Symbols of Transition by darwin harrison
as the “cookie,” which depicts the university’s
Tech University and its progressive educational
crest) and a rectangular fountain, which are both set
goals—enthusiastic students already stand before
Parkhill, Smith & Cooper, Inc.
within an oblong median that divides the campus’
the towers to be photographed by their proud
Lee Lewis Construction, Inc.
Broadway boulevard. As part of the master plan
parents. Seen as a metaphor for transition, the
designed by HOK and completed a few years ago,
new gatehouses will prompt students to reflect on
university officials decided that the existing entry
their entry into the world of higher education and
needed more definition and clarity. In a design/build
then years later will spur those same students to
venture with Lee Lewis Construction and Parkhill,
contemplate their impending departure into the
The Texas Tech University campus in
Smith & Cooper, the university realized those
greater world beyond.
Lubbock is currently undergoing a radical transfor-
goals by constructing the new gatehouses. In
mation through the construction of multiple large-
hopes of giving visitors a stately first impression
scale projects ranging from a major renovation of
of the campus, everyone involved with the design
the football arena, a large expansion of the student
wanted the gatehouses to reflect the historic
center, a new building to house the English and
Spanish Renaissance style of the original core of
philosophy departments, and even the first on-campus
buildings—built in 1923 when Texas Technologi-
parking garage. Amidst all of the construction cranes
cal College, precursor to Texas Tech, was first
and broad fenced-off hard-hat zones, one campus
established. Visible directly ahead as visitors enter
project is receiving much attention despite its modest
the campus, those original buildings are sited
size. The two new entry gatehouses recently dedicated
around Memorial Circle which is on axis with the
in honor of the Rushing family (who contributed a
newly enhanced entry.
project
Broadway Entry Gate, Lubbock
Texas Tech University
client
architect
contractor consultants
Parkhill, Smith & Cooper (structural
& MEP) photographer
John Thompson
Rather than mimic the overtly monumental,
equal the other projects in budget or physical size but
vertical edifices of other recent campus additions,
their dignified presence and predominant location
the gatehouses’ design team chose instead to
make the new gatehouses every bit as important to
construct towers modeled on a more personal,
the campus.
human scale. The gatehouses are built with the
The new gatehouses enhance the formal entrance
standard campus brick, a mix of colors from beige
to Texas Tech from University Avenue, serving as
to taupe; a red clay roof tile; buff-colored limestone;
bookends placed on either side of two existing pro-
and sidewalks of concrete squares filled with the
cessional elements—the granite medallion (known
characteristic TTU red and black brick pavers.
(previous page) The Broadway Entry Gates enrich the
nect the on-campus community and the community
Texas Tech campus with a new ceremonial entrance which
of Lubbock. This public space will be manifest
reflects the monumental presence of the university’s
for years to come as students, educators, and
original 1923 buildings.
visitors realize that the gatehouses symbolize Texas
unit pavers:
resources
4
3
1
The entry towers now literally and physically con-
1 1 / 1 2
2 0 0 1
Kansas Brick & Tile; masonry units: Acme
Brick; limestone: Texas Quarries; roof tiles: Ludowici Roof Tile
Broadway
large portion of the funds for the project) may not
Darwin Harrison teaches architecture at Texas Tech University.
2
1
university Avenue
site plan 1 GateHouse 2 Planter 3 university seal 4 Fountain
t e x a s
a r c h i t e c t
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