UVA'S CAMPBELL HALL ADDED TO THE VIRGINIA LANDMARKS REGISTER

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Campbell Hall at the University of Virginia is slated to become a historic Virginia landmark. It was built in 1970, making it the youngest of the new additions on the list in Virginia. Campbell Hall is home to the University of Virginia School of Architecture.

The large L-shaped building, constructed primarily of concrete, glass and red brick, houses studio spaces, classrooms, seminar rooms, galleries, fabrication labs and much more.

"Many people ask about where the front door is of this building is," UVA School of Architecture's Dean Ila Berman said. "They don't understand that there is no single front door because it was a modern building and it was intended to be dynamic in its use and experience."

Italian architect and a leader within the modern movement, Pietro Belluschi, designed the building. He served as one of the most important architects in the 20th century designing more than a thousand works.

"We’re thrilled because this building is one of the most important works of architecture and is one of the most significant works at the university,” Berman said.

Berman added that she is glad that the building is getting the recognition it deserves. "I’ve always thought that this was an incredible building that in some ways was undervalued in its immediate vicinity — so I think this is a great moment for the school.” The landmark recognition is especially timely as the School of Architecture celebrates its Centennial this year.

In 2008, Campbell Hall underwent a series of major renovations and expansions designed and developed by faculty (and students) from the School and led by Professor Karen Van Lengen (who was Dean at the time). A south wing, an east tower addition, and exterior spaces were added to expand the spatial and experiential footprint of the building.

Campbell Hall is among 16 places selected by the Department of Historic Resources to be added to the Virginia Landmarks Register. Other sites include courthouse village buildings in Southhampton and Caroline counties associated with racial events in 1831 and 1958, three Civil War-affiliated sites in Culpepper, Henrico and Highland counties, an antebellum mountain cabin, and outstanding examples of Gothic Revival, Queen Anne, International Style and Modern architecture.

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The VLR listing describes:

Campbell Hall illustrates Modern Movement design principles tempered by a regional interpretation, respectful of the campus’s outstanding historic architecture designed by Thomas Jefferson. Prominent architects Pietro Belluschi and Kenneth DeMay designed Campbell. Belluschi’s works include the Pan Am Building (1963, now Met Life), an iconic building on Park Avenue in New York City; DeMay, of the firm Sasaki, Dawson and DeMay, was known for his campus planning and golf-related projects. The largely rectilinear L-shaped building, constructed primarily of concrete, glass, and UVa’s trademark red brick, opened the same year the university fully went coeducational.

The Department of Historic Resources will forward the documentation for these newly listed VLR sites to the National Park Service for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The VLR designation is foremost an invitation to learn about and experience authentic and significant places in Virginia’s history. Virginia is a national leader among states in listing historic sites and districts on the National Register of Historic Places.

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