Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg campus is known for its iconic Hokie Stone and strong architectural presence. Woven into the collegiate Gothic style, whimsical medallions and beautiful heraldry bring meaning into the physical spaces. 

Liza Morris, assistant vice president for planning and university architect, and Lynn Eichhorn, director of facilities contracts, share the stories behind these decorative elements and explains design standards that continue to influence the university’s architectural choices.

Morris and Eichhorn answered the following questions jointly. 

What inspired the overall architectural style of the Blacksburg campus?

The collegiate Gothic style architecture found across the Blacksburg campus dates back to President John McBryde. He was interested in the power of architecture as a language and its ability to inspire. McBryde used architecture to help elevate the institution as a high-level academic enterprise and was heavily influenced by the design of several institutions, such as the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. 

Hokie Stone has also helped shape the identity of the Blacksburg campus. The native dolomite rock is hand-shaped and placed on building facades using a pattern language that pairs well with Collegiate Gothic style.

What is the role of heraldry and medallions featured on buildings?

Medallions, heraldry, and other decorative elements are strategically placed above the eye line to draw gaze upward and symbolizes higher learning. 

These elements are not always literal. Medallions and heraldry across the Blacksburg campus are designed to invite curiosity. Designs are a more layered and nuanced form of storytelling, allowing for interpretation.

In 2010, the division collaborated with students in the School of Architecture to design ornamental medallions on the facade of Perry Street Parking Garage.

Torgersen Bridge medallions depict large-scale dome antennae or broadcasters. Photo by Noah Alderman for Virginia Tech.
Heraldry contains agriculture, science, and engineering elements on Torgersen Hall. Photo by Sarah Myers for Virginia Tech.
An up close view of the Data & Decision Sciences Building featuring a large window surrounded by grey Hokie Stone and building heraldry. Three square windows surrounded by precast are above.
An abstraction of the primary sorting of raw data, called "data harmonizer" on the Data and Decision Sciences Building. Photo by Noah Alderman for Virginia Tech.
Gargoyles at Smyth Hall. Photo by Noah Alderman for Virginia Tech.

How many gargoyles are on campus and where can they be found?

The Blacksburg campus features 14 gargoyles; four each at Eggleston Hall and Hillcrest Hall and three each at Saunders Hall and Smyth Hall.

What do these decorative features reveal about Virginia Tech’s values and history?

They speak to the university's roots as a land-grant institution and longstanding commitment to learning, discovery, and innovation. Some of the older decorative elements reflect important ideas from a specific time, including medallions that uncover the disciplines housed in buildings.

What are some unique examples of medallions and heraldry on the Blacksburg campus?   

Torgersen Bridge includes a personal element through a medallion depicting Cecil Maxson, chair of the Board of Visitors' Building and Grounds Committee in the late 1990s.

The “cowgoyles” featured on the top of Saunders Hall are whimsical, detailed, and unexpected.

These decorative elements invite a fun conversation and contribute to the university’s unique sense of place. 

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