last use of terra
cotta ornamentation on a U of O campus building. Chapman reflects design elements common to the other buildings on the Memorial
Quad, such as the frieze with round arch details, to create a unified design language. These stylistic elements are perhaps best
understood in Lawrence’s own terms. In his 1914 campus plan, he recommends that “the more monumental buildings… be erected in
the Classic style, while the buildings of the minor groups in Renaissance and Colonial styles…” Lawrence himself characterized it as a
“composite, not a true historical style.” As a matter of interest, Chapman Hall was designed to mirror Condon Hall architecturally yet
Chapman’s structure is concrete walls with brick veneer while Condon is made of brick bearing walls.
Chapman Hall displays a high level of craftsmanship in its detailing. One especially noteworthy interior feature is the mural in
room 223 by E. R. Scott. It is executed in the New Deal social realist style and depicts a number of American radicals and social
thinkers including Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Dewey. It was completed by Scott as part of his thesis work for a
Masters degree from the U of O.
Description
5 pages
Keywords
cultural resources survey, history, architecture