Viewing Vassar from the rooftops

Janine Parziale Staff Writer

The wind urged me beyond the brink, but my legs were stable as I admired the view from the roof. I became aware of the unique sense of space and design that exists within the architecture of Vassar.

Ranging from slate-shingled roofs set at an angle, to membrane roofs, to asphalt roofs, beyond each edifice lies the open sky.

All it takes is a change of perspective to see the crisscross angles of the quad, the castle-esque appearance of Main Gate, or the repeating peaks of the dorms, crowned by Jewett Tower. Magnificent as it is, the faint view of the hills frames the expansive view and serves as a reminder of the limits of the Vassar campus.

Admittedly, student activity on roofs rarely has anything to do with appreciating architecture. Although students might be doing something as harmless as stargazing, Buildings and Grounds is concerned about the safety of students as well as the wear and tear of the roofs themselves, which are not designed for foot traffic.

Main Dorm, however, is unique. According to Carpenter Supervisor Steve Parrella, it was originally designed to support people on the roof. About 20 years ago, students had access to the catwalks where they would relax. At that time, the drinking age was 18, so students were accustomed to drinking alcoholic beverages atop the central building on campus. Although today the roofs are closed to students, they are still part of a compelling aspect of the diverse architecture, which contributes to the overall aesthetic of the College.