Hepner Hall
Encyclopedia
Hepner Hall, designed by the senior architectural designer of the California Division of the State Architect, Howard Spencer Hazen, and completed in 1931, is the iconic academic building in the center of San Diego State University (SDSU)
's campus, just north of Malcolm A. Love Library
at the entrance to the Campanile Walkway and main quad.
Hepner Hall is home to SDSU's School of Social Work
, along with the Department of Gerontology and the University Center on Aging. Several faculty offices and research centers also are housed in Hepner Hall, along with an assortment of classrooms and lecture halls.
, which are framed by turquoise and white tile. Two massive turrets frame the Catalonian-style archway
, which is topped by an Mission-style
bell tower
(campanario). Inside the archway is a ribbed Moorish-style
arch vaulted ceiling with a simulated Moorish wrought iron lantern hanging from its center.
.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...
's campus, just north of Malcolm A. Love Library
Malcolm A. Love Library
Malcolm A. Love Library , opened in 1971, is the primary academic library building on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California...
at the entrance to the Campanile Walkway and main quad.
Hepner Hall is home to SDSU's School of Social Work
San Diego State University College of Health & Human Services
The College of Health and Human Services faculty, through advising, teaching, and supervising, offers students academic study, field placement, clinical experiences, and research opportunities. The College offers professional education in the health and human service disciplines...
, along with the Department of Gerontology and the University Center on Aging. Several faculty offices and research centers also are housed in Hepner Hall, along with an assortment of classrooms and lecture halls.
Symbol of the SDSU campus
Hepner Hall is the symbol of the campus, with its Mission Revival Style architecture, open-faced bell tower and archway. It is the most photographed building on campus. The tower bells are rung only once a year, during the yearly commencement ceremonies.SDSU logo and seal
Hepner Hall is the centerpiece of SDSU's revised logo and presidential seal, which were unveiled in 2004.Architecture
Entrance to the building is gained through the building's impressive portalesPortal (architecture)
Portal is a general term describing an opening in the walls of a building, gate or fortification, and especially a grand entrance to an important structure. Doors, metal gates or portcullis in the opening can be used to control entry or exit. The surface surrounding the opening may be made of...
, which are framed by turquoise and white tile. Two massive turrets frame the Catalonian-style archway
Catalan vault
The Catalan vault, also called the Catalan turn or Catalan arch or a timbrel vault, is a type of low arch made of plain bricks often used to make a structural floor surface...
, which is topped by an Mission-style
Mission Revival Style architecture
The Mission Revival Style was an architectural movement that began in the late 19th century for a colonial style's revivalism and reinterpretation, which drew inspiration from the late 18th and early 19th century Spanish missions in California....
bell tower
Bell tower
A bell tower is a tower which contains one or more bells, or which is designed to hold bells, even if it has none. In the European tradition, such a tower most commonly serves as part of a church and contains church bells. When attached to a city hall or other civic building, especially in...
(campanario). Inside the archway is a ribbed Moorish-style
Moorish Revival
Moorish Revival or Neo-Moorish is one of the exotic revival architectural styles that were adopted by architects of Europe and the Americas in the wake of the Romanticist fascination with all things oriental...
arch vaulted ceiling with a simulated Moorish wrought iron lantern hanging from its center.
History
One of the original buildings on the SDSU campus, originally Hepner Hall was the Arts and Letters Building. It was renamed in 1976 in honor of Walter R. Hepner, President of the university from 1935 to 1952. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
See also
- Aztec CenterAztec CenterThe Aztec Student Union is a student union under construction in the center of San Diego State University's campus, just east of Malcolm A. Love Library. The Aztec Student Union was known as the Aztec Center from 1960-2011, when it was demolished for the Aztec Student Union...
- Hardy Memorial TowerHardy Memorial TowerHardy Memorial Tower at San Diego State University, constructed as a Works Progress Administration project in 1931, is 11 stories tall; it contains the Fletcher Symphonic Carillon , consisting of 204 bells over 6 octaves...
- Malcolm A. Love LibraryMalcolm A. Love LibraryMalcolm A. Love Library , opened in 1971, is the primary academic library building on the campus of San Diego State University in San Diego, California...
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego State UniversitySan Diego State University , founded in 1897 as San Diego Normal School, is the largest and oldest higher education facility in the greater San Diego area , and is part of the California State University system...