Gallery

In 1959 the Paul R. Williams-designed Botany Building was completed on the Westwood UCLA campus.  As the executive architect Williams was responsible for the project's design, working drawings, specifications, and supervision. Adjacent to the University’s botanical garden, the 35,700-square-foot concrete and brick structure was built for $854,577 and housed teaching and research facilities and administrative offices for the department. The glass-facade building was designed to "take advantage of the existing environment rather than change it" (Los Angeles Times, April 28, 1957).

Designed for use by UCLA students of all academic levels, the many laboratories provided rare hands-on experiences even for freshmen. When interviewed at the time of construction, Dr. Mildred Mathias, vice-chairman of the Botany Department, noted that most universities allot research space only to graduate students and faculty. "When the new building is available the students will be able to see for themselves --- instead of taking a textbook's word for it."