MIT Campus

This post is going to focus on MIT's campus, specifically Killian court and the Kresge oval. What is interesting about the site in general is that it had so many different types of architecture that create different types of spaces, it feels as though you move from one campus to the next.

Focusing on Killian court firstly, it is important to note that this was the original entrance to MIT's campus. After adjusting with the major paths of travel, and taking into consideration the bus route, they moved the entrance to the side of the building, where it is today.

Another interesting thing that effects the spaces is that the campus backs right up next to the Charles river, so visually the boundary extends beyond that and the other side of the river becomes the 'ending wall'. Below is a sketch illustrating that:



Killian court is quite large and is oozing with symmetry. The classical style with columns and pediments make the space feel monumental. Grassy open areas flanked by trees and bushes define the space.



Below is a sketch of how the bushes flank an entrance and are manicured to be symmetrical and not obstruct any views across the river.



Here is a plan of the space:



There is a mirror line that you can draw that runs the length of the space, and that is the defining point of the symmetry.


Next, we went to Kresge circle, an area just south of Killian court. It was so interesting to see the two spaces and compare them, because they both have elements of symmetry, yet they feel vastly different.

Here is a view of the space and the boundaries that the building create :



Here is a plan of the space. You can see that symmetry is trying to be achieved and that the 'oval' gets interrupted by the buildings. This creates a very interesting condition:


This view is looking towards the chapel. It represents a clear boundary of trees and buildings across the street. Notice that the prudential center is also in view in the background:


There are all different types of architecture that is occurring within the space. The interesting thing is how it all works together and how the symmetry is disturbed:



Overall, Killian court and Kresge circle have a lot in common if you look at their plan view. They both have elements of symmetry. They both have buildings flanking and defining borders. They also both have open space. But the defining elements in Killian court are the stark classical architecture and the apparent mirror line that is evident. In Kresge circle, it is the disturbance of symmetry and placement of various types of architecture that make the space unique.