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(opens in a new tab)Jacob Lawson was utilizing the University Archives(opens in a new tab) to research the history of his residence hall when he was amazed to discover concept drawings for a never-built redesign of the Hill by renowned architect Frank Gehry. Uncovering these plans was exciting for Lawson, as “there was no information anywhere online about these drawings existing. I love finding things that only exist in print; it makes the history feel extra special.”
The breadth of materials he discovered helped inspire Lawson, a third-year public affairs and architectural studies major, to create the video series UCLA Under the Arches. The social media series takes a closer look at the history and architectural details of campus gems, including an episode(opens in a new tab) on Powell Library’s symbolic carvings, ceiling paintings and tile work representing knowledge, wisdom and nature. The experience also showed Lawson how using the Library could enrich his educational journey. “Library staff were so helpful, I continued to use the Archives often after that first positive experience,” he said.
Lawson, a student social media content creator with UCLA Strategic Communications, has become a Library superuser, researching each Under the Arches episode with materials from UCLA Library Special Collections and help from Library staff. “The Library has profoundly impacted my UCLA experience. From countless hours of studying to exploring different sections of the stacks, I learn something new every time I step inside.”
He encourages fellow students, researchers and the community to “enter the Library with open eyes and an open mind. There is an endless wealth of knowledge—and campus architectural history—to uncover inside.”