“With their vast collections of buildings, it’s no wonder that universities are architectural gems,” Stefanie Waldek, Katherine McLaughlin and Elizabeth Stamp wrote in an April 8 article titled “The 64 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America.”
With that in mind, Architectural Digest went in search of “the prettiest college campuses in the United States, taking into consideration both architectural legacy and setting.”
They found a total of 64 universities with everything from Gothic-style buildings to sleek modernist structures.
“From the entry arches to academic halls and manicured lawns, everything on these grounds works in harmony to create a place as beautiful as it is educational,” Waldek, McLaughlin and Stamp wrote.
These are the five California colleges that made the list — and why.
The UC Berkeley campus in Berkeley, California, is seen on July 22, 2020. Justin Sullivan/Justin Sullivan
University of California, Berkeley
Architect John Galen Howard supervised the construction of 18 Beaux Arts-style buildings at University of California, Berkeley, including the Greek Theater, Wheeler Hall and the Campanile, according to UC Berkeley’s website.
Coupled with “unbeatable views” of the San Francisco Bay, those classical buildings form the foundation of one of the most gorgeous campuses in the Golden State, Architectural Digest and California.com said.
Students walk on the campus of UCLA at Royce Hall on Feb. 4, 2020, in Los Angeles. Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times/TNS
UCLA
“Though the campus now covers more than 400 acres, UCLA started with just four academic buildings,” Architectural Digest said.
Those graceful Romanesque Revival structures , which include Royce Hall and the College Library, were designed by local architects Allison & Allison.
A view of the campus of Stanford University as seen from Stanford Stadium on Sept. 16, 2023, in Palo Alto, California. David Madison/Getty Images
“One of the most beautiful areas on Stanford’s large campus is the Main Quadrangle, which takes on a California Mission style,” Architectural Digest said, crediting Olmsted and architecture firm Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge with the design.
University of San Diego
“Incredible weather” and a “pristine landscape” with views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay give the University of San Diego , “a leg up” on the competition, Architectural Digest said.
“The beautiful collection of 16th-century Spanish Renaissance–style buildings certainly holds its own too,” the publication said.
People walk through Sproul Plaza on the UC Berkeley campus on March 14, 2022, in Berkeley, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/TNS
University of California, Santa Cruz
Architectural Digest hailed the University of California, Santa Cruz, as “heaven for nature-loving academics.”
“Ten residential colleges are spread over the 2,000-acre campus, which is located in and around redwood groves,” the publication said.
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