A series of lists ranking the MIAC schools with Bethel in different ways.
By Ally O’Neil
Disclaimer: This ranking does not reflect any sort of MIAC standings or the opinions of anyone other than the reporter.
![architecture1](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture1.jpg)
#1 Carleton College —
- Aesthetic: Building structure has a Victorian aesthetic, which adds class to the campus.
- Names: “The Bald Spot”, which lies in the middle of the campus, is a funny name for an outdoor courtyard.
- Location: Northfield, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: They’re spread out, but not too far, which makes it easy to manage how long it takes to get from one class to another.
- Uniqueness factor: Carleton has a dome observatory which is used for classes and open houses for people to view the solar system with resident astronomers.
![architecture2](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture2.jpg)
#2 Bethel University — (Obviously, Bethel had to be close to the top because building aesthetics were important to me in my search for a campus.)
- Aesthetic: The brick exterior gives the outside a rustic look, which continues into Brushaber Commons, creating a modern-rustic theme.
- Names: It’s hard to keep track of all the buildings, with names like AC, CC, CLC. It’s easy to get them confused.
- Location: Arden Hills, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: All academic buildings are connected which makes it easy to get from one class to the other. Most dorms are about a five-minute walk to the main building unless you live in North Village, then the trek is a little longer.
- Uniqueness factor: One of the unique factors of this campus is all the academic buildings are connected as one whole building.
![architecture3](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture3.jpg)
#3 Augsburg University —
- Aesthetic: Augsburg exudes modern architecture that fits in with the city of Minneapolis.
- Names: There are two buildings with Anderson as its name, a residence hall, and the music hall, making them relatively unoriginal.
- Location: Minneapolis, MN: Near the Mississippi River, making for great sunrise or sunset photos using the exquisite skyline.
- Building proximity between each other/dorms: All buildings are in close proximity, one side is connected with skyline walkway to the other.
- Uniqueness factor: Nothing special on these grounds.
![architecture4](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture4.jpg)
#4 Gustavus Adolphus College —
- Aesthetic: Gustavus continues to update buildings, creating a contemporary look to the architecture.
- Names: Out of the other schools, Gustavus is the only campus to have a building called Nobel Hall — a place meant to welcome royalty.
- Location: St. Peter, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: When looking at the campus map, buildings are a good five minute what from one to the other.
- Uniqueness factor: Eh, it’s a pretty ordinary campus.
![architecture5](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture5.jpg)
#5 Concordia College-Moorehead —
- Aesthetic: The stereotypical college campus. Looks older on the outside and the interior is updated.
- Names: All the names are unique because Concordia has Norwegian influence.
- Location: Fargo-Moorehead area
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Campus is separated by U.S. Highway 7, but the skyway allows students to cross from one side to the other.
- Uniqueness factor: They have a Viking ship in one of their academic buildings.
![architecture6](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture6.jpg)
#6 Hamline University —
- Aesthetic: Campus is fairly modern, with some older buildings to maintain it’s historic architecture.
- Names: “Old Main” is named well, being one of the oldest buildings on campus.
- Location: St. Paul, MN: Plenty of options for takeout and a coffee shop right down the street.
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Everything is the same two blocks radius, making it easy to locate everything.
- Uniqueness factor: Hamline was a university before Minnesota became a state.
![architecture7](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture7.jpg)
#7 University of St. Thomas —
- Aesthetic: Cathedral architecture with a modern twist.
- Names: The “Chapel of St. Thomas Aquinas” brings back the good ‘ole memories of CWC, although I’m having trouble remembering what his historical significance was…
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: The campus is split by Cretin Ave, but there is no skyway available that connects the two sides.
- Uniqueness factor: No unique factor here.
![architecture8](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture8.jpg)
#8 College of Saint Scholastica —
- Aesthetic: The most prominent structure is the main building, Tower Hall, which stands above the campus.
- Names: No names stand out here.
- Location: Duluth, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Nothing different here. Similar to other schools.
- Uniqueness factor: They have a rock climbing wall in their wellness center.
![architecture9](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture9.jpg)
#9 Macalester College —
- Aesthetic: The architecture definitely has some Scottish influence.
- Names: Unlike Carleton College, Macalester calls their outdoor courtyard “The Great Lawn”.
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Residence halls seem to be gathered in one area of campus, but an easy walk to the academic buildings.
- Uniqueness factor: No uniqueness factor.
![architecture10](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture10.jpg)
#10 St. Catherine University —
- Aesthetic: Similar to previous schools, St. Kate’s has a cathedral influence in their architecture.
- Names: Nothing interesting here.
- Location: St. Paul, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Similar to Bethel, St. Kate’s is more enclosed which means buildings are closer together.
- Uniqueness factor: Pretty mundane, I will say.
![architecture11](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture11.jpg)
#11 College on St. Benedict and St. John’s University —
- Aesthetic: Like some other institutions, the architecture resembles smaller castle structures.
- Names: Nothing that sparked my interest.
- Location: St. Joseph, MN; Collegeville, MN: St. John’s is slightly better because the lake almost surrounds the campus.
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: The campuses are well spread out, which leaves curiosity for how long it takes to get from one building to another
- Uniqueness factor: Nothing unique here.
![architecture12](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture12.jpg)
#12 St. Mary’s University —
- Aesthetic: Saint Mary’s is starting to update the look of their buildings, creating a more contemporary theme to the architecture.
- Names: Nothing stood out here.
- Location: Winona, MN: The highest college student population.
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: I couldn’t find anything on their layout.
- Uniqueness factor: Saint Mary’s has probably the most contemporary-looking clock tower I’ve ever seen, which looks a bit odd amidst the older buildings.
![architecture13](http://thebuclarion.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/architecture13.jpg)
#13 St. Olaf College —
- Aesthetic: The aesthetic is mixed. Some buildings are more modern in architecture and others show more history and character to the campus.
- Names: They definitely have a Scandinavian influence.
- Location: Northfield, MN
- Building proximity to each other/dorms: Buildings are spread out but, residence halls are around campus so depending on where you live, it could be a long trek to get to classes.
- Uniqueness factor: The campus has 100% carbon-free electrical power.
Rich Sherry • Jul 3, 2020 at 9:45 am
I haven’t been to all of the campuses, but I think St. Kate’s chapel is awesome. I love the CLC and Benson Great Hall, but the St. Kate’s chapel has struck me as a wonderful, worshipful, inspiring place.
Professor Emeritus Dale Johnson • Jul 3, 2020 at 4:26 am
To author: architects needs to be addressed when considering Minnesota
Architecture . Research could provide
Deeper insights . Questions about intent
Of the various designers could turn up
Discoveries. Historical reference could flash lights on these companions. Architects have ideas within their creations. Some of these campuses
Contain Unique spaces for Worship.
Some rich resources are still alive and
may be willing to share insights on each campus mentioned. Seems like you have
found some gold.