Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology

            On October 5, 1985, on the 50^th anniversary of the University of Illinois Foundation, the University announced that the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation had donated $40M for the construction of a new interdisciplinary research building on campus.  The gift was to be matched with a $10M appropriation by the state and $2M annual state funding to "help launch new and creative lines of scientific investigation". [1]

            It was decided to locate the new facility on the site of the University's first building, Old Main University Hall, and on October 10, 1986, [2] ground was broken on the site, with the commissioning following a month later on November 13. [3]  The firm of Smith, Hinchman & Grylls Associates [4] designed the building with more than 200 offices [5] and a 4-story atrium that stretches the length of the building.  The building was constructed by Turner Construction Company. [6]

            Today the institute serves as a model of interdisciplinary collaboration with more than 600 scientists from 30 departments working together on three main themes: Biological Intelligence, Human-Computer Intelligent Interaction, and Molecular and Electronic Nanostructures. [7]

            In the quad in front of the Institute stands the Upwells monument, which serves as both a larger-than-life astrological device, and soothing water works.  Five separate pieces, all designed by Stephen Luecking, form an elaborate device that marks the solstices and equinoxes, as well as locate the North Star. [8]  Directly north of the Institute stands the President's Walk, a colonnade of 24 Red Oaks, honoring the first 12 Presidents and First Ladies of the University, who carried the institution through its first 100 years.  It was dedicated by the Mothers and Fathers Association on May 4, 1968. [9]