Location:
T171 .G42 G49x 1888-1899

Title:
Shops, Textiles, Academic Building

Date:
1899?

Content:
Outdoor image of the Shop Building, the Textile Building, and the Academic Building.

History:
This photograph provides an early view of the Georgia Tech campus: the first two buildings--the Academic and Shop Buildings, as well as the Textile Building, an important addition to the school's industry-based curriculum. From Warren Drury's thesis: The original two buildings at Georgia Tech, the Academic Building (now Administration Building or "Tech Tower") and the Shop Building (since removed), were designed during the end of the Victorian Age. American architecture of this time was strongly influenced by the English "High Victorian" Movement of the third quarter of this century. Designed by the architectural firm of Bruce and Morgan, a firm considered the most prestigious civic architecture firm in Atlanta and the Southeast region at the time. On April 21, 1892, the original Shop Building was destroyed by fire. According to Drury, the new building, substantially completed by the end of 1892, "reflected a shift in architectural values. The new building shed its Victorian ornament and tower and in its place a more harmonious, balanced and reposed classical spirit emanated. The building was reduced from three stories to two." Although many design considerations were dictated by cost, the new building also reflected the growing dominance of research and study over practical apprenticeship. The school came under increasing pressure to cease bidding on manufacturing projects, since the free labor provided by students gave the school a strong competitive edge. Enrollment dropped to an all time low after the fire. "Architecturally, the Textile Building is a simple, inexpensive industrial structure and in its textile manufacturing function is extremely successful. Modeled after small new England Textile mills, the school commission reflected the Bostonian Lockwood Greene's experience in mill design." According to the Announcement of 1898-99, "The department offers unexcelled advantages to the young man who intends to enter the textile industry. We believe that the student, on graduating, should have a sound foundation in engineering subjects as well as in the branches relating directly to the textile trade. Besides the usual subjects given in the textile schools, such as carding, spinning, weaving, designing, and dyeing, extensive courses in mathematics, English, chemistry, physics, mechanism, mechanics, drawing, strength of materials, steam-engine, electrical work, mill construction, and shop work. Instruction in all branches will be given by means of lectures, recitations, demonstrations, and practice on the splendid equipment of the loom."