The University Auditorium

Gainesville’s Very Own Notre Dame

The University Auditorium is located at 333 Newell Drive Gainesville, FL. Built in the early 1920’s the auditorium is an exquisite example of Collegiate Gothic style architecture. Designed by William Edwards, the building is patterned after both London’s 11^th century Westminster Hall and the 19^th century Central Lobby in the Houses of Parliament. The University Auditorium is extremely versatile serving as a chapel and assembly hall, while also functioning as a performing arts center. In 1953 the University Auditorium’s Century Tower was added in honor of the University of Florida’s centennial (Teague, Edward H. “Collegiate Gothic Style – UF BUILDS: The Architecture of the University of Florida.” Collegiate Gothic Style -UF BUILDS: The Architecture of the University of Florida. N.p., 31 Aug. 1999. Web. 22 Oct. 2016). The University Auditorium is part of the University of Florida Campus Historic District, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

The University Auditorium contains various architectural features which characterize it as a Gothic style building. Exterior ornamentation of the building includes the presence of gargoyles and numerous large soaring spires that ascend upwards, emphasizing the verticality of the building (see fig.1). The entrances into the interior of the space are recessed and framed by pointed arches. On the interior, large pointed arch windows with delicate tracery surround the walls of the building and emit light into the auditorium. Along the wall is a large prominent stained glass window, characteristic to Gothic architecture. Overhead is a vaulted, wooden decorated hammer beam ceiling. Located at the end of each hammer beam is a gargoyle which represents the pursuit of academic, athletic and professional success (Historic Architecture Sourcebook.  Edited by Cyril M. Harris.  (New York: McGraw-Hill:  1977).In order to enhance acoustics, an acoustical cloud hangs eighty feet above the stage. The interior and exterior of the University Auditorium beautifully represent the key characteristics of Gothic architecture.

The Gothic style of design was prominent between 1132 – ca 1500. The Gothic style emerged from the Romanesque architectural style and emphasized verticality and light. New construction and architectural techniques including the creation of buttresses, the pointed arch and ribbed vaults, allowing for the dematerialization of walls through the incorporation of large stained glass windows, and the creation of tall soaring spaces. The Gothic cathedral physically represented the spiritual emotions felt by individuals rather than representing logic and reason (Cunningham, September 28, 2016). The Gothic style enabled architecture to be functional, while also being esthetic and beautiful.