Brown University Computing Laboratory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 03:38, 29 January 2022

Revision as of 00:21, 10 February 2022

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[[File:Computing_Laboratory_Brown_University.jpg|thumb|The Brown University Computing Laboratory south face]]

[[File:Computing_Laboratory,_Brown_University_(cropped).jpg|thumb|Brown Computing Laboratory]]

[[File:Computing_Laboratory_west_wall.jpg|thumb|remnant of original name of the building on the west face]]

[[File:Watson_Plaque.jpg|thumb|Dedication Plaque]]The '''Brown University Computing Laboratory''' is an academic building of [[Brown University]] 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]], 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 GorkiGorky]].<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>

[[File:Watson_Plaque.jpg|thumb|Dedication Plaque]]

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

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 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]], 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 classroom, 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>

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== References ==

{{Reflist}}

<references />

[[Category:Philip Johnson buildings]]

[[Category:Brown University]]