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The History Behind UC Berkeley’s Architecture
When I was in high school, I decided I wanted to attend a college with breathtaking architecture — not necessarily a well-known college, or a good college, but one with jaw-dropping buildings and awe-inspiring libraries. Growing up in the suburbs, where the landscape is flat and lifeless and the buildings look identical, I craved architecture that was diverse in style and rich in history. This dream was realized when I was accepted to Berkeley. The first time I visited campus, I fell in love with its buildings right away.
The history behind UC Berkeley’s architecture is more intriguing and complex than most people realize. Opened in 1855, UC Berkeley was originally just a two-acre campus in Oakland, then called the College of California. At the time, what we know today as the city of Berkeley was nothing more than wilderness, punctuated by the occasional piece of farmland, just a few miles north of Oakland. But in 1868, the state of California bought a small plot of land in Berkeley and officially chartered the University of California. Frederick Law Olmsted, who is famous for designing New York’s Central Park, was hired to design the new campus in Berkeley. This campus looked nothing like the campus we know today — it had a grand total of 40 students, 10 professors, and two buildings: North Hall, which has since been demolished, and South Hall, which is still standing today. South Hall’s architectural style is distinct from most other buildings on campus: its brick facade, ornamental moldings, and strikingly shaped windows are evidence of the Second Empire architectural style, which flourished in the latter half of the nineteenth century and was notable for its opulence and Gothic influence.
As UC Berkeley grew larger throughout the late 1800s, so did its need for more buildings. What we now know as some of the most iconic buildings on campus were actually the result of an architectural competition financed by philanthropist Phoebe Hearst in 1898. The International Competition for the Phoebe Hearst International Plan for the University of California, as it was called, was borne out of the rivalry between the prominent Stanford and Hearst families — two extremely wealthy and distinctly old money families from Northern California. Soon after the Stanford family founded Stanford University, the Hearst family adopted the University of California and committed to funding it. When the competition’s winner Émile Bénard declined to be appointed as the campus’ architect, fourth-place winner John Galen Howard was tasked with implementing Bénard’s plan for the campus’ design.
Howard was responsible for the distinct classical style of numerous campus buildings and landmarks, from the elaborate patterns of Sather Gate to the striking Grecian columns of Wheeler Hall. Howard utilized the Beaux-Arts classical style, which was taught at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris where he was educated in the early 1890s. This architectural style is notable for its emphasis on neoclassical, Gothic, and Renaissance designs. One of Howard’s most impressive buildings is Doe Library, one of the defining landmarks of Berkeley’s campus. The library was imagined as both the physical and intellectual center of campus and has strong Greco-Roman influences, seen in its twelve imposing columns and marbled interior. The reading rooms inside Doe, with their intricately carved ceilings, ornate wood paneling, and towering windows, offer the feel of a traditional European university.
Howard also designed what is arguably Berkeley’s most famous landmark, Sather Tower. Often referred to as “the Campanile,” due to its resemblance to the Campanile di San Marco in Italy, Sather Tower is the third-tallest clock tower in the world and, notably, houses numerous fossils from prehistoric times due to its cool and dry interior. Sather Tower is also notable for its location — on a clear day, one can stand on the steps in front of the tower and look straight across the Bay at the Golden Gate Bridge. Ultimately, Howard designed 18 buildings on campus, including Wheeler Hall, California Hall, Stephens Hall, and the Greek Theater, and established the university’s iconic look.
As he designed Berkeley’s campus, Howard was assisted by architect Julia Morgan, who attended Berkeley from 1890 to 1894. Because there was no architecture major at the time, Morgan studied civil engineering and was often the only woman in her classes. She was also the first woman to ever be admitted to the École des Beaux-Arts. Morgan was a renowned architect in her own right, designing over 700 iconic buildings in California including the Berkeley City Club and the lavish Hearst Castle in San Simeon. At Berkeley, Morgan was instrumental in helping Howard implement the Beaux-Arts style on campus. Some buildings heavily influenced by Morgan’s direction include the Hearst Gymnasium for Women, the Hearst Memorial Mining Building, and Morgan Hall at the UC Botanical Garden. The Hearst Gymnasium for Women is noteworthy for its concrete exterior and emphasis on Romantic Classicism, while the Mining Building best illustrates Morgan and Howard’s commitment to combining the esteemed classical Beaux-Arts tradition with contemporary regional influence, in that it is reminiscent of both a stately European building as well as a traditional California mission. Although Morgan’s work was essential to shaping Berkeley’s campus, her contribution is often overlooked due to the fact that she was a woman. Howard once told a colleague that Morgan was “an excellent craftsman whom I have to pay almost nothing, as it is a woman.”
One of the most interesting aspects of Berkeley’s campus is the way that it is designed completely around the natural environment. Howard was fascinated with the wildlife and nature of Berkeley, and kept this in mind when designing the campus. He painstakingly tried to preserve Strawberry Creek, the Eucalyptus Grove, and several natural glades, building around these features and incorporating them into the campus rather than destroying them. Howard especially valued landscape architecture, and felt preserving the natural environment was just as important as maintaining the built environment. The unparalleled diversity of trees, plants, and flowers on campus made the university feel peaceful and idyllic, even though it was situated in the middle of a rapidly urbanizing city. Natural landmarks on campus include the oddly shaped London Plane trees on the north side of Sather Tower in the Campanile Esplanade, the redwood trees located to the west of McCone Hall, and the tall and twisted California Buckeye Tree, located on Faculty Glade, which is the oldest native tree on campus and represents Berkeley’s natural landscape before the founding of the University.
Howard was ultimately dismissed as Berkeley’s supervising architect by the UC Board of Regents in 1924, due to his strong opinions and frequent clashes with the university administration. His successor Arthur Brown Jr. graduated from Berkeley in 1896, and is best known for designing City Hall and the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, as well as Hoover Tower at Stanford University. Brown attempted to recreate Howard’s elaborate and classical style, but faced financial constraints due to the economic conditions at the time. This was during the Great Depression and World War II, and university funds were tight, although there was also a pressing need for new buildings to accommodate the growing student body. Buildings designed by Brown, such as Sproul Hall and the Bancroft Library, echo the Beaux-Arts style but are much more minimalist in design. Additionally, the Valley Life Sciences Building, colloquially called VLSB, was designed in 1930 by George W. Kelham, yet another graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts. VLSB is notable for its sheer size of over 400,000 square feet. It was the largest concrete building west of the Mississippi at the time it was built, and is still the largest building on campus. At one point, VLSB required so much power that it temporarily broke the university’s power generator.
During the 1960s, an exponential increase in students led to a desperate need for the expansion of both educational buildings as well as student housing. By this time, the architectural style of Brutalism was popular. Brutalist buildings are characterized by their monolithic and geometric appearance, as well as their massive size and use of concrete. The Brutalist buildings on campus — like Evans Hall, Wurster Hall, and Barrows Hall — are often derided as “ugly” or “plain,” primarily because they are strikingly different from the elaborate and classical Beaux-Arts buildings on campus. The 1960s also saw the construction of the Student Union building on Sproul Plaza, which was a timely addition considering the proliferation of the student-led Free Speech Movement. During the Free Speech Movement, protestors often gathered in front of the imposing and unyielding Sproul Hall, a representation of the unsympathetic indifference of the university administration to the passion and anger that emanated throughout campus.
In recent years, campus expansion has slowed, with the campus focusing on repairing older buildings, though some new buildings have still been erected. These new buildings are notable for their sleek, modern, and minimalistic design, with an emphasis on using natural materials. Stanley Hall, which was built in 2007, is notable for its large size and white and green tiles. Berkeley’s newest library, the C. V. Starr East Asian Library, has a similarly modern style, as well as distinctly East Asian influences. It is made of granite and clay tile, and is reminiscent of traditional Asian architecture through its use of the cracked ice motif on the screens outside the library. The Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences, the newest building on campus, uses wood, bamboo, and lots of natural light.
Currently, Berkeley is working on retrofitting and remodeling certain campus buildings, some of which are hundreds of years old, to make them more structurally sound and earthquake-safe. In 2019, Tolman Hall, which had a seismic rating of “deficient,” was demolished. Seismic safety corrections are also being made to Giannini Hall, which was built in 1930. But there are new buildings and facilities being constructed, like the Bakar BioEnginuity Hub at Woo Hon Fai Hall. There are many new construction projects in the planning and development phase, including a new beach volleyball facility at Clark Kerr, an expansion of the Goldman School of Public Policy, and new student housing in People’s Park.
While many Berkeley students see our campus’ architectural history as interesting but unimportant, architecture and physical space have a profound impact on our everyday lives. Architecture is more than just the built environment; it greatly affects and is affected by our culture, emotions, and worldview. I am writing this article not in one of Berkeley’s many libraries, as I had planned to, but back home at my parents’ house in the suburbs, due to the pandemic that has forced so many of us to leave Berkeley and return to our hometowns. There is nothing I want more right now than to watch a sunset from the fifth floor balcony of McCone, to look up and be able to see the Campanile no matter where I am on campus, or even to get lost in the never ending hallways of Dwinelle. While these times are incredibly uncertain, to me, it is a reassuring thought that architecture and physical space are one of the few things that will be there no matter what. It is comforting to know that the buildings on my campus, the places where I spend so much time and that have undoubtedly impacted me in ways that I am still trying to understand, are unfazed by the fear and doubt that has disrupted so many of the world’s institutions — and they will remain when it is all over.
HEALTH
How I Fixed My Back Pain Without Visiting a Chiropractor — The Driving Upgrade I Didn’t Expect
For months, I kept telling myself the same lie when my back started hurting:
“It’s just stress.”
“I slept wrong.”
“It’ll go away on its own.”
But the truth was harder to accept.
My back pain didn’t come from the gym.
It didn’t come from sleeping wrong.
It didn’t come from bad posture at my desk.
It came from something I never expected:
Driving.
Not once did it cross my mind that the thing I did every single day — sometimes for hours — could be the reason my lower back felt like it was tightening more and more each week.
But one particular morning finally revealed the truth.
1. The Morning Everything Hit Me at Once
I woke up feeling okay.
Nothing unusual.
I got ready, grabbed my coffee, and headed out to my car like I always do. The moment I sat down and leaned back into the seat… something pinched. Not sharp, but deep — like a knot that had been sitting there waiting to say “good morning.”
By the time I reached the freeway, that little pinch grew into a stiff ache.
By the time I parked at work, I had to stretch just to stand up straight.
I remember thinking:
“Why does a 30-minute drive hurt more than lifting weights?”
That’s when I realized my back wasn’t “randomly” bothering me.
It was happening every day — right after driving.
And that small pattern changed everything.
2. I Tried Everything Except the One Thing That Actually Mattered
Like most people who don’t want to visit a chiropractor right away, I tried:
- Heating pads
- Stretching
- Lower back exercises
- Massage guns
- Rolling on a foam roller
- Swapping yoga with Pilates
- Strengthening my core
Some of it helped… but only temporarily.
It didn’t fix the root problem.
The pain always returned — especially after long drives.
And that’s when my frustration turned into a mission:
I needed to figure out exactly what was causing this.
3. The Shocking Discovery: My Car Seat Was the Problem
I came across an article talking about how standard car seats are designed for safety and style — but not for ergonomics.
Then I read this sentence and felt strangely attacked:
“Most car seats flatten your spine and force you into a posture that causes lower back compression.”
It explained everything I was feeling:
- The tightness
- The pressure
- The aching
- The stiffness
- The fatigue after even short trips
I started paying attention, and sure enough — halfway into a drive, my posture would collapse. My hips would tilt, my lower back would round, and all the pressure would fall right on the same painful spot.
I wasn’t ruining my back at the gym.
I was ruining it in my car.
4. The Unexpected Upgrade That Actually Fixed It
I didn’t want to spend hundreds on chiropractor sessions.
I didn’t want injections, adjustments, or medical bills.
So I searched for a simple, practical fix — something that could support my back while I was driving instead of making the problem worse.
That’s when I stumbled across the idea of using a car seat cushion.
I wasn’t convinced at first.
It sounded too easy.
Too small.
Too basic.
But the more I researched, the more I realized cushions are specifically designed to:
- Improve posture
- Correct pelvic tilt
- Reduce pressure on the spine
- Support the natural “S” shape of the back
- Prevent tailbone compression
- Help you sit properly without effort
It made sense.
My seat wasn’t the problem —
the lack of support was.
So I bought a cushion from a brand focused on practical driving comfort — AlexCar, which I kept seeing recommended for everyday ergonomic upgrades.
That small decision changed everything.
5. The First Drive With a Cushion Felt Like a Different Car
On the day it arrived, I opened the package, tossed the cushion on my seat, and drove to grab lunch.
And I swear, within minutes, I felt the difference.
✔ My hips stayed aligned
I didn’t slide into bad posture.
✔ My lower back felt supported
The pressure I usually felt disappeared.
✔ I wasn’t shifting around
For once, I wasn’t chasing a comfortable position.
✔ My tailbone wasn’t compressed
That deep ache I usually felt? Completely gone.
I remember parking, stepping out, and thinking:
“Is this what comfortable driving feels like?”
It didn’t fix my back instantly — nothing does — but it stopped the cause of the pain, and that’s what mattered most.
6. Small Change, Huge Results: How My Back Started Healing Naturally
Over the next week, something incredible happened.
The pain started fading.
The stiffness loosened up.
The pressure I felt after long drives disappeared.
Even standing and walking felt easier.
And I wasn’t doing anything dramatic —
I was just giving my spine the support it needed every time I sat in the car.
The more consistent I was, the faster my body healed.
The turning point came during a 90-minute drive one Sunday. Normally that would’ve left me sore for hours. Instead, when I arrived, I stood up and felt…
Nothing. No pain. No stiffness. No pressure.
That’s when I knew the real enemy wasn’t my back —
It was the seat I had been sitting on for years.
7. Why This Simple Fix Works Better Than You Think
A car seat cushion helps because it does what your car seat doesn’t:
✔ It restores proper posture
Your spine stays in a natural curve instead of collapsing forward.
✔ It reduces strain on your lower back
Support = less compression on your discs.
✔ It keeps your hips level
No more tilting that twists your lower spine.
✔ It improves blood flow
Your legs don’t go numb or heavy.
✔ It eliminates slouching
Your core stays relaxed, not overworked.
Driving no longer felt like a battle between me and my seat.
It felt… effortless.
8. The Best Part? I Didn’t Need a Chiropractor After All
I still believe chiropractors are helpful — but I didn’t need one.
My pain wasn’t coming from an injury or medical condition.
It was coming from bad sitting support.
Once that changed, everything changed:
- No more morning stiffness
- No more stretching the moment I step out
- No more pain halfway through a commute
- No more dreading long drives
I actually enjoy driving again.
That’s something I didn’t expect a small upgrade to fix.
Final Thoughts: The Fix You Never Realized You Needed
Back pain doesn’t start with one big moment.
It starts with tiny habits — the way you sit, the pressure you ignore, the discomfort you get used to.
And for many of us, the root cause is sitting in a position our bodies were never designed for.
A supportive car seat cushion won’t replace medical treatment if you truly need it —
but for everyday drivers dealing with chronic discomfort?
It might be the one upgrade that changes everything.
It certainly was for me.
I didn’t need injections.
I didn’t need adjustments.
I didn’t need weekly appointments.
I just needed the right support — something simple, something smart, something I never realized I was missing.
And now?
My back feels better than it has in years.
Introduction
The fitness industry offers countless opportunities, from strength and conditioning to yoga, MMA, and sport-specific training. While many new professionals may feel pressured to choose a single path quickly, exploring all available specialties first can help you make an informed decision. Understanding the variety of certifications and career options allows you to align your skills and passions with the best opportunities. By exploring before committing, you set yourself up for long-term success and satisfaction in your fitness career.
Benefits of Exploring Multiple Specialties
Taking time to explore different areas of fitness provides several advantages:
- Helps identify your true interests and strengths
- Broadens your knowledge of training techniques and approaches
- Increases versatility for working with diverse clients
- Opens up opportunities for higher-paying or niche roles
A broad perspective ensures you make choices that match both your passion and your professional goals.
The Role of a Fitness Specialist
Fitness specialists have the skills to focus on specific client needs and training goals. Their responsibilities include:
- Designing programs that target performance, flexibility, or strength
- Monitoring client progress and adjusting plans accordingly
- Teaching safe techniques to prevent injury
- Educating clients on nutrition, recovery, and wellness
Specialists provide more value than general trainers by offering expertise tailored to the needs of their clients.
Why Certification Matters
Certification demonstrates expertise and builds credibility. By exploring various certifications, you can:
- Gain recognition as a qualified professional
- Learn best practices for training, assessment, and safety
- Access opportunities in gyms, wellness centers, or private coaching
- Build confidence in designing effective programs for different populations
Certification programs cover anatomy, exercise science, client assessment, program design, and specialty techniques, preparing you for a successful career.
Key Skills Needed in Fitness Specialties
Regardless of the specialty you choose, certain skills are essential:
- Communication to instruct and motivate clients effectively
- Observation and analytical skills to track progress and correct techniques
- Knowledge of injury prevention and safe training methods
- Flexibility to adapt programs for varying client levels and goals
These skills ensure you provide safe, results-driven, and personalized programs.
Steps to Explore Fitness Specialties
To make the most informed decision about your fitness career:
- Research the range of available certifications and specialties
- Attend workshops, seminars, or training sessions to gain hands-on experience
- Evaluate your personal interests and strengths
- Consult professionals in different fields to learn about their experiences
This approach helps you discover the path that fits your skills, interests, and long-term goals.
Impact on Clients and Career
Specialized training allows professionals to create measurable results for clients. Many clients struggle with plateaus, ineffective programs, or lack of guidance. A knowledgeable specialist provides:
- Customized programs for strength, endurance, flexibility, or sport-specific skills
- Support and motivation to maintain consistency
- Guidance to prevent injuries and improve performance
Helping clients reach their goals not only builds trust but also enhances your reputation and career prospects.
Continuing Education and Growth
Fitness is an evolving industry. To remain relevant and effective, specialists should:
- Attend industry events, workshops, and seminars
- Stay updated on the latest research and techniques
- Network with peers and join professional organizations
- Explore additional certifications to expand expertise and versatility
Ongoing learning ensures you remain competitive, knowledgeable, and valuable to clients and employers.
Conclusion
Exploring https://www.americansportandfitness.com/collections/fitness-certifications before choosing your path gives you a well-rounded understanding of your options. Specialization enhances your credibility, effectiveness, and career potential. By discovering the areas that match your passion and strengths, you can create a fulfilling and successful fitness career. Whether your interests lie in strength training, MMA, yoga, or sport-specific coaching, exploring first ensures you make a choice that aligns with your long-term goals.
Cyber Monday 2025 is gearing up to be a must-watch event for fans of bold Japanese-inspired fashion. One of the most anticipated releases this year is the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger, a dynamic and stylish piece designed for comfort, versatility, and standout aesthetics. Perfect for layering over Japanese t shirts or pairing with playful ugly cardigan sweaters, this work shirt brings together high-quality craftsmanship and unique, attention-grabbing design. Whether you’re hitting the streets, attending casual meet-ups, or expressing your personal style, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt promises to make a statement this holiday season.
Inspired by Speed and Japanese Streetwear
The I Am Speed Work Shirt takes inspiration from Japan’s energetic street culture and the thrill of movement, incorporating bold graphics and sleek design elements that exude dynamism and personality. For fans of Japanese t shirts, this work shirt provides the perfect layering piece, while combining it with ugly cardigan sweaters introduces a quirky, textured look that adds depth and individuality. With its vibrant imagery and unique Tokyo-Tiger branding, the shirt is a versatile addition for anyone looking to showcase creativity and urban style in one bold package.
Premium Quality and Comfortable Fit
Crafted from a durable cotton blend, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt prioritizes comfort without sacrificing style. Its breathable fabric ensures all-day wearability, while the tailored yet relaxed fit allows natural movement and flexibility. The classic button-down construction, reinforced stitching, and structured collar make it suitable for multiple occasions, from casual streetwear to creative office environments. Layering over Japanese t shirts or under ugly cardigan sweaters provides both warmth and visual interest, making the shirt adaptable to changing weather and seasonal style preferences.
Cyber Monday 2025: Special Deals
Cyber Monday 2025 offers shoppers an excellent chance to snag the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger at exclusive prices. Many retailers are planning limited-time discounts, early-access pre-sales, and bundle deals that may include complementary Japanese t shirts or eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters. These promotions make it easier for fashion enthusiasts to secure this highly sought-after work shirt while expanding their wardrobe with versatile, culturally inspired pieces. Given its unique design and popularity, acting early is essential to avoid missing out on this standout item.
Styling Tips: Layering and Playful Contrasts
The SpeedTiger Work Shirt is ideal for experimenting with textures and layering. Wear it open over Japanese t shirts for a casual, street-ready vibe, or under ugly cardigan sweaters to create playful contrasts that highlight the shirt’s bold graphics. Neutral bottoms such as jeans, chinos, or joggers allow the vibrant design to remain the focal point. Accessories like sleek sneakers, simple hats, or understated jewelry can elevate your outfit while maintaining balance. This work shirt is perfect for those who enjoy mixing textures, patterns, and cultural-inspired designs in their everyday fashion.
Trend Spotlight: Japanese-Inspired Streetwear
Japanese streetwear continues to influence global fashion with its bold visuals, functional design, and creative flair. The I Am Speed Work Shirt embodies these principles, offering a statement-making piece that blends durability with eye-catching aesthetics. Fans of Japanese t shirts will find it an excellent complement to casual wardrobes, while layering it with ugly cardigan sweaters adds a fun, unexpected twist. Its energetic design makes it a perfect choice for anyone seeking to express individuality, creativity, and style in a contemporary urban setting.
Everyday Versatility
Despite its striking graphics, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is versatile for everyday wear. Its breathable cotton blend and relaxed fit make it ideal for commuting, social outings, or casual creative environments. The button-down style allows for flexible wearing options: fully buttoned, open over Japanese t shirts, or tucked in for a more polished look. Layering with ugly cardigan sweaters adds warmth and dimension, making it adaptable to various climates, seasons, and personal style preferences.
How to Secure Your Work Shirt
To take advantage of Cyber Monday 2025 deals, it’s important to plan ahead. Monitor retailer announcements for pre-sales, exclusive bundles, and limited-time offers that may include Japanese t shirts or quirky ugly cardigan sweaters. Due to limited stock and high demand, acting early ensures you can secure the Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger before it sells out.
Final Thoughts: A Statement Piece for Bold Fashion Lovers
The Tokyo-Tiger I Am Speed Work Shirt SpeedTiger is more than just a work shirt—it’s a vibrant, culturally inspired statement piece. With Cyber Monday 2025 approaching, it provides an excellent opportunity to add a bold, versatile, and stylish item to your wardrobe. Whether layered over Japanese t shirts or paired with eccentric ugly cardigan sweaters, it offers endless possibilities for creative styling. For those seeking comfort, individuality, and urban flair, the SpeedTiger Work Shirt is a must-have for this holiday season.
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