Pavilion VII and Palladio's Doric Order
Pavilion VII was the first building to be built at the University of Virginia, which began as Central College, with the cornerstone of the university laid there on October 6th, 1817 by President James Monroe with former presidents James Madison and Thomas Jefferson also in attendance. The final design of the pavilion is very similar to the designs that Jefferson had been drawing for Central College for years and represents Jefferson's first thoughts on the subject of architecture, before being influenced by the styles of architects Benjamin Henry Latrobe and William Thornton. Originally referred to as the “Doric Pavilion,” the design is based on Chambray’s interpretation of Palladio’s Doric order.
