Holland

Holland Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. Its castle like architecture makes it stand out from the rest of the buildings and along with the height it seems to tower over everything. The interesting thing about Holland is it gives you a different impression from every angle you view it. There is the view of it coming from the north side of campus which is impressive. The building only has three visible floors at this point but it still stands above you, looming as you approach it. The hill drops off to your left invoking a magisterial gaze; you have the power of the gaze combined the power of Holland culminating in quite the sensation. Then you have the view coming up the hill from the East. From here you can see Holland rise up from the hill it is built into, in all of its glory. It creates quite the welcome as one approaches campus. The reverential gaze is in full force as you look upon the building. The final view is one that I rarely encounter but when I do it astounds me. This view is the one you encounter when you leave Old Main or the eastern doors of Regents. From this angle you can view the full power of Holland on the landscape. The building is built into the hill working in conjunction with the land but clearly standing up and against it. It mirrors the massive conifers that rival the building in stature. This angle gives you the full scope of reverential and magisterial. The power of St. Olaf landscape and the philosophy of St. Olaf building with nature is encompassed in this building