Texas Tech University Campus Architecture
Texas Tech University has been named one of the nation’s most beautiful college campuses. William Ward Watkin, founder of Rice University's School of Architecture, planned the campus in 1923, with Spanish Renaissance style representing the Spanish influence on the region. Spanish design characteristics pervade the grounds, with most buildings including red tile roofs, arches, and ornately carved limestone detailing.
Modeled after La Universidad de Alcala in Madrid, Spain, the Administration Building was the first structure built on campus and anchors Memorial Circle. Limestone columns and pilasters frame arched openings along the two wings, while twin bell towers rise above the mission-clay tiled roof. Immediately to the west, the Chemistry Building has dozens of ornately carved limestone columns along the east walkway, while arched windows and cornice caps decorate all façades.