Smith Haines Lundberg & Waehler Science Center Interior Architectural Rendering 1968 Ink and watercolor on paper
Architectural Records Marion B. Gebbie Archives & Special Collections 1968: Science Center constructed. During the 1960s, Wheaton’s Trustees voted to construct a new building for the Math and Science departments, replacing Science Hall built in 1911 (now Knapton Hall). Architects Smith Haines Lundberg & Waehler produced numerous architectural renderings of the proposed Science Center. This interior rendering shows what is now Hindle Auditorium as it appeared when built in 1968. This new lecture hall became the largest on campus with a capacity of 200 people. The sketch of the auditorium reveals that Wheaton was still a women’s college. Only one male interacts with the numerous female students who are depicted socializing or studying. The design, based on Modern architectural concepts of function, rationality and adaptability, allowed for resourceful use of space. In 1955, the Trustees chose to respond to the growing numbers of men and women seeking a college education following World War II by doubling Wheaton’s enrollment and building Lower Campus, which adheres to the Modern aesthetic. The Science Center, which shares this aesthetic, completed this expansion of the college. It was funded by Wheaton’s first successful capital campaign. Hindle Auditorium continues to be used for classes, lectures, and meetings as well as co-curricular events. The student club Bacchus regularly hosts movie nights in the auditorium and the campus community came together to watch this year’s election on Hindle’s big screen.
-Written by Raquel Inwentash, Class of 2013
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