Brown University Computing Laboratory: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 01:22, 3 December 2023

Revision as of 01:40, 3 December 2023

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[[File:Computing_Laboratory,_Brown_University_(cropped)Computing Laboratory 1964.jpg|thumb|Brown Computing Laboratory circa 1964]]

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

[[File:Watson_Plaque.jpg|thumb|Dedication Plaque]]The '''Brown University Computing Laboratory''' is an academic building of [[Brown University]] located at 180 George Street<ref>{{Cite web |title=180 George Street at Brown University for Center for Computation and Visualization « LLB Architects {{!}} Lerner Ladds Bartels |url=http://llbarch.com/projects/higher-education/180-george-street/ |access-date=2023-04-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> in [[Providence, Rhode Island]]. It was built in 19611960 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 that was obtained through grants from the National Science Foundation and the IBM Corporation. On a wall in the main lobby hangs a tapestry given by Philip Johnson after a design by [[Arshile Gorky]]. The building was dedicated on January 12, 1961.

According to 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">{{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>

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Once the lab no longer housed the university mainframe computer, the first floor became a dedicated space for a virtual reality environment known 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 to house the Computer Science Department. 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. The basement was remodeled with graduate student offices and a small lounge.

== References ==