WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — Like the rest of the buildings at Purdue, Beering Hall, home of the College of Liberal Arts, is a cubical behemoth of dark-red brick.
Known for its narrow hallways and cramped classrooms, it would normally blend in with the rest of the campus’ south side — that is, if it weren’t for the bright white rotunda jutting out from its top floor.
The Vision 21 Conference Room, lovingly referred to by students as the “Jedi Council Room” for its futuristic shape, tall windows and dark interior that is reminiscent of the “Star Wars” franchise, projects a powerful view of Purdue’s campus.
And it’s a renowned attraction on campus. Purdue students often have one or two visits lined up on their bucket list.
“I’ve always seen it from the outside and I just figured I should finally come up here and check it out,” said Tyler Yen, a recently graduated master’s student who was exploring the room Tuesday afternoon. “It’s not bad.”
This is part of a new USA TODAY network project showcasing breathtaking — and perhaps, underappreciated — views throughout the United States. These are some of the most beautiful landmarks, scenic vistas and hidden gems you can truly treasure in your area.
Interested in visiting or studying in the Jedi chambers? Here’s everything you need to know.
Where is it?
The Vision 21 Conference Room is in Room 7150 on the seventh floor of Beering Hall. Cramped at the end of the philosophy department’s long hallway of offices and meeting rooms, with black signs helpfully pointing the way.
When is it open?
It’s open and unlocked every weekday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., according to Purdue’s booking website.
How do I reserve a time?
If you’re hoping to have a group study session, conduct a meeting or just hang out with friends in the Jedi Council Room, both Purdue affiliates and guests can reserve a designated time to use the room.
Unlike most of Purdue’s campus rooms, which are bookable on a platform available to only students, the Vision 21 Conference Room can be reserved for hourlong periods on Purdue’s public booking website at https://purdue.emscloudservice.com/web/.
When was it opened?
The Vision 21 Conference Room has been available for booking since Beering Hall was opened in 1993, according to the university’s alumni newsletter, The Alumnus.
At the time, promotional materials referred to it only as a “distinctive room for special meetings.” Apparently, administrators missed the Jedi similarities.
Since then, it’s been primarily used for staff meetings of the various liberal arts departments housed in Beering, according to The Alumnus.
What’s in there?
Save for a stunning view, there is unfortunately very little in the room compared to other conference rooms on Purdue’s campus. Studiers should expect to have access only to a table, chairs and a power outlet. No screens or audio equipment are available for presentations.
What can you see from the room?
The view from the Vision 21 Conference Room stretches out over Purdue’s campus, facing east.
Sitting at the table in the center, Cary Quad Residence Hall and Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering are visible in the distance. With the famous Bell Tower and WALC in the foreground, windows farther south can see over Memorial Mall and eventually historic University Hall, the oldest building on Purdue’s campus.
The room also has a direct view of Founders Park with Loeb Fountain in the center, directly south of Beering.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue’s ‘Jedi Council Room’ offers stunning campus view, study and meeting space
Reporting by Seth Nelson, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
