Masonry Magazine July 1973 Page. 24
Photography by Earl Saunders
Bailey Library
"The Arkansas Underground" is the name one leading architect on the Library Building Awards Jury gave the Bailey Library at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.
He said it affectionately, according to IMI, for the unique structure was designed by world-renowned architect Philip C. Johnson in conjunction with Architects Wittenberg, Delony & Davidson, Inc., of Little Rock, and Engineering Consultants, Inc., as Structural Engineers.
The design concept was based on the premise that the open space in the existing quadrangle at Hendrix College was worth preserving. The architects felt that the intrusion of another building would have been detrimental to the spatial character of the area. So the structure was sited below the surface, thus creating a plaza atop it and enhancing the quadrangle. At a lower level, there is an inviting and receptive entrance.
The unique structure, whose masonry units were by F&F Concrete Products, was built by General and Mason Contractor Nabholz Construction Company. Loadbearing, exposed, brick walls, along with brick pavers on the patio and at the main entrance, and some brick planters, make it an especially attractive building.
24
masonry
July, 1973