Sarkey’s Energy Center, Norman Oklahoma

Sarkeys on a Cold DaySarkey’s Energy Center is a landmark on Campus. It is not only the largest building on campus but the tallest in Norman city limits. The first three levels seem to be an academic complex and the tower of Sarkey’s contains office space. Sarkey’s size is not the most striking feature to me rather the rooftop courtyard. I’ve had classes in Sarkey’s all semester but I only discovered the courtyard last week. Sarkey's RenderingI really enjoy the way Sarkey’s architecture makes use of multiple levels. The basement level lower courtyard and the bridge over the courtyard makes me feel as though I am entering a secret garden. The rooftop courtyard is very tranquil, the fountain resembles a natural water source and the footpaths are in very organic shapes. The focus on landscaping juxtaposes nicely with the neat lines and red brick of the building itself. Sarkeys AtriumThe interior can be very hard to navigate because the first two floors are very open and more connected in room grouping vertically that horizontally. This building is a great expression of nature and the science involved in understanding nature.

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