Duke’s Inspiration from other Institutions
How did other universities and institutions inspire the design of Duke's campus?
About
This story will explore the design interests and inspirations considered in the development and building of Duke University, starting in 1924. Specifically, interests in gothic architecture and significance, building materials, and design inspiration taken from other universities are covered in this story.
The Duke Endowment, of approximately $40 million, was established on December 11, 1924. The formation of the Duke Endowment spurred the 1924 transition from Trinity College to Duke University. From that point on, design and construction of the new university proceeded with the help of William Preston Few and Frank Clyde Brown.
Image: Frank Brown Diary Duke University Archives
Few & Brown
William Preston Few was the first president of Duke University. Frank Clyde Brown was Comptroller of Duke University and a supervisor of the university building project. Brown was instrumental to the design and correspondence of the architecture at Duke. While Few and Brown were influential in the building of the university, this project generally looks at the progress of production through Brown’s perspective, since the bulk of the primary sources used in this project come from the Frank C. Brown Papers, 1899-1943.
Pictured from left to right: William Preston Few and Frank Clyde Brown
Image: Duke University Archives Flickr
https://flic.kr/p/65iDcZ
https://flic.kr/p/MsAzCG
Brown's College Travel Diary
In 1924, William Preston Few and Frank Clyde Brown took a trip to approximately twenty universities along the east coast, searching for building and institutional inspiration for the soon-to-be Duke University. Brown recorded meticulous notes, photographs, and correspondences with builders and other people instrumental to the building of Duke.
Creating a University of Age and Wisdom
Duke University was designed in the Tudor Gothic style to invoke themes of knowledge and age in this new university. As stated by then Princeton University President Woodrow Wilson, designing a university in the Tudor Gothic adds the “the age of Oxford and of Cambridge;... a thousand years to the history of Princeton by merely putting those lines in our architecture which point every man's imagination to historic traditions of learning in the English-speaking race.” Brown and Few seemed to have similar sentiments as Wilson, as they sought information and inspiration from British universities and institutions, architecture at accomplished American universities, and building materials at these institutions.
"it is the intention of the authorities in charge of erecting the building for the Duke University, to build them out of gothic material." - Newton D. Walker (Tennessee Stone Merchant)
Comparing Appearances of Other Universities
Brown looked to the stone and gothic architecture present at other universities. These influence in stone choice, floor plans, and outer architecture.
Turn to English Architecture for Gothic Inspiration
In order to better understand the design aspects of gothic english architecture, Brown requested several books and sketches on the topics of gothic architecture. Additionally, Brown requested to purchase design books that specifically discussed English cathedrals and castles constructed in Tudor Gothic.
July 25, 1925: Brown ordered books from London about English castles and cathedrals.
"The Cathedrals of England and Wales"
"The Castles of England"
February 28, 1925: Brown writes to Sir Frank Beines, Chief Architect at the British Office of Works, to inquire about stone used in English buildings. Brown specifically asks about the stone used in St. Paul's Cathedral, West Minster Abbey, the Parliament Buildings, and several cathedrals.
"I should like also to have an expression from you concerning which of these kinds of stone you would recommend as being more satisfactory and as giving the best effect in Gothic Architecture." - Frank C. Brown
Include info about specific books Brown ordered and the architects he was interested in
Broader Building Comparison
The inspiration of other institutions’ outer building designs can be seen in buildings across Duke’s campus. Stark resemblances between Duke buildings and buildings at universities Brown and Few can be readily viewed.
Princeton University
Brown was obviously greatly inspired by Princeton's Holder Hall, which has a close resemblance to Duke's chapel building.
Brown Travel Diary Page 35
Cornell University
Brown demonstrated interest in the building at Cornell University, specifically their Law School Building, Myron Taylor Hall.
Cornell Correspondence
The Cornell Superintendent was gracious and open in providing information to Brown about building dimensions and plans. Furthermore, the supervisor provided Brown with the name of the architectural firm, Firm of Jackson, Robertson and Adams in Providence, Rhode Island, that designed the building. On April 7, 1938 received information from architects who designed their Law School. Brown was able to borrow blue prints and drawings from the architects.
"we shall be glad to provide you with any measurements or other specific information which you want in regard to space" - Cornell Superintendent Weatherlow
The firm of Jackson, Robertson, and Adams, the architecture firm that designed Cornell's law school, were more than happy to assist Brown with his design interests.
"our willingness to be of any assistance in connection with the furtherance of information" - Jackson, Robertson, & Adams
Blueprint sharing
"thank you for your willingness to lend us the prints of the Law School Building at Cornell University." - Frank C. Brown
Harvard University
Feb 23 1938 Brown Received floor plans of dormitories from the Harvard building supervisor.
"floor plans of the various dormitories which you were good enough to send." - F.C. Brown
Yale University
On Feb 11, 1938 Brown writes letter asking how to set up dorms and furniture so that rent is low for students.
"explain to me how you have economized so as to make the room rent low for students who occupy these dormitories" - Frank C. Brown to Yale Comptroller
Left: Yale Harkness Tower from Brown Travel Diary || Right: Duke Chapel
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Stone and Appearance of Other Universities
In addition to outer appearances, Brown looked at the stone and gothic architecture present at other universities for inspiration.
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Cornell Stone
"this stone is not only equal but is superior to the Cornell stone" - F.C. Brown
Test Walls and Publicity
The large Duke building process garnered much public attention, as stone merchants from around the country offered their wares in the running for test walls being built. Stone merchants from the northeast and south of North Carolina were eager to offer their stones to Duke, as this building project was one of the largest in the nation at the time.
Duke Test Wall 1925
Hardware and Materials
- Inspiration from other universities goes beyond the building level. Brown contacted several universities regarding the furnishing, hardware, and materials used in their buildings.
Working Bibliography (primary and secondary sources)
Durden, Robert F. The Launching of Duke University, 1924-1949. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1993.
Harlow, Maureen McCormick. “Duke University Timeline.” Duke University Libraries. 2017. https://library.duke.edu/rubenstein/collections/creators/corporations/dukeuniversity/ .
Media/Content List
Archival Materials
Images
- Duke Archives Flickr
Next Steps
- Locate and read additional sources; potentially see if Few has any writings from the design/college tour process
- look for further inspiration from other colleges (UVA & East Campus similarities)
