Abstract
The preparation of a general campus plan may be accomplished in one of two ways. The first way follows a study of existing plans, making a diligent search for a scheme which embodies most of the features encountered in the problem to be solved. When such a scheme has been found, it has often been the practice to copy it slavishly, the solution of the new problem being founded on theories and solutions of the past. The second way is based on a study of present day educational methods and procedures, and, insofar as is possible, an anticipation of future innovations* This second way follows the contemporary recognition of an old principle that form is determined by function, that plan must correspond to needs. The first approach can lead only to failure. A college plant which has been developed with fonts expressing educational functions of the past three decades cannot operate smoothly to meet present demands. It may be a gain to study traditional schemes of planning in order to understand the processes of reasoning which established them, but they must not be used as models for copy. The second approach is the most logical. A college which has adopted modern educational principles requires a plant designed expressly to put these principles into effect. It must provide convenient healthful quarters that can be maintained economically for the efficient implementation of its program. In order to follow this second approach one must reveal the functions of the modem college and find information which will indicate the best practices followed in making pro-vision for these functions. One must find data which will establish the needs to be served by the college plant. This paper will treat in a general way the factors which affect the design of individual buildings, but will not present designs for these buildings. Designs and details will be worked out by the architects during the period of the school's development.
Gardner, James Eldridge (1941). A proposed campus plan for the John Tarleton agricultural college. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1941 -THESIS -G227.