Exploring the Iconic Floor Plans of Princeton's Dormitories
By Abu Rizal at: April 21, 2020
While the university's academic programs are undoubtedly impressive, its campus is also a major draw for students, faculty, and visitors alike.
Among the many notable features of the Princeton campus are its iconic dormitories, each with its unique floor plan.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Princeton's floor plans, examining their history, design, and significance.
History
Princeton University was founded in 1746, but it wasn't until the early 20th century that the university began constructing the dormitories that we know today.In the early 1900s, Princeton was transitioning from a small, provincial college to a major university with a national reputation.
To accommodate the growing student body, the university began constructing a series of Gothic-style dormitories, each with its own unique floor plan.
The design of these dormitories was heavily influenced by the work of Ralph Adams Cram,
a prominent architect who had a significant impact on the Gothic Revival movement in America.
Cram was known for his attention to detail, and his designs incorporated intricate stonework, decorative carvings, and other Gothic elements.
Design
Princeton's dormitories are known for their distinctive floor plans, which are designed to promote community and social interaction among students.
Unlike many modern dormitories, which are designed as individual units,
Princeton's dormitories are built around communal spaces such as courtyards, lounges, and dining halls.
One of the most iconic features of Princeton's dormitories is the "entryway."
An entryway is a communal space located on the ground floor of each dormitory.
It typically consists of a large common room, a dining hall, and a kitchen.
Each entryway is designed to be self-contained, with everything students need for daily living located within the space.
This design encourages social interaction among students, as they share meals, study, and relax together.
In addition to the entryway, each dormitory is also designed with a series of interconnected rooms, which are accessed via a central staircase.
The rooms are arranged in a suite-style layout, with several individual bedrooms connected to a shared living space.
This design allows students to have their own private space while still being part of a larger community.
Significance
The floor plans of Princeton's dormitories have played an important role in shaping the university's culture and community.By promoting social interaction and community living, the dormitories have helped create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students.
The entryways, in particular, have become iconic symbols of the Princeton experience.
They are often used as gathering places for social events,
and many students form lasting friendships with their entryway mates.
In some cases, these friendships extend well beyond the college years,
as alumni often stay in touch with their entryway mates and attend reunions together.
Princeton's floor plans have also had a significant impact on the field of architecture.
The dormitories are considered prime examples of Gothic Revival architecture, a style that was popular in the early 20th century.
The intricate stonework, decorative carvings, and other Gothic elements incorporated
into the design of the dormitories have inspired countless architects and designers over the years.
Conclusion
Princeton's floor plans are more than just functional designs for student housing.They are iconic symbols of the university's history, culture, and community.
The dormitories' Gothic architecture and communal living spaces
have had a significant impact on both the Princeton experience and the field of architecture as a whole.
As Princeton continues to evolve and grow, its dormitories will undoubtedly continue
to play a central role in shaping the university's culture and community. And for generations of Princeton students
