Calvin College

Founded in 1876, Calvin University's Grand Rapids campus embodies a unique architectural vision rooted in the Prairie School tradition. Developed in 1957 by William Beye Fyfe, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, the campus design promotes the integration of faith and learning within a close-knit community. Rejecting a central, dominant building, Fyfe's design arranges buildings in a circle around the Commons Lawn, symbolizing the interconnectedness of disciplines and the equal importance of administration, faculty, and students. The campus's architecture emphasizes integration with the surrounding landscape, using natural colors and horizontal lines to create a harmonious environment. This design fosters intentional learning, meaningful interaction, and a commitment to renewal, reflecting Calvin's mission to equip students to think deeply, act justly, and live wholeheartedly as Christ's agents of renewal in the world.