Kansas State University’s Hale Library (principal architect: Brent Bowman Architects; design architect: Hammond, Beeby and Babka) features a comprehensive program of architectural ornament drawn from the region’s natural and built surroundings.

The library’s Romanesque front entrance is embellished with a painted aluminum screen depicting sunflowers entwined in a foliated pattern. Enclosing this screen is a stone archivolt with carved zigzag and cross-hatched patterns. The patterns add energy to the façade and the entire stone archway serves as a counterpoint to the aluminum screen. On the front tower, a plaque of carved stone depicts marching quail and curling cloud patterns from the Kansas prairie. Near the tower’s base, the carved date stone includes more local flora: big bluestem grass is the central motif and grape ivy borders the date. Finally, impost blocks support and link the archways over each window and feature a radiant sunflower design. Using the forms of local flora and fauna, the Bloomer Studio connects the building and its inhabitants with the Kansas landscape. At the same time, the ornaments contribute a level of detail that provides scale and context to the building.

Merit Award for Excellence in Architecture, AIA Central States Region, 1999