“An island of order and scholarly calm.” That’s how Wayne State University Alumni Magazine described the College of Education Building. Today we explore this Detroit landmark. This Academic/ Administrative Building is part of Wayne State University.
Let’s delve into the history and unique features of this intriguing structure. The College of Education Building stands on Wayne State University’s campus. It is located at 5700 Cass Avenue. The building occupies the northwestern quadrant of the campus.
Imagine a muddy construction site in December 1959. Wayne State’s Board of Governors watched a concrete column lowered into the ground. This marked the beginning of the College of Education Building. It was then the country’s largest school of education. The Detroit News called it another touch of splendor to the urban campus.
Minoru Yamasaki designed the College of Education Building. He was a world-renowned architect. This was the second of four Yamasaki facilities at Wayne State University.
The four-story building has a full basement. It sits on a two-foot high pedestal. Interlocking concrete panels form its structural core. The exterior features sharply pointed triangular arch window openings. Precast concrete columns divide these openings. These columns extend above the roofline. They draw your eyes upward. This disguises the building’s mass.
The ground floor is deeply recessed. This creates a continuous arcade around the building. The full-height windows are deeply inset. They feature unpolished gray plate glass. This screens the view of desks and other items from the outside. Above each window, angled concrete panels meet at the arch’s peak. This accentuates the building’s verticality.
Inside the College of Education Building, the exterior gives way to efficient spaces. Vestibules lead to open staircases. Elevators, mechanical systems, and bathrooms are at the center of each floor. Hallways provide access to classrooms and laboratories. Classrooms are located near the core. Offices line the outer walls. The fourth floor houses administrative offices. It also features a central lounge.
Yamasaki used basic materials for the interior. These included wood veneer, asphalt tile, and plaster. However, the building had advanced technology. It boasted fire detection, air conditioning, and a two-way public address system. Classrooms featured psychological testing rooms with one-way windows.
The College of Education Building was dedicated on April 20, 1961. President Clarence B. Hilberry said the building’s beauty reflected the quality of work within. Dean Francis C. Rosecrance praised Yamasaki. He noted the combination of beauty and function.
The College of Education Building centralized the department. Before its construction, the school was spread across 16 buildings. The building also fit into a larger campus restructuring. Yamasaki modified the campus plan. He included a pedestrian mall lined with modern buildings.
Yamasaki sought to create spaces with delight, serenity, and surprise. The College of Education Building exemplifies this. Its arches and stylized turrets allude to Venetian Gothicism. Some see it as a forest of concrete trees. Others compare it to a wedding cake.
Yamasaki used light and shadow as essential design elements. The arcade provides a canvas for changing silhouettes. The concrete panels and aluminum window frames catch the sun. The penthouse captures light on its roof decks.
Upon opening, some occupants found issues with Yamasaki’s design. Professors found the tall windows created harsh, warm workspaces. Many installed curtains to block the glare. Today, the offices have vertical slat blinds.
Despite some changes, the College of Education Building remains largely intact. Preservation groups have shown interest in the building. It continues to house Wayne State’s Education program. The College of Education Building represents a unique blend of beauty and function. It embodies Yamasaki’s vision of creating inspiring spaces.