This is the Cathedral of Learning, colloquially known as "Cathy" among Pitt students. It is the tallest academic building in the Western Hemisphere and houses classrooms, offices, libraries, digital and computer labs, and a small food court. This building is also unique because it houses several Nationality Classrooms throughout the first three floors; these rooms were designed in the styles of various ethnic groups in Pittsburgh.
This building is my favorite on campus. I love the way it is illuminated from below, especially at dusk. It took me a while to figure out what this building is because it is not clearly marked on the outside. After some research, I learned this building is the Pittsburgh Athletic Association. It is not affiliated with the University, though it sits between a number of Pitt buildings, including Cathy and the William Pitt Union. Beyond the name of the building, all I am able to learn from the Internet is that the PAA is a private social and athletic club.
This photo is from the middle of South Oakland, referred to by student residents as "South O." Oakland has been a historically residential area, though it has seen a stark shift in the demographic of residents shift from permanent families to student renters.
This is the view of the Quad from the seventh floor of the William Pitt Union (WPU). The WPU houses student affairs services, offices, student workspaces, and a small food court in the basement. I often do schoolwork in one of my secret study spots in the Union. Almost all of Pitt's dorms are located in the Quad, including Towers A, B, and C, which are known for their unique cylindrical shape. Since Pitt is an urban campus, the Quad is entirely concrete; yet, the layout of the buildings insulate its' interios from the city noise just outside.
This is the view of the glass ceiling inside of the WPU. The view of the ceiling from the outside is shown in the photo above. Centered above the WPU food court, this window ceiling floods sunlight into the building.