Marshall University Architectural Guide
by Carlos Bozzoli, Architect
The John Deaver Drinko Academy

Parking Garage

  
View from east
  
Current use:
Car Parking facility.
Location: 
East side of inner campus.
Designers:
Bastian & Harris, Architects, Charleston, WV.
Completed: 
2002

One of the last buildings enterprises of MU, this is a typical functional building, but because of its size and strategic position as one comes East to West through 3rd Avenue, it plays the role as a landmark advising that one is entering close of MU campus. The building was done with pre-cast concrete technology, and its construction time was very short (only 5 months). Each corner has a staircase and elevators, and near the Southwest border there is a huge bridge that crosses above 3rd.Ave and connects to the Cam Henderson Center. This bridge is a pedestrian connection but is an important landmark as well, like a triumphal arch.
In its axis a giant M sign (for Marshall) appears to welcome all visitors.

View of the bridge from 3rd.Avenue looking west

The expression of the building has neat, clear connection links, which comes from its pre-cast and pre-manufactured building pieces, reminding a giant Meccano-like structure. This is a contrasting feature regarding others MU buildings.