The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Science Center Amphitheater

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Science Center Amphitheater (side view), Saint Vincent College

Science Center Amphitheater (front facade), Saint Vincent College

Science Center Amphitheater (detail, front facade), Saint Vincent College

Institution Name: Saint Vincent College
Original/Historic Place Name: Science Center Amphitheater
Location on Campus:
Date(s) of Construction:

1969	original construction Tasso Katselas Architects
1989	expansion

Designer: Tasso Katselas Architects
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Modern/post-WWII (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education, engineering, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: cement

Walls: brick

Roof: flat

Function:

ca. 1969-present (2006)	academic department building (biology, chemistry, physics)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	academic department building (computer science)
ca. 2004-present (2006)	theater (amphitheater used for speaker forums, concerts, and plays)

Narrative:
Built in 1969 and enlarged in 1989, the building complex is in need of major repairs. Although the laboratories have been updated on a regular basis, the physical plant has not.

The 5 buildings in this complex are important because of their educational usage and availability for cultural and educational outreach to the general public. Furthermore, this complex has significantly influenced other major buildings and campuses, e.g. the Community College of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), elementary schools in the region, and the Pittsburgh International Airport.

References:

Schmertz, Mildred F., ed. Campus Planning and Design. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1972.