Oceanography Teaching Building

Beneath the copper-clad gambrel roof of the Oceanography Teaching Building, a world of marine mysteries unfolds. The Oceanography Teaching Building, completed in 1969, stands as a testament to the University of Washington’s dedication to oceanographic research and education. Designed by Liddle and Jones, the architects behind the neighboring Marine Sciences Building, the Oceanography Teaching Building shares a similar Brutalist aesthetic, with poured-in-place concrete walls and a striking roof. Unlike its research-focused counterpart, the Oceanography Teaching Building prioritizes learning. Inside, classrooms, seminar rooms, and offices buzz with activity, fostering a vibrant academic atmosphere. The building’s north-south orientation and recessed central bay create a unique architectural footprint, distinct from the east-west alignment of the Marine Sciences Building. While the Marine Sciences Building boasts brise-soleils, the Oceanography Teaching Building features ribbon windows flush with the facade, allowing natural light to flood the interior spaces. In 2009, the Oceanography Teaching Building housed not only the School of Oceanography but also the International Pacific Halibut Commission and the UW Fish/Ocean Library, demonstrating its multifaceted role in marine science. The Oceanography Teaching Building and the Marine Sciences Building are connected by more than just their architectural style and proximity. They represent the university’s commitment to understanding the ocean’s depths, from scientific research to educating future generations of oceanographers. As you stand before the Oceanography Teaching Building, imagine the countless students who have walked these halls, inspired by the same pursuit of knowledge that drives marine exploration today.