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The History Behind UC Berkeley’s Architecture

Published

5 years ago

November 2, 2020

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.

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Step-by-Step Guide on How to Treat Severe Bleeding

Published

6 days ago

December 24, 2025

Sting Fellows

Severe bleeding is one of the most common medical emergencies that can occur unexpectedly. Whether it’s from a deep cut, traumatic injury, or an accident, knowing how to treat bleeding effectively is a critical life-saving skill. Understanding how to stop severe bleeding can be the difference between life and death, especially when professional medical help is not immediately available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps on how to treat bleeding and help you understand what to do in case of an emergency.

Why is Treating Bleeding Important?

Bleeding is the body’s natural response to injury, but when it becomes severe, it can cause significant damage. If not treated promptly, severe bleeding can lead to shock, blood loss, and even death. By stopping the bleeding quickly, you can help prevent these severe outcomes and give the injured person a better chance of survival until professional medical help arrives.

Learning how to treat bleeding properly is an essential part of first aid training. With the right knowledge and actions, anyone can provide the necessary care during a bleeding emergency.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Before you begin treating the wound, the first step in how to treat bleeding is to assess the situation. This helps you understand the severity of the injury and make informed decisions. Here’s what you should do:

Ensure Your Safety: Before approaching the injured person, make sure the environment is safe. Check for any hazards, such as traffic or unstable structures. If the scene is dangerous, move the person to a safer location if possible.
Check for Severe Bleeding: Look for large, open wounds or significant blood loss. Severe bleeding is typically characterized by blood that spurts from a wound (arterial bleeding) or flows heavily (venous or capillary bleeding). If bleeding is severe, it will need immediate attention.
Call for Help: If the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable, it’s crucial to call emergency services immediately. Alert them to the situation and provide details about the severity of the injury.

Step 2: Apply Direct Pressure

Once you’ve assessed the situation, the next step in how to treat bleeding is to apply direct pressure to the wound. This is the most effective way to stop or slow down the bleeding.

Use a Clean Cloth or Bandage: Take a clean cloth, gauze pad, or any available fabric and press it firmly against the wound. If you don’t have a cloth, use your hand, but avoid touching the bleeding directly with bare skin if possible.
Apply Constant Pressure: Use your hand or a bandage to apply continuous pressure to the wound. The pressure helps compress the blood vessels, reducing blood flow and allowing the body to form a clot.
Don’t Remove the Cloth: If blood begins to soak through the cloth, don’t remove it. Instead, add more layers of cloth or gauze on top and continue to apply pressure. Removing the cloth can disrupt the clotting process and cause the bleeding to worsen.

Step 3: Elevate the Injured Area (if possible)

If the injury is on an arm or leg, elevating the injured area may help reduce blood flow to the wound and slow the bleeding. However, do not attempt to elevate the area if it causes more pain or if there is a suspected fracture. Elevating the injured area is more effective for controlling bleeding from wounds in the limbs.

Position the Injury: If the injured person is conscious and comfortable, carefully elevate the injured arm or leg above the level of the heart.
Monitor for Shock: While elevating the injured area may help slow bleeding, it’s important to watch for signs of shock, which can include weakness, rapid breathing, and confusion. If these signs appear, try to keep the person warm and calm while awaiting medical help.

Step 4: Apply a Tourniquet (If Necessary)

In cases of severe bleeding, especially when the bleeding cannot be controlled with direct pressure, a tourniquet may be required. This is a more advanced technique and should only be used when necessary.

When to Use a Tourniquet: A tourniquet should be applied only in cases of severe bleeding that cannot be controlled by direct pressure, particularly for limb injuries with large blood vessels.
How to Apply a Tourniquet: If you’re trained in its use, apply the tourniquet 2–3 inches above the bleeding site (closer to the body). Tighten it until the bleeding stops. It’s important to note the time when the tourniquet was applied, as it should not be left on for too long, as this can cause tissue damage.
Seek Medical Attention: Tourniquets should always be applied as a last resort. Seek professional medical help immediately if you use a tourniquet.

Step 5: Treat for Shock

Severe bleeding often leads to shock, a dangerous condition where the body’s organs do not receive enough oxygen. Recognizing the signs of shock and treating the person can help prevent further complications.

Signs of Shock: Symptoms may include pale skin, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, weakness, confusion, or dizziness.
How to Treat for Shock: Lay the injured person down on their back, raise their feet (if possible), and keep them warm by covering them with a blanket or clothing. Encourage the person to stay calm and still. Do not give them anything to drink or eat.

Step 6: Monitor and Comfort the Injured Person

While you wait for medical professionals to arrive, continue to monitor the injured person’s condition. Keep the injured area elevated (if applicable), maintain pressure on the wound, and stay with the person to offer comfort and reassurance.

Step 7: Follow Up with Professional Care

Once professional help arrives, inform them of the steps you’ve taken to treat the bleeding and follow any further instructions they provide. The injured person will likely need additional care and treatment, such as stitches, blood transfusions, or more advanced medical interventions.

How to Get Certified in First Aid for Severe Bleeding

Learning how to treat bleeding properly can save a life, and the best way to ensure you’re prepared for emergencies is to get certified. The First Aid for Severe Bleeding Certification is an essential course that covers these steps in detail. Through this certification, you’ll gain valuable hands-on skills to stop severe bleeding and provide first aid in emergencies.

By completing this course, you’ll:

Learn how to recognize and treat severe bleeding
Master techniques like applying direct pressure and using a tourniquet
Gain confidence in your ability to respond to traumatic injuries
Be better equipped to handle real-world emergencies

Conclusion

Knowing how to treat bleeding is a vital skill that could save someone’s life during an emergency. By learning how to act quickly and effectively, you can stop severe bleeding, reduce the risk of shock, and provide comfort until professional help arrives. Getting certified in First Aid for Severe Bleeding through CPR Certification Now ensures that you’re well-prepared for any emergency.

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Blow Pop Nutrition Information Explained Simply

Published

1 week ago

December 21, 2025

Maha Saeed

Blow Pops are a fun, colorful candy many people grew up enjoying—but if you’re a parent, a calorie tracker, or someone watching sugar intake, you probably want to know what’s really inside one. This guide breaks down blow pop nutrition information in a clear, honest, and easy-to-understand way, so you can make informed choices without confusion.

What Is a Blow Pop?

A Blow Pop is a hard lollipop with bubble gum in the center. It’s known for bold flavors, bright colors, and long-lasting sweetness. Nutritionally, it falls into the category of sugar-based candy, meaning most of its calories come from carbohydrates.

Blow Pop Nutrition Facts (Per Piece)

Here’s a general look at blow pop nutrition per piece. Values may vary slightly by flavor.

Nutrient	Approx. Amount
Calories	60–70
Total Carbohydrates	17–18 g
Sugar Content	13–15 g
Fat	0 g
Sodium	0–5 mg
Protein	0 g

This table reflects what you’d typically see on a blow pop candy nutrition label.

How Many Calories Are in a Blow Pop?

One Blow Pop contains around 60 to 70 calories.
All of these calories come from sugars and carbs, not fat or protein.

For calorie-conscious eaters, this makes Blow Pops a low-fat but high-sugar snack.

Blow Pop Sugar Content Explained

If you’re wondering how much sugar does a blow pop have, the answer is: quite a bit for its size.

Around 13–15 grams of sugar per pop
Nearly 3–4 teaspoons of added sugar
No fiber or protein to slow sugar absorption

This matters especially for kids, diabetics, and frequent snackers.

Blow Pop Carbs and Sugar Breakdown

From a nutrition standpoint:

Blow pop carbs: Mostly simple carbohydrates
Blow pop sugar content: The majority of total carbs
No complex carbs or fiber

Blow Pop Ingredients Explained

Common blow pop ingredients include:

Sugar
Corn syrup
Artificial flavors
Artificial colors
Gum base (center)
Citric acid

There are no fats, vitamins, or minerals in meaningful amounts. Some flavors may contain allergens depending on manufacturing, so always check the label if allergies are a concern.

Blow Pop Gum Calories: Does the Center Add More?

Yes—but only slightly.

The gum center adds a few extra calories
Still entirely sugar-based
No nutritional benefits

So when looking at blow pop gum nutrition facts, think of it as an extension of the candy, not a separate snack.

Is Blow Pop Candy Unhealthy?

Blow Pops aren’t “bad” in moderation, but they’re not nutritious.

They are:

High in added sugar
Low in nutrients
Best treated as an occasional treat

For daily snacking, healthier options exist—but as an occasional candy, portion control is key.

Are Blow Pops Bad for Teeth?

Dentists often caution against hard candies like Blow Pops because:

Sugar stays on teeth for a long time
Sticky gum can trap sugar
Increases cavity risk if eaten frequently

Rinsing with water after eating helps reduce damage.

Blow Pop Nutrition Information for Kids

For children:

One Blow Pop already meets a large portion of daily sugar limits
Frequent consumption may affect dental health
Best reserved for special occasions, not daily snacks

Parents should balance candy with meals containing protein and fiber.

Is Blow Pop Safe for Diabetics?

From an informational standpoint:

Blow Pops are high in sugar
They can cause rapid blood sugar spikes
Not ideal without medical guidance

People managing diabetes should always check with a healthcare professional before including sugary candy.

Blow Pop vs Other Lollipops Nutrition

Compared to standard lollipops:

Calories: Similar
Sugar: Similar
Unique feature: Gum center

Nutritionally, Blow Pops are not significantly better or worse than most sugar candies.

FAQ`s

How many calories are in a blow pop?

About 60–70 calories per piece, depending on flavor.

How much sugar does a blow pop have?

Roughly 13–15 grams of sugar, mostly added sugars.

What is the serving size for a blow pop?

One individual lollipop (one piece).

Does blow pop contain fat or sodium?

No fat and only trace sodium amounts.

Does blow pop contain allergens?

Most flavors don’t list common allergens, but always read the label to be safe.

Final Thoughts

Understanding blow pop nutrition information helps you enjoy treats responsibly. Blow Pops are fun, nostalgic, and flavorful—but they’re best enjoyed occasionally, especially for kids and anyone watching sugar intake.

✍️ Author Bio

Daniel Carter is an experienced content writer specializing in food, nutrition, and consumer health topics. He holds an academic background in health sciences and has written evidence-based articles for educational blogs and nutrition-focused websites.

HEALTH

How I Fixed My Back Pain Without Visiting a Chiropractor — The Driving Upgrade I Didn’t Expect

Published

3 weeks ago

December 8, 2025

Maha Saeed

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.