This summer, those visiting the Architecture and Planning Library can view an exhibit honoring the construction of the UT Tower as the final exhibit in a five-part series.

Hosted by the Architecture and Planning Library and Alexander Architectural Archives, the subjects for the “To Better Know a Building” series historically are chosen by students, faculty and staff of the School of Architecture. The purpose of the series is to spotlight the numerous primary resources at hand for students to readily access and learn from about architecture. Examples include buildings on campus such as the Tower, and elsewhere, such as the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, TX. The UT Tower Exhibit started on Feb. 27, and the series started Jan. 30, 2015.

Architect Paul Philippe Cret led the design and construction of the UT Tower, and he is the focus of the exhibit dedicated to the Tower. Travis Willmann, a Perry-Castaneda Library staff member, said the exhibit showcases various material for the drawing up and building of the Tower.

“The Alexander Archives features a wealth of documentation for the design and building of the Tower, including construction drawings, shop drawings, construction photographs and project files from the University of Texas Buildings collection,” Willmann said.

Many students said they were delighted to learn about the exhibit and its focus on the Tower. Juliana Iverson, Plan II and biomedical engineering junior, said the meaning of the Tower has changed for her since she was a freshman.

“Before I came to UT, it was just a building, but then I got here and it became more,” Iverson said. “From every angle and in every lighting, it is powerful to look at.”

Business senior Omar Olivarez said he is looking forward to checking out the exhibit.

“(The Tower) is a staple of the UT environment and an aspect of my everyday life,” Olivarez said. “I’m sure the exhibit will detail all the facets of the construction of the Tower in a creative manner.”

The exhibit also includes illustrations of the drawings of the clock. While majority of the exhibit comprises of reproductions, if a visitor wants to see or interact with the building, a simple walk from the library to the Tower works. 

Free and open to the public, the exhibit is located in the Architecture Library’s Reading Room and will end on Aug. 7.