Architecture

"The upward reach of truth and beauty and the deep seated striving of the human mind and heart for an ideal lying far above things common place and material". This quote from "New Norman Gothic 'Mount St. Olaf'" is particularly significant. It is significant in that it juxtaposes traditional Gothic architecture with modern and contemporary styles. This quote suggests that tall buildings parallel an institution's strive for greatness and ultimate truth. St. Olaf does not have many tall buildings. Hoyme Hall only has four floors, yet is expansive in length. The lack of height of the buildings at St. Olaf does not mean that St. Olaf College and its students are in search of truth. In fact, I would suggest that Oles are more interested in ideals than many comparable college students. I think that the elaborate architecture of Olaf's buildings speak to this point. The meticulous Gothic architecture seen across campus symbolizes the traditional virtues instilled in Oles. Modern houses and buildings in America are sometimes tall and sometimes short, but have in common a type of simple and straightforward architecture. I will go so far to suggest that the people living in these houses are simple-minded, in terms of not pursuing a higher knowledge and sticking to what they know. In conclusion, I think that the architecture of a building is more important than size or height and that the style of the buildings at St. Olaf complements the beliefs of this wonderful school.