Brown's Architects Should Go Back to the Drawing Board - Fraser Lang

Brown's Architects Should Go Back to the Drawing Board - Fraser Lang

The current controversy over Brown University’s proposed five-story dormitory complex on Brook Street in Fox Point is not the first and nor will it be the last time that the university and its neighbors are in conflict over building plans. 

A thriving educational institution must expand to fulfill its mission. But it may be difficult for those living in proximity to embrace these changes. So the university needs to be sensitive to the scale and design of its buildings. They should be appropriate to the surrounding area. Compromise is required. The neighbors must feel they are being heard, which is certainly not the case with the Brook Street dorm proposal.

Likewise, the neighbors need to acknowledge that they may not get everything they desire. 

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

That the University is in the midst of an historic neighborhood contributes mightily to its appeal. And indeed, Brown’s presence greatly enhances the College Hill historic district and Providence in general.  

The proposed dormitory is next to the Vartan Gregorian Quad which, while not an architectural masterpiece, has a design in sympathy with the neighborhood. The proposed structure, on the other hand, features sharp angles, windows without casings and an overall harsh aura. It would be sorely out of place with its historic surroundings. 

Brown’s  Nelson Fitness Center, on Hope Street, is a fine example of building something that enhances rather than detracts from the neighborhood. On the other hand, the proposed dormitory structure on Brook Street would have little in common with its neighboring buildings. It would mar the streetscape. Something appears to be missing in the process by which the University evaluates building designs.

I had the privilege of serving as an alumni trustee of Brown and have had the additional perspective of residing in the neighborhood. I was surprised to see that the current 53-member Brown Corporation includes only four members with Rhode Island addresses; Brown’s president, Christina Paxson, is among them. It makes sense that Brown, a global institution, would reflect that geographic diversity in its leadership. However, it also means that the vast majority of Corporation members will not have to live with the ramifications of Brown’s building decisions. 

This is not the first time that I have voiced my concerns about Brown’s building plans. I recall a Corporation meeting that included a discussion of plans for a new building on Lloyd Avenue to house the physical-plant employees I suggested that the university avoid a repeat of the Pizzatola Gymnasium, whose back wall is a windowless expanse of orange concrete looming above Lloyd and is an affront to Moses Brown School, across the street, and to all who must pass by. 

Competing interests of town and gown will continue. If Brown wants to remain competitive in higher education, it will need to continue to expand and update its facilities. But those who live close to the campus have a right to express concerns. Both sides need to listen and realize that compromise can produce an outcome that may not be ideal but is mutually beneficial. 

After all, both parties are the stronger from their close association. For my money, few colleges in the world can rival Brown’s location overlooking downtown Providence, nestled among lovingly preserved homes, some of which are nearly as old as the university they surround. The families that make their lives around the Van Wickle Gates provide character and a sense of community that enhances the experience of the students who pass through Brown. And many of us have opted to remain in Providence, or move here, because of the rich cultural opportunities that come with being in close to a world-class educational institution. 

I care about Brown and value my long association with my alma mater. But I also care about the place where I live. Surely solutions acceptable to all can be achieved.

Brown needs to ensure that it considers a broad range of opinions from those with a stake in the consequences as it makes critical decisions about expanding. The proposed Brook Street dormitory simply does not fit in the neighborhood. It’s probably too late but, if not,  Brown’s architects need to go back to the drawing board.  

Fraser Lang for more than 10 years was the co-publisher of the Block Island Times.