The Architecture Of Penn State

From classic buildings that are over 100 years old, to those that are modern and unique, the architecture on Penn State's campus is not to be missed.

Although Penn State is most recognized for its athletics and alumni base, there are plenty of other characteristics that make the university stand out above the rest. One of these factors is the beautiful architecture laid out across the 8,556 acres of Penn State University Park's campus. From the classic structures that were built over 100 years ago, to those that were recently constructed or remodeled, University Park features a wide array of stunning architecture that helps make it one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country. Here are a few of University Park's most beautiful buildings.

Above is the HUB Robeson Center, commonly referred to as the Hub. Last year, a major renovation of the Hub's bookstore and dining area was completed, making it one of the campus's more modern looking buildings. The Hub is used for various things, such as dining, studying, holding meetings, and providing office space for student organizations.

This building is Simmons Hall, which is located in the South residencies. Simmons Hall is one of the last buildings in South that has not been renovated, yet its classic look fits in beautifully with the rest of the campus. It is primarily occupied by students in the Schreyer Honors College.

The photo above shows the Willaman Gateway to the Sciences, better known as the Life Sciences Bridge. This glass structure connects the life science disciplines and serves as a study spot for Huck Institute students.

Above is the Millennium Science Complex, located on the corner of Pollock Road and Bigler Road. The Complex is used by the Materials Research Institute and the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences research organizations. An interesting fact about this building is that it was designed specifically so that game day commotion would not cause any vibrations that could effect research projects inside.

This photo shows the back side of the Biobehavioral Health Building. It is the home to the Biobehavioral Health department at Penn State and holds many large lecture halls, as well as tables along the glass walls, which students use to study. Like many other buildings at Penn State, this building is both classic and modern with its inclusion of bricks and glass.

Featured above is the Schwab Auditorium. This building holds lots of Penn State history, as it was the first building financed by a private gift and construction was completed in 1903. Various performances are put on in the building's Renaissance-style theater.

This building is Penn State's Dickinson Law School. It lies on the outskirts of the north side of campus, next to the arboretum. The law school shares a similar modern look with its neighbor, the Smeal College of Business.

Above is the Carnegie Building, which is home to the College of Communications. Completed in 1904, the building was Penn State's first freestanding library. Before Carnegie was built, the library was kept inside of Old Main.

This building is home to the Smeal College of Business. It has been recognized as one of the most beautiful business school facilities in the world, and provides students with many resources including study spaces, a cafe, a trading room, a stock market hall display and classrooms.

Last but not least, this is a photo of Old Main, one of Penn State's most recognizable landmarks. Located towards the center of College Avenue, Old Main is a focal point both on campus and down town. This is not the original Old Main, however it occupies the same location and was built on stone left over from the original structure.