Funkhouser

The Funkhouser building on UK's campus houses not only the college of interiors but also the various administrative offices essential for freshman or those new to the campus. The pattern along the facade is typical Palladian style, and has an exaggerated pathway leading up to the doors that seems to demand its significance. Symmetry is prominent leading up to the building and throughout the details along the front, alluding to the order and status that signify higher education. The materials used to express the features of the building relate to other buildings on and around campus, creating a sense of community on small and large scales.

The building having a classical air to it sets the foundation for the campus as a whole. It represents tradition and solidity, so making it a centralized building in turn creates that kind of identity for UK. Although modernized buildings continue to populate the campus, Funkhouser holds ground, and retains some consistency with the sense of place of Lexington.

I think the open arrangement of the seating in the lobby that has splitting traffic creates a nice atmosphere. It's simple, not too intimidating, and yet sophisticated. The Barcelona chairs give off a sense of maturity and refinement. The chairs themselves give a modern feel contrasting the exterior of the building, illustrating the projection of education and maturation. It tells a story of the average college student's journey into adulthood in these small details, and is appropriate for this type of building.

Funkhouser is where I retreat when it is cold outside and I have time to kill. I go to the lobby and lounge on the easy-back Barcelona chairs, or go to the basement where there are side benches that allow for privacy and space in and away from the elements. The coming and going of students in the lobby area creates human interaction in small doses, while the basement is more secluded. The contrasting experiences within one building cater to the different moods I may be in. I am not too familiar with all of the student areas on campus but from what I've experienced thus far, Funkhouser is most comfortable in my opinion.