In the midst of a medical center, a sprawling municipal park and quiet, upscale residences stands a treasure trove of architectural amusements on the campus of Rice University. Begin a walking tour at Lovett Hall, at the central entrance off Main Street and Sunset Boulevard. At the top inside corners of the archway called the Sallyport, four carved heads trace a student's path from carefree freshman to tense sophomore, then from solemn junior to faintly smiling, mortar-boarded senior. The columns lining the hall continue the collegiate themes with alternating capital designs, including heads representing fields of study (medicine, commerce, history, religion and philosophy) and a leather-helmeted football player rushing a busty damsel.
To the right of Lovett Hall stand two buildings with sound effects. If two people climb into the alcoves flanking the entrance to the physics building, each will be able to hear the other whispering. Less effort is required to unleash the special properties of the doorway to Anderson Hall a few steps away. Run a thumb down the holes that stud the marble entryway and a curious sound will emerge, more than faintly reminiscent of a raspberry. Years of testing this effect have worn the doorway smooth from its base to almost seven feet high.
