AKA: The Knoll, Stanford, CA

Structure Type: built works - public buildings - schools - university buildings

Designers: Mullgardt, Louis Christian, Architect (firm); Louis Christian Mullgardt (architect)

Dates: constructed 1917-1918

3 stories

Stanford, CA

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The Knoll became the home of the Stanford Music Department after it was no longer used as the President's quarters; in 1986, the Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) moved into the building, after the Braun Music Center was built.

One-third of the Knoll was rendered unusable by the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake that severely damaged the Green Library and other buildings on campus. A large-scale renovation occurred in 2004-2005; according to the CCRMA web site: "A major renovation of the Knoll began in the summer of 2004, and was completed in August of 2005. The renovated Knoll provides state-of-the-art sound studios, a dedicated performance space, and "open-plan'' work areas. Historical aspects of the building were retained and revived through a plan that locates research and studio facilities where they work best and interfere least. The new building permits full-spherical loudspeaker arrangements in the new "Listening Room'', thus enabling new research in synthetic acoustical space. A 100-seat performance hall is located in one wing of the uppermost story to provide a venue specifically intended for contemporary music performance projects. The new hall accommodates larger audiences, allows better scheduling flexibility (reducing contention with classes) and incorporates the building's unique view of the Bay and surrounding hills. The renovation made the building whole and better adapted for teaching and research." (SeeAccessed 02/22/2010)

PCAD id: 1321