Tuesday, July 05, 2005
But I Never Saw the Good Side of the City
Back when I parked over by Criser, I never really appreciated the beauty of the University of Florida campus. My trip from the parking garage to the office went by several dozen buildings constructed since the mid-70s, which showcase the design styles of those period and that are about as attractive as slabs of concrete (in fact, there is an art sculpture right next to the architecture building that consists of a bike stuck in a concrete block).
Amazing how changing buildings can change one's perspective. Sure, Turlington Hall does resemble in an respects the nuclear-proof bunker it was designed to be, but the walk from the lot to this post-modern clunker goes straight through the oldest section of campus, and the artistry that went into building these halls and dormitories is amazing. Every nook and cranny contains some bas relief depicting the history of the college and the state of Florida. The landscapes are meticulously maintained with lovely hedges and shade trees. A bubbling fountain playfully throws water into an open plaza. It is quite a pleasant way to come to work.
Going back to my car is quite another matter. By then, Florida's summer thundershowers have begun, and the lack of proper drainage soon becomes evident as the roads and walkways that meander through the old campus becomes one large puddle. Beauty and tranquility come at the price of soggy socks and trousers.
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