Annie Pfeiffer Chapel (left) and William H. Danforth Chapel (left).

LAKELAND, Fla. (Aug. 8, 2011) — Florida Southern College was selected as one of the nation’s “Ten College Campuses with the Best Architecture” by the preeminent publication, Architectural Digest. The campus was chosen for this distinction for its blend of historic Frank Lloyd Wright structures and captivating contemporary designs.  Several distinguished architects, including the world-renowned Robert A.M. Stern, dean of the Yale School of Architecture, have contributed their designs to the modern campus as 6 new buildings have been added since 2008.

This premier selection follows FSC’s recent ranking by The Princeton Review as the nation’s most beautiful campus.

“It’s a delight and an honor to have our campus’ exceptional architectural significance and beauty recognized by such a prestigious publication as Architectural Digest,” said FSC President Anne B. Kerr.

The historic “Child of the Sun” campus was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and constructed between 1939 and 1958. Twelve unique structures were completed during that time and each one is an outstanding illustration of Wright’s philosophy of “organic” architecture. His desire was not to dominate the land but to work in harmony with it.

More recent additions to the campus include three stunning Stern designs, the Barnett Residential Life Center buildings of Nicolas and Wesley Halls, and the Dr. Marcene H. and Robert E. Christoverson Humanities Building. A leading scholar on Wright, Stern endeavored to incorporate the original vision for Florida Southern College into the new designs.  “I hope I have done right by Mr. Wright, extending the diagonal lines of his campus and opening up dramatic views of the center of campus and the lake,” said Stern of his designs.

The newest building to join FSC’s celebrated collection is now under construction and continues the College’s tradition of linking its future with its heritage. The Sharp Family Tourism and Education Center, slated for opening in 2012, is being constructed with plans that Wright developed for a Usonian house on campus but which were never used. The Sharp Center is the first Wright design to be built for the original client on the original site since 1966 and is expected to draw 100,000 visitors to the campus annually.

Architectural Digest is considered a leading authority in design and architecture. Boasting an audience of five million people, the magazine’s influence is significant. The Architectural Digest feature on Florida Southern College can be found online.