<p>How is the actual campus? I am a Junior, and in talking to Seniors who have applied, I have heard that it is mostly old and run down…</p>
<p>hey, I have visited Bowdoin a couple times now and I would have to disagree with the people who say the campus is dilapidated. It is not like other college campuses that have buildings that were built during the same time ( i.e BC). You won't find distinct patterns in the buildings primarily because many were built in different decades and centuries. The buildings are eclectic and unique. The Bowdoin campus grew over decades, unlike other colleges where it was completely planned. </p>
<p>The buildings that are old are definitely not run-down. Virtually all of the older buildings have undergone some type of reconstruction. Only the history remains in these old buildings, not the rotting foundation.</p>
<p>The Bowdoin campus contains many old buildings but it is far from run down. Virtually every one of the older building has been completely renovated but with an emphasis on preserving the exteriors. For example, the four classic "bricks" (the first-year) dorms that, along with the chapel, form one side of the quad have all been completely gutted and totally rebuilt on the inside in the past couple of years (the exteriors were untouched and retain their classic look so the buildings look old). The seniors you talked to must have had a limited appreciation of history as many of the buildings are real classics from various architectural periods and simply reflect the fact that Bowdoin is a very old school that has gradually expanded over time, resulting in an unusually broad range of architectural styles.</p>
<p>The campus has many old, and historical, structures but they are far from run down. In fact Bowdoin has won awards for their efforts in preserving the old and updating their great mix of buildings. The new recital hall made use of a former pool building designed by McKim Mead and White (i believe) and it's stunning. The art museum, also, underwent extensive renovation and expansion without changing the original design. As the previous poster mentioned, all the 'bricks' have been gutted and updated, two new dorms constructed and LEED certified, and a new hockey rink in progress. In a Maine, understated, way these buildings are a testament to Bowdoin's commitment to bringing the best to its students while staying connected to its history.</p>