College of Education Building, University of Wyoming

The college of education building, designed by Porter and Bradley of Cheyenne and constructed in 1949, included not only laboratories and classrooms but also a kindergarten, modern clinical facilities, an auditorium and gymnasium. The structure’s classrooms also boasted the inclusion of the then seemingly modern green chalkboard.

            Architecturally the building was designed with a low, wide profile. The flat roofs, modular design, coursed ashlar stonework, and exposed concrete, all maintain the mid-century modern aesthetic. Incorporated planter boxes help soften the entrances, while a large green front lawn area creates a leisurely atmosphere. The classroom wing’s ribbon windows, with their incorporated glass blocks, metal shade awnings, and ceiling level height, most clearly reflect the period’s modern design characteristics. Indeed the juxtaposition of a vertical entrance way with a characteristically horizontal building was also typical of the time. Smaller side entrances can also be found to host stone privacy walls.

            As demonstrated in the 1949 year book picture, the structure has an almost symmetrical, classical-plan central portion, which contains the auditorium, offices and classrooms. One can note the quintessential post World War II classroom building extending to the east, and the gymnasium behind.  The bas relief sculpture on the façade was designed by Robert Russin and the curve of the entry provides the contrasting forms that are so typical of mid-century modern design.