The Prayer Tower at Oral Roberts University is a 200 foot tall tower in the middle of the campus. It was built in 1965 and was designed by Frank Wallace. It is said to be a “Googie” influenced design. Googie is new term to me and it refers to futuristic or “space age” designs. I get in trouble with architectual terms and styles so those of you that know more about this please share and we’ll all learn something.
I think that the tower is beautiful and graceful and fits it’s space just right. Check the ORU link for information about the symbolism of the building. The distinctive shape is stylized 360 degree cross.
It was kind of difficult but I got a Selfie off the bottom of the observation deck. Yep that’s me.
Another view in a greener time of year.
Well, I have to admit, I have never heard of “sixties modern” architecture referred to as googie, but it fits the definition that I found. I think that the unique thing about Wallace’s design was the extensive use of the gold reflective glass. You can see the influence of Wright and Bruce Goff in the Wallace work. Frank was Oral Roberts’ architect for a number of years. I believe he also designed the original Oral Roberts headquarters building in downtown Tulsa.
Beautiful tower and terrific captures for the day!! Such wonderful blue skies for a perfect backdrop!! Have a great new week!
Nice shot with the evergreens framing the tower. The tower was about the first thing built out there.
I’m probably one of the few who has never before seen this tower. I don’t really see it as a stylized cross – it reminds me more of a rocket platform (to Heaven?).
Great photos of quite the impressive tower ~ for OWT ~ thanks,
carol and artmusedog
http://www.acreativeharbor.com
really like your reflection selfie! Googie is a new term for me, too. Learned something new today!
The tower is just amazing. Love the selfie. Thanks for sharing, have a happy week!
Googie and selfie – why do we add “ie” on to new words? Beautiful church tower although I tend towards the old fashioned ones myself.
Very remiss of me but how are you feeling after your virus? I use the word “after” on the presumption that you’re feeling up to snuff once more. If not, why not?
@Leedslass – don’t knock selfies until you try it.
Thanks for asking about my virus. I woke up this morning and felt better than I have in three weeks. I went to the gym before work and three miles on the treadmill. My new fitbit tells me that I have run and walked over 6 miles today.
That’s a beautiful, optimistic structure. It makes me think of a prayer wheel. I am going to check out that architectural style. The term is new to me. So there you go educating me again!
It looks very futuristic to me, like something you might see in Tomorrow Land at Disney World. I like it.
Great shots of tower. Very unique design.
Love the spaceship look of the building! Great pics.
Impressive…and beautiful!
Point taken Yogi re. selfies – one day I’ll give the a go.
Glad to hear you’re almost back to your old self ALTHOUGH, you really never left us:-)
I never saw photos of Oral Roberts University before so I found your post quite interesting, Yogi. All the buildings looks very modern, and I do think the prayer tower has a futuristic “outer space” look to it