[{"document_url": "http://rowellbrokaw.com/blog/2018/11/12/tykeson-geology-on-display", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c216f950b7febd0267da/1542046252333/IMG_9413+edited.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c216f950b7febd0267da/1542046252333/IMG_9413+edited.jpg", "formatted_filename": "IMG  edited", "alt_text": "IMG_9413 edited.jpg"}, {"document_url": "http://rowellbrokaw.com/blog/2018/11/12/tykeson-geology-on-display", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c1a740ec9a97ddcf4b46/1542046187975/IMG_9426+edited.JPG", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c1a740ec9a97ddcf4b46/1542046187975/IMG_9426+edited.JPG", "formatted_filename": "IMG  edited", "alt_text": "IMG_9426 edited.JPG"}, {"document_url": "http://rowellbrokaw.com/blog/2018/11/12/tykeson-geology-on-display", "unformatted_src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c1a70e2e721437b5e378/1542046157945/IMG_9430+edited.jpg", "src": "https://static1.squarespace.com/static/50c934d4e4b0b58a9c48b108/5be07e64032be49b18b86f15/5be9c1a70e2e721437b5e378/1542046157945/IMG_9430+edited.jpg", "formatted_filename": "IMG  edited", "alt_text": "IMG_9430 edited.jpg"}, null]
A unique aspect of the University of Oregon campus is, if you dig more than 5 or 6 feet underground, there’s a good chance you will hit rock ­– specifically the Eugene Formation, a local geologic formation that has preserved fossils dating back to the Paleogene period.

Tykeson Hall’s basement was carved out of this formation, and after having a chance to study the exposed ledge at the planned south lightwell, the University asked the design team to look at leaving this unique geological feature exposed, where it could be seen through the windows of the 100-seat classroom planned for the basement. With a revised planting plan for the slope above, the project now plans to leave the formation and its many exposed fossils on view. It’s the only location on UO campus where the formation will be visible for study – hopefully by some geology students!