Johnson School Atrium

Charles Babcock, Sage Hall's original architect, was Cornell's first professor of architecture. The atrium was created by covering the original open courtyard with a glass roof. It is loosely based on the great glazed Dinosaur Hall of Oxford's University Museum. In his original design of Sage, Babcock was also inspired by the University Museum.

Babcock's design was likely influenced by Victorian era thought, which recommended light and space for "young ladies." The emphasis on natural light continued with the redesign, which includes a glass block floor in the atrium that sends natural light down to the classroom level—excavated space under the original building.

Babcock's use of color variations and ornamentation on Sage Hall are evidence of the influence of Victorian critic John Ruskin. The architecture, described as polychromed Victorian Gothic, is exemplified by the multicolored brick and finish work.