Historic Resource Survey Form : Hamilton Hall Complex, East and West
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Date
2006
Authors
Johnson, Susan
Lingo, Shawn
Mauro, Jeremy
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Built in two phases, Hamilton Hall is less than fifty years old and is an example of Modernist design ideas on the UO campus.
It echoes specific International style examples in its design and construction, especially in the piloti on the Agate St. façade which
resemble the arrangement of the ground floor of the Seagrams Building by Mies van der Rohe and Phillip Johnson, perhaps the most
famous example of the International style. Other decoration include use of contrasting construction panels to create a sort of
decorative checkerboard effect, the brick and hollow tile lattice work on McClain, Boynton, Collier, and Robbins units of the complex
and the pink aggregate panels and lattice work on Dunn and Cloran units. Hamilton Hall’s many semi-enclosed internal courtyards and
common areas reflect Modernist ideas about reorganization of living space.
Hamilton was named for Judge James W. Hamilton, member of the Board of Regents and president from 1913-1925. The
building consists of ten separate rectangular, 4 story units: Boynton, Cloran, McClain, Tingle, Spiller, Robbins, Dunn, Collier, Burgess,
and Watson. Each unit is named for a former faculty member of the UO.
Hamilton Hall has good integrity. No discernible changes have been made to the fabric or design of the exterior. Interior
changes have been limited to minor remodeling work and changes in use. Hamilton Hall may contribute to a campus historic district
once it reaches 50 years of age as an example of Modernist architecture at the peak of its ascendancy and how it was applied to
campus residential life. However, at this time Hamilton Hall is ranked as a non-contributing resource.
Description
5 pages
Keywords
cultural resources survey, architecture, history