Brown University - Liber Brunensis Yearbook (Providence, RI)

Page 26 text:

It hasn't been easy for the new buildings either. Indeed, in some ways the young buildings are the most pathetic victims of the hard times. They never knew the pride of mahogany bannisters, the airi- ness of large rooms, or the warm comfort of solid walls. They were born poor, cramped, cold and odd- ly weak and vulnerable. The Young Orchards, for example, seem at first glance to be arrogant and cocky in their challenge to all aesthetic value. As one gets to know them better, one sees how weak they really are; how quickly their naked, concrete stairs wear down, how delicate their plumbing is, how quickly the newness wears off their tough, unbeautiful rugs and their graceless furniture. One cannot dis- like the Young Orchards, one can only pity them. They are sickly children doomed to an early death.

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Pr L e Some buildings have made an effort to change with the times. The lvy Room went in for the rejuvenation of extensive plastic surgery. It surrendered its bath- room look and took on something of the appearance of a place to eat. The Bryant Dining Hall changed its name and decked itself out in pseudo-brick walls and real wooden booths and became a snack bar. These two were not old places; they were young enough to learn new roles. One wonders if South Hall, as grand and aged as 87 Prospect St., will weather the transformation as well as did its younger neighbors. 21

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-t LS