Masonry Magazine October 1985 Page. 39
About Our Cover
The Mayer Campus Center, Tufts University's new student center, designed by Jung/Brannen Associates, Inc., won the 1985 New England Masonry Design Award for overall architectural excellence as judged by an independent AIA jury. This yearly awards program is sponsored by the International Masonry Institute's Regional Office in Boston. The judging was conducted through the auspices of the Boston Society of Architects and the jury consisted of six practicing architects nominated by the BSA. Selection of the Mayer Center for overall masonry design excellence was unanimous. The jurors commented that "... the building makes a very strong statement through its decorative brickwork. In its entirety, the detailing is complete and it is carried well throughout the building. The polychroming of brick coupled with the natural tones of wood details complement each other, providing a classic base for the walls and roof. Beyond this first impression of the building, the detailing takes on an introspective dimension, a multi-layered effect. Closer examination reveals more and yet more crafted detail..."
In a recently published architectural review, Robert Campbell, Boston Globe critic for architecture, stated, "... the message is that is not as much an institutional building as it is a warm, sheltering large house, respectful of tradition and of craft... A dark brown brick is set into the basic orange brick in horizontal stripes and emblem patterns that give a surprising richness and dignity at very little cost."
"All buildings should have a richness of decoration," according to Jung/Brannen's chief designer, Robert Hsiung. He further states: "Ornament and detailing are an important element in the exterior design of the Campus Center. Brick patterning was chosen as a cost-effective way to achieve richness in a building designed with natural materials. Brick, the common denominator linking the varied architecture at Tufts, was selected in two colors that represent a cross-section of the many shades found on campus." Stronghold Masonry, Inc. of Wayland, Mass., was the mason contractor.
The Elizabeth Van Huysen Mayer Center, as it is formally known, is actually the first phase of a larger student center complex. This 28,500 sq. ft. building currently incorporates various student organizations; student government offices, public dining areas, cozy study lounges, conference rooms, an alcohol-free "tavern," and the campus information center.
With a staff of 170, Jung/Brannen Associates, Inc. is one of Boston's largest architectural, planning and interior design firms. Since its inception in 1968, the firm has designed projects in varying sizes and complexity for a distinguished group of clients throughout the country.
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MASONRY-SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER, 1985 35