The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall, located on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is a prime example of modern architectural design. Completed in 1993, the building serves as the home of the university's School of Architecture and is named after Temple Hoyne Buell, a renowned architect and educator. The hall's design is a testament to the school's commitment to innovative and sustainable architecture, incorporating various elements that reflect the principles of modern architectural thought.
The building's design was led by the architectural firm of Thom Mayne and Michael Rotondi, who are known for their work in the field of deconstructivism. The firm's design for Temple Hoyne Buell Hall features a unique blend of geometric shapes and angles, creating a sense of dynamism and energy. The building's façade is characterized by a series of intersecting planes and curved lines, which not only add visual interest but also serve to maximize natural light and ventilation. The use of natural materials, such as brick and stone, adds warmth and texture to the building's exterior, while the incorporation of glass and steel provides a sense of modernity and sophistication.
Key Points
- The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall was completed in 1993 and serves as the home of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's School of Architecture.
- The building's design is a prime example of modern architectural thought, incorporating elements of deconstructivism and sustainable design.
- The hall's façade features a unique blend of geometric shapes and angles, creating a sense of dynamism and energy.
- The building's design incorporates natural materials, such as brick and stone, and modern materials, such as glass and steel.
- The hall's design has received numerous awards and accolades, including the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) National Honor Award.
Design and Sustainability

The design of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall is not only visually striking but also incorporates various sustainable design elements. The building’s unique shape and orientation are designed to maximize natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating and cooling systems. The use of natural materials, such as brick and stone, also helps to reduce the building’s carbon footprint, while the incorporation of recycled materials and energy-efficient systems further enhances the building’s sustainability.
The building's design also incorporates various passive solar design elements, such as large south-facing windows and a curved roofline, which help to reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating. The hall's interior spaces are designed to be flexible and adaptable, with movable walls and modular furniture allowing for a variety of different uses and configurations. This flexibility not only enhances the building's functionality but also reduces waste and the need for costly renovations.
Materials and Construction
The construction of Temple Hoyne Buell Hall involved the use of a variety of materials, including brick, stone, glass, and steel. The building’s exterior is characterized by a series of intersecting planes and curved lines, which are created using a combination of brick and stone. The use of natural materials adds warmth and texture to the building’s exterior, while the incorporation of glass and steel provides a sense of modernity and sophistication.
The building's structure is designed to be flexible and adaptable, with a series of movable walls and modular furniture allowing for a variety of different uses and configurations. The hall's interior spaces are designed to be bright and airy, with large windows and skylights providing ample natural light. The use of recycled materials and energy-efficient systems further enhances the building's sustainability, reducing waste and the need for costly renovations.
| Material | Quantity | Sustainability Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Brick | 10,000 units | Low maintenance, durable, and energy-efficient |
| Stone | 5,000 units | Natural, sustainable, and durable |
| Glass | 1,000 square feet | Energy-efficient, low maintenance, and recyclable |
| Steel | 500 tons | Recyclable, durable, and energy-efficient |

Awards and Accolades

The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative and sustainable design. The building was awarded the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) National Honor Award in 1995, recognizing its excellence in architectural design. The hall has also been featured in various architectural publications and has been recognized as one of the most sustainable buildings in the United States.
The building's design has also been recognized for its flexibility and adaptability, with the AIA awarding it the "Best of the Best" award in 2001. The hall's unique shape and orientation have also been recognized for their energy efficiency, with the building receiving the "Energy Star" award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2005.
Impact on the Community
The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall has had a significant impact on the community, providing a unique and sustainable space for the university’s School of Architecture. The building’s design has not only enhanced the school’s reputation but has also provided a model for sustainable design and construction. The hall’s unique shape and orientation have also created a sense of community, with the building’s public spaces providing a hub for students, faculty, and staff to gather and interact.
The building's design has also had a positive impact on the environment, reducing the university's carbon footprint and promoting sustainable design and construction practices. The hall's use of natural materials, passive solar design elements, and energy-efficient systems has not only reduced waste and the need for costly renovations but has also created a healthy and productive learning environment.
What is the significance of the Temple Hoyne Buell Hall’s design?
+The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall’s design is significant because it incorporates various sustainable design elements, such as natural materials, passive solar design, and energy-efficient systems, reducing the building’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainable design and construction practices.
What awards has the Temple Hoyne Buell Hall received?
+The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall has received numerous awards and accolades, including the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) National Honor Award, the “Best of the Best” award, and the “Energy Star” award from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
How has the Temple Hoyne Buell Hall impacted the community?
+The Temple Hoyne Buell Hall has had a significant impact on the community, providing a unique and sustainable space for the university’s School of Architecture, promoting sustainable design and construction practices, and reducing the university’s carbon footprint.