Brown University Computing Laboratory: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 01:39, 25 January 2022

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[[File:Gorki tapestry.png|thumb|Gorki tapestry]]

The Brown University Computing Laboratory is located at 180 George Street in Providence, Rhode Island. It was built in 1961 and designed by noted architect [[Philip Johnson]]. The building was funded through a donation by the family of [[Thomas J. Watson|Thomas J. Watson,]], Sr. and dedicated to his memory. It was designed to house the IBM 7070 which was obtained through grants from the National Science Foundation and the IBM Corporation. On a wall in the main lobby hung a tapestry given by Philip Johnson after a design by [[Arshile Gorki]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Encyclopedia Brunoniana {{!}} Computing Laboratory|url=https://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/Databases/Encyclopedia/search.php?serial=C0680|access-date=2021-10-19|website=www.brown.edu}}</ref>

According to [https://www.brown.edu/Administration/News_Bureau/Databases/Encyclopedia/search.php?serial=C0680 the Encyclopedia Brunoniana,], Philip Johnson wrote, “I conceived the Brown Computing Laboratory as a ''porticus'' – a porch – to emphasize its importance as a technical center, its unique setting in the cityscape and its dignity as a memorial building. Though neo-Classical, therefore in conception, the materials and the design of the columns are quite contemporary. Only precast stone could have been used to form the X’s of the entablature; only plate glass could render the porch usable in New England. By use of the red granite chips, I thought to harmonize the Laboratory with the 19th century which surrounds it.” <ref name=":0" />

The machine room, a class room, and meeting rooms were on the first floor and staff offices and storage rooms were in the basement. Also on the first floor was a dedicated space for a virtual reality environment know as the YURT.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Virtual reality kindles a new way to learn|url=https://sciencenode.org/feature/virtual-reality-brings-real-advantages--and--real-challenges.php|access-date=2021-10-19|website=Science Node}}</ref>.

In 1988 the Applied Mathematics Division became the primary occupant after a new Center for Information Technology building was opened. Subsequently, the Center for Computation and Visualization<ref>{{Cite web|title=Center for Computation and Visualization Brown University|url=https://bulletin.brown.edu/centerforcomputationandvisualization/|access-date=2021-10-19|website=bulletin.brown.edu}}</ref> became the primary occupant.