South Hall: A Living Piece of UC Berkeley History

South Hall, completed in 1873, stands as the oldest building on the University of California, Berkeley campus, a testament to the university's enduring legacy. Designed by Scottish architect David Farquharson in the Second Empire style, it is the only remaining building from the original six that formed the campus's core. Its architecture, featuring a mansard roof, dormers, and ornamental iron cresting, evokes a sense of history and academic tradition. Originally, South Hall housed the College of Agriculture and laboratories for the physical and natural sciences. Over the years, it has also been home to the Business School, Department of Economics, Political Science and Sociology, and the Library School. Today, South Hall is home to the School of Information, blending its historical ambiance with modern technology, including built-in projectors, audio equipment, and WiFi. Visitors can admire the building's exterior details, including the cast iron panels depicting California's native fruits and grains. A small stone bear, considered the smallest bear statue on campus, is subtly incorporated into the architecture above the entrance. South Hall is conveniently located near other campus landmarks such as Doe Library and the Campanile (Sather Tower), making it an integral part of any campus tour.