In class, we spent a fair amount of time discussing Jeffersonian architecture and the different qualities that distinguish it from other types of architecture. One point that was emphasized was the fact that Jefferson went against the more classical, palladian norm and did not build upwards and away from nature, but rather incorporated his structures into the landscape.
St. Olaf architecture, however, does not really follow the Jeffersonian style. Instead, our campus contains many buildings that are tall and move away from nature. While a few buildings, like Kildahl, have a lower structure, many of the buildings are not and are grand and more classical in their build.
That is not to say that I believe that our campus would be better with only low buildings. Yet, it would be interesting to look at other campuses that have more Jeffersonian architecture, and see how it affects students' interaction with/in nature.
Perhaps living and learning in buildings closer to the ground and nature would encourage students to not only be more aware of nature, but choose to further this connection. St. Olaf students do spend a fair amount of time outside, especially when the weather is nice, but perhaps not enough.
Although lower structures literally bring people closer to nature, does it bring them emotionally closer as well?
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