Did you know that the Richardson Building at Tulane University is more than just a pretty facade? It is a building with a story etched in its very bricks.
Welcome to the Richardson Building. It stands proudly on the St. Charles Avenue side of Tulane’s Uptown campus. This is on the university’s oldest and most beautiful quadrangle.
Let’s step back in time to 1907. The New Orleans architecture firm of Andry and Bendernagel designed this building. It was originally built to house the Tulane Medical College. The Richardson Building is a prime example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This style defines this particular area of the campus.
The Richardson Building is a five-story structure. It features brick and limestone. Its architecture reflects the academic aspirations of its time.
Now, imagine yourself as a student here. The main rooms on the third, fourth, and fifth floors are spacious studios. Each student has a personal desk here. Studios are accessible at all hours. Imagine working late into the night fueled by coffee and ambition. The studios have windows on three sides. They also have high ceilings and open trusses. This creates an inspiring workspace.
Consider Thomson Hall on the second floor. It is named after J. Herndon Thomson. It was the main lecture hall for the School of Architecture. This is where major lectures and events took place. Student pinups and reviews also happened here. The hall seated about 200 people. Plantation shutters controlled natural light. A wide-format HDMI projector and Bose sound system enhanced presentations.
The Favrot Lobby was always bustling. Classes, reviews, exhibitions, and meetings filled the space. Students and faculty gathered at Saarinen round tables for informal discussions. The lobby mezzanine featured rotating exhibits. These exhibits displayed work by students, faculty, and staff. Guest exhibitors from the New Orleans creative community also showcased their talents.
For a quick bite, there was the Drawing Board. This snack bar and cafe on the ground level offered meals, snacks, and beverages. Architecture students and visitors frequented this spot.
In the fall of 2021, the Richardson Building began a major renovation. The school plans to host classes in the building again in the spring of 2025. The renovation promises to bring the school to the next level of architecture and design education.
During the renovation, classes and studios were temporarily relocated. You could find them at the TuSA Uptown and TuSA Downtown campuses. The Fabrication Labs provided students with opportunities. They enriched their three-dimensional design explorations. Students also developed their education in fabrication technologies.
The Richardson Building is more than just a building. It is a place where ideas take shape. It is a place where future architects hone their craft. It’s a testament to Tulane’s commitment to architectural education. As the renovation nears completion, the Richardson Building prepares to welcome a new generation.