Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia Architecture

Thomas Jefferson and the University of Virginia Architecture

Thomas Jefferson's legacy extends beyond his role as a Founding Father; his architectural vision profoundly influenced the design of the University of Virginia (UVA). Jefferson's commitment to neoclassical ideals and educational innovation is evident in the university's architectural style and layout, making UVA a significant landmark in American architectural history.

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Thomas Jefferson played a pivotal role in the architectural design of the University of Virginia, showcasing his vision of neoclassical architecture and educational principles.

University of Virginia Architecture Style

What style of architecture is UVA? What is the significance of the architectural history of the University of Virginia? There were many factors affecting the final architectural style of the University of Virginia. Some years before 1810, Jefferson had sketched a plan for the library modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. Another influence was the Marly-le-Roi that overlooked the Seine in Paris that he saw in 1786 while serving as ambassador to France. It has a rectangular design with a principal building at the head and a half-dozen pavilions on every two sides linked by trellises. In an 1810 letter to architect Hugh White, Jefferson wrote that “a university should not be a house but a village,” and arranged “around an open square of grass and trees and would make it, what should be in fact, an academic village.”

What Was the Main Idea Behind Jefferson's design of the University of Virginia?

The question should be what did Thomas Jefferson hope to accomplish with the University of Virginia? To answer the question, we quote him: in an 1816 letter to Virginia Governor Wilson C. Nicholas, Jefferson wrote “The small buildings of a village provided the opportunity to show “models in the architecture of the purest forms of antiquity, furnishing to the student examples of the precepts he will be taught in that art.”
 

Thomas Jefferson started designing the University of Virginia in Charlottesville late in his life. As part of his vision, the education of the common men had always occupied his thoughts for so long. He strongly believed that ignorance is the true enemy of the freedom of the people. 
 

What Type of Art and Architecture did Thomas Jefferson Approve of, the University of Virginia as an Example?

Jefferson’s design for the ground plan was mentioned in detail in the Report of the Commissioners for the University of Virginia in 1818. The report said commissioners favored distinctive pavilions or houses at an appropriate distance on each side of the lawn of sufficient width and of indeterminate length in at least one direction. In each of the houses, there should be a lecture room, with two to four apartments as living quarters for a professor and his family. The pavilions should be joined by a number of sufficient sizes for only two students. 

Before the formal establishment of the university in 1819, Jefferson expanded his plans to include west and east ranges with dining faculties and more dormitories, divided from the main complex by gardens enclosed within winding walls. The total number of pavilions, 10, would have five on each side of the terraced lawn, joined by walkways beside student dormitories running north and south. At the southern end of the rectangle, the design was left open. At the northern end would be the superb Rotunda similar to the Pantheon.
 

Why Was the University of Virginia Created?

Thomas Jefferson had a vision and a brilliant scientific mind. Long Before Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819, he started a revolutionary experiment to advance human knowledge. He wanted to educate leaders as a start.  Therefore, a public university was needed as part of his plan. Two centuries later, his vision is certainly thriving.

Did slaves build the University of Virginia?

Indeed, the building was constructed with slave labor. However, the university was built in the late 19th century - that’s sometime after the abolition of slavery in the United States. It’s true many of those who took part in university construction were African Americans, and yes, they were forced to work without pay. These African Americans, however, were convicted of petty crimes and sentenced to work. It was a common practice at that time to use prisoners as a free workforce. That doesn't justify it of course. The University of Virginia did use the labor of enslaved African Americans for its construction.
 

What is Special About the University of Virginia?

So what is so special about it? When it comes to the University of Virginia, there is a deep sense of history and culture. Because the University of Virginia (UVA), was founded by Thomas Jefferson, that alone makes it a special place. Also, as a public research institution, UVA has a heavy emphasis on its historic founding. It’s in fact one of the few universities in the United States that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Jeffersonian architecture spreading throughout the campus has also led to its ranking as the most beautiful college campus in the country. We believe, however, that the best thing about the University of Virginia is the positive environment and superb quality of education.

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The Rotunda (University of Virginia)

What is the Rotunda at the University of Virginia?

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia is considered an important part of the Historic District. It’s located on The Lawn on the original grounds of the University. It’s believed that Thomas Jefferson specifically designed it to represent the "authority of nature and power of reason".

It was inspired by the design of the Pantheon in Rome. Jefferson's vision was evident in the design of the campus of the university. It was customary at the universities in the English-speaking world that buildings of universities be surrounded by a church. Jefferson, however, designed the University of Virginia’s buildings to surround the library rather than a church. The Rotunda, therefore, strongly symbolizes Jefferson's belief in the separation of church and education. It also shows his deep investment in education and architecture.

Who Designed the Rotunda at the University of Virginia Campus?

With a dome that has a measurement of 77 feet in both height and diameter, the design of the Rotunda was influenced by many factors. The Rotunda is one of the best examples of Architectural Styles of the Early Republic, Neoclassical. The Rotunda at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville is one of the Virginia landmarks. Designed by Thomas Jefferson himself and Architect Stanford White. Also, B. Henry Latrobe was the one who first proposed the domed central building at the head of the Lawn. Latrobe's influence on the design is beyond doubt. Moreover, the Pavilion III final design is greatly based on Latrobe design.

Who Built the UVA Rotunda?

Construction of the UVA Rotunda began in 1822 by the order of Thomas Jefferson, but he didn’t live to see it fully erected as it was completed after his death.

Jefferson's design of the UVA Rotunda was heavily influenced by Andrea Palladio's works. The Rotunda is a great example of Palladian architecture. Also, the drawing of the Pantheon in the 1721 Leoni translation of Palladio is actually the main source of Jefferson's inspiration for the final design. He even boldly used almost the same measurements of the Pantheon to guide the proportions of his own design of the Rotunda.

The Great Rotunda Fire in 1895, and the Rebuilding 

 

On October 27, 1895, a fire caused by faulty wiring in the nearby Annex spread to the Rotunda. The building, unfortunately, was extensively damaged, and the Rotunda was entirely damaged by a disastrous fire. The Rotunda was rebuilt but with a modified design by Stanford White, which came as a shock for many that he didn’t abide by the original design. Also, the Annex was not rebuilt. But in 1976, the White's Rotunda interior was completely destroyed and completely rebuilt to Jefferson's original design. Jefferson's Rotunda, Lawn, and his nearby home at Monticello are considered the best achievement of pure American architecture to date.

 

 

Nowadays, doctoral students of the University of Virginia defend their dissertations in the North Oval Room.  Also, most events are held currently inside the Dome Room itself. Other events sometimes are held on the steps of the Rotunda outside.

The Rotunda went through a long series of extensive construction, repair, renovation, and rebuilding from 1976 up until 2012-2016

 

There are many great buildings that were designed with the inspiration from the Rotunda and Lawn such as:

• The expansive green spaces at Duke University were built in 1892
• The entire Johns Hopkins University in 1902
• The University of Illinois in 1907
• The Rice University in 1910
• Peabody College of Vanderbilt University in 1915
• The Green at the University of Delaware in 1916
• The Killian Court in 1916
• The "Grand Auditorium" of Tsinghua University in Beijing in 1917

The Rotunda was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 and is part of the University of Virginia Historic District, designated in 1971.
 

Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Jefferson and University of Virginia Architecture

1. Is the University of Virginia a good choice for studying architecture?

Yes, the University of Virginia offers a renowned architecture program influenced by Thomas Jefferson's neoclassical designs, providing students with an excellent environment to study architectural principles.

2. What architectural style did Thomas Jefferson employ at the University of Virginia?

Thomas Jefferson primarily utilized the neoclassical architectural style at the University of Virginia, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and classical elements inspired by ancient Greek and Roman architecture.

3. What role did Thomas Jefferson play in the establishment of the University of Virginia?

Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in founding and designing the University of Virginia. He conceived the university as an academical village, envisioning a unique architectural layout centered around the Rotunda and Pavilions.

4. What is the architectural style of the University of Virginia?

The University of Virginia's architectural style is predominantly neoclassical, characterized by classical motifs, symmetrical layouts, and monumental scale. Jefferson's designs for central buildings exemplify neoclassical principles and his vision for higher education.

5. Why did Thomas Jefferson establish the University of Virginia?

Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia to create an institution of higher learning embodying his vision of democratic education, emphasizing liberal arts, scientific inquiry, and knowledge for the public good.

6. What is Thomas Jefferson's connection to the University of Virginia?

Thomas Jefferson played a central role in founding and designing the University of Virginia. He envisioned the university as an academical village, overseeing its architectural layout and advocating for innovative educational principles.

7. How did Jeffersonian design influence the University of Virginia?

Jeffersonian design, inspired by neoclassical principles, profoundly influenced the architecture of the University of Virginia. His designs for key structures like the Rotunda and Pavilions created an iconic academic environment that continues to shape the university's identity.

8. Which famous document did Jefferson create?

Thomas Jefferson is best known for drafting the Declaration of Independence, a historic document that declared America's independence from British rule and asserted principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance.

9. What is the early history of the University of Virginia under Thomas Jefferson?

Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia aimed to provide secular education and intellectual freedom. Jefferson's unique architectural vision, centered around the Rotunda and Academical Village, distinguished the institution.

10. What is neoclassical architecture, and how does it relate to the University of Virginia?

Neoclassical architecture, characterized by classical motifs and principles, is exemplified in the University of Virginia's design. Jefferson's neoclassical style, seen in the Rotunda and Pavilions, reflects his admiration for classical ideals.

11. What is the UVA Jefferson Scholarship?

The UVA Jefferson Scholarship is a prestigious merit-based award given to exceptional undergraduate students at the University of Virginia, honoring Thomas Jefferson's commitment to excellence in education.

12. What were some of Thomas Jefferson's accomplishments?

Thomas Jefferson's achievements include serving as the third President of the United States, drafting the Declaration of Independence, founding the University of Virginia, and contributing to American democracy, architecture, and science.