University of Passau | Gilbert Scott Building

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Entry posted by Belfastsocrates · March 14, 2015

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Located at the heart of Carrick Island is the Gilbert Scott Building. Designed by, and named after, the renowned British architect George Gilbert Scott, it was one of his last buildings with construction commencing in 1874 and completed on August 10th 1884, six years after his death.

The building is a 144m (472 ft) long by 75m (246 ft) deep, and six storey high, symmetrical structure built in the modern Gothic Revival style. As such, it displays a multitude of stone carvings, including gargoyles, grotesques, and friezes, keeping with the Victorian High Gothic style of the period.

The building was constructed to serve as the new administrative centre of the expanding university and provide ceremonial space for graduations and offices for the University’s leading staff. A role it retains to this day hosting the offices of the University Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor’s and Registrar. It also continues to host graduations in the magnificent Great Hall and the various other rooms serve as venues for special events, meetings, conferences and lectures.

The building was completely destroyed as a result of the 1906 Passau Earthquake, the largest ever recorded in Persusian history, forcing a complete re-build. The building was re-built to the original plans with the exception of the central tower which was made taller and had clock faces and bells added. The taller tower was dedicated to the memory of university staff and students that died in the earthquake and resulting fires. The foundation stone of the new building was laid on March 15th 1907 and the new building was due for completion in 1914, however, the onset of the First World War delayed construction and the building was finally completed in 1919 and dedicated on March 15th 1919, twelve years after construction had commenced.

In 1995 the front plaza was redesigned following the introduction of a new light-rail system and incorporated new gardens, road access and the construction of a tram stop. As a result of aging and technological advances the building was closed in 2012 for a period of internal renovation to repair stonework and decorative features as well as to facilitate the replacement of old plumbing, electrics and install a new fibre-optic network to all parts of the structure. The exterior stonework was also cleaned and repaired, the building re-opened in 2014