Lost in the labyrinthine corridors of Padelford Hall? You are not alone. This imposing structure a University of Washington landmark has mystified students and faculty for decades.
Padelford Hall opened in 1967. It immediately won an American Institute of Architects Seattle merit award. Its unique design however soon earned it a reputation. Many found it confusing and frustrating to navigate. Dead-end hallways and disconnected towers added to the mystery.
The building’s unusual layout is partly due to its location. Before Padelford Hall a bowl-shaped amphitheater stood there. This unusual site presented a challenge for architects Walker & McGough. They had to design around the existing landscape. The result was a building unlike any other on campus.
Some believe Padelford Hall’s design was inspired by Eero Saarinen’s neo-medieval dormitories at Yale University. Others point out that Walker & McGough specialized in designing prisons. This perhaps explains the building’s somewhat imposing and labyrinthine feel. Professor Norman Johnston Emeritus of Architecture suggests the design reflects the experimental architecture of the time. Modernism was a huge trend then. This movement emphasized simplification and the removal of ornamentation.
Despite its confusing layout Padelford Hall offers some perks. Offices on the east side boast stunning views of the Cascades. The inconvenience of navigating the building is thus somewhat offset by the amazing scenery. This beautiful view makes the frustration a little more bearable for some.
Frederick M Padelford an English professor who taught at the UW from 1901 to 1942 gives his name to the hall. He even served as dean of the graduate school. So next time you find yourself lost within its walls remember the building’s unusual history. It is a testament to architectural experimentation and a tribute to a prominent figure in the university’s past. You might even appreciate its unique charm a little more.