Clapp Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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George Hubbard Clapp Hall
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Clapp Hall, home of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh
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| Built | 1956 |
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| Architect | Trautwein & Howard |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| Part of | Schenley Farms Historic District (ID83002213) |
| Added to NRHP | July 22, 1983 |
George Hubbard Clapp Hall is an important building at the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is part of the Schenley Farms Historic District, a special area recognized for its history. This six-story building was finished in 1956. It was designed by architects Trautwein & Howard in a style called Gothic Revival.
Today, Clapp Hall is the main home for the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Biological Sciences. This means it's where students learn about living things. The building has many labs, classrooms, and even a greenhouse. It also has a large lecture hall with 404 seats, shaped like an amphitheater.
Contents
Discovering Clapp Hall's Design
Clapp Hall was designed by Trautwein & Howard. This firm took over from Charles Klauder, who designed other famous buildings at the university. These include the Cathedral of Learning, Stephen Foster Memorial, and Heinz Memorial Chapel.
A Mix of Old and New Styles
The outside and inside of Clapp Hall show a mix of styles. It combines Collegiate Gothic and Art Deco. Collegiate Gothic looks like old European castles. Art Deco is a more modern style with sleek lines.
The building has a unique entrance placed at an angle. This entrance lines up perfectly with the Cathedral of Learning. The stone archway of Clapp Hall frames the view of the Cathedral.
Matching the Cathedral of Learning
Clapp Hall is covered in a special kind of stone called Indiana Limestone. This stone matches the material used on the Cathedral of Learning. This helps the buildings look like they belong together.
The windows in Clapp Hall are made of aluminum. Some people think this is a quiet way to honor George Hubbard Clapp. He was a very important person in the aluminum industry. The building is named after him.
Modern Touches Inside
The lobby of Clapp Hall looks very modern with its Art Deco style. It has shiny terrazzo floors and stainless steel doors. This is different from the outside, which looks more traditional. This mix of styles might show that the designers tried to balance old and new ideas.
The History of Clapp Hall
Originally, Clapp Hall was planned for a different spot. It was supposed to be next to the Cathedral of Learning. This area is known as the Cathedral lawn. However, people worried about adding too many buildings to this open space. So, the plans changed. Clapp Hall was built across Fifth Avenue instead. This decision helped keep the Cathedral lawn open and clear.
Building the Hall
The land for Clapp Hall was bought in 1953. It cost $675,000. This money was a gift to the university from a charitable trust. Construction began in 1954 and the building was finished in 1956.
The six-story building cost $2.5 million to build. At first, it was only used for freshman chemistry classes. But soon, other science departments moved in. Clapp Hall is connected to Langley and Crawford Halls. Together, they form a group of three buildings called the Clapp/Langley/Crawford Complex. In 2004, the triangular area outside Clapp Hall was updated. It now has trees and benches for people to enjoy.
Who Was George Hubbard Clapp?
The building is named after George Hubbard Clapp (1858–1949). He was a student at the University of Pittsburgh, graduating in 1877. He also served as the president of the university's Board of Trustees for over 40 years. Clapp was a key figure in the early production of aluminum. He also helped start the Aluminum Company of America.
What Clapp Hall is Used For
Clapp Hall is a busy place for science students. It has many labs where students do experiments. There are also classrooms for lectures and discussions. The large lecture hall can hold 404 people.
On the fourth floor, there is a greenhouse. This greenhouse is mostly used for teaching students about plants. In the past, Clapp Hall housed many different science departments. These included Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Metallurgy, and Chemical Engineering. Today, it is mainly home to the Department of Biological Sciences.
| Preceded by Scaife Hall |
University of Pittsburgh Buildings Clapp Hall Constructed: 1956 |
Succeeded by Parran Hall |
