Robert Deleon
Robert Bomboy
Humanities 101
Classical
Architecture Critique HUM 101
The United States has a long
tradition of using Greek and Roman architecture in their building for
government buildings since the foundation of the Nation. Most notably we see on
public television every 4 years with the inauguration of a new president, the
Capital building in Washington, DC. This building houses the meeting floors for
both the senate and the House of Representatives:
“Congress is divided into two institutions: the House of Representatives and
the Senate. The two houses of Congress have equal but unique roles in the
federal government. While they share legislative responsibilities, each house
also has special constitutional duties and powers.” (http://www.aoc.gov/)
This is similar to the Roman republic which had the
senate comprised of land owners, and local representatives from each province
of the Roman Empire. Because this building houses one of the three major
branches of our government (legislative), architectures would want to make a
building that could stand the test of time, or “classical.” The Roman Empire
which lasted approximately 500 years would be the perfect theme of our new
democratic-republic government buildings. The architect for this important
building would be Dr. William Thornton, an amateur architect who is honored as
the "first architect" (www.aoc.gov). Though other people have lent a hand
in its design for practical sound design of the structure, Dr. Thornton is
ultimately the designer who gave the overall theme that is the building today.
“The U.S.
Capitol's designs, derived from ancient Greece and Rome, evoke the ideals that
guided the nation's founders as they framed their new republic. In the 1850s,
architect Thomas U. Walter added to the original design while maintaining the
neoclassical styles. His additions included the north and south extensions and
the cast iron dome” (www.aoc.gov).
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When I look at this structure one of the first things that
jumps out at me is the Gable and pediment, the triangular section of a wall at
the end of a pitched roof and the triangular space forming the gable
two-pitched roof in classical architecture (Fiero) .
And like many other Greek classical buildings a sculpture is in the pediment
that probably represents something iconic.
Next thing I notice is the
pillars in this picture appears closest to the Corinthian style of column. The
one I currently have illustrated has the stylobate at the bottom that provides
support for the rest of the column, the shaft that runs along the length
similar to the Parthenon that have symmetrical indentations along the entire
flute, and the ornamental capital at the top of the shaft that holds up
entablature, the rectangular length, below the Gable (Fiero) .
The entablature has a frieze which is a sculptured or ornamental band. Using a
Corinthian style of columns enhances the importance of the building by providing
more flourishes (Fiero) .
Finally Symmetry of the building which is one of the Greek’s
symbols of art and contribution to the “classical style” (Fiero) .
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| Flourish design of the capital of one of the columns. |
The above is a closer look at the detail of the capitals at the top of one of the many columns within the building.
“The exterior of
the Capitol Building contains examples of a modified Corinthian column style,
including the East Front center portico and the West Front. On the first floor
of the Capitol’s House wing is the dramatic, high ceilinged Hall
of Columns, which takes its name from the 28 fluted, white marble columns
that line the corridor” (http://www.aoc.gov/)
The biggest example of Roman contribution would be the dome
at the top of the structure which is an example of a 360 degree arch. however I
think a majority of the building is similar to Wren’s Cathedral.
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| Wren's Cathedral (Bartlett) |
The biggest thing that stands out to me is the Dome, which at first glance is very similar to the of the U.S. Capital building. If you look at not the central point of the building but to
the right side of the dome, the corner structure of the building is quite
similar the left and right of the dome of the Capital building.
This building, along with others, represents a continuation
of the principles that founded our government. These principles of freedom,
democracy, and fairness that were pioneered by the Greeks and Early in the Roman's history. My personal perception every time I go to Washington,
D.C. and see all of the buildings that are representative of classical architecture
is like taking a step back in time. Like every film that shows ancient Rome in
its prime, it is as if the buildings were transported through time. It is as if
the buildings are older than they actually are. Modern architecture does not
give the sense of time to me. Like fads such as beanie babies, they will most
likely fade with time, however the architecture of this building seems like it
will last forever. Since we as a country do not want our country to disappear
from the pages of history, I think using this style for our capital is both
appropriate and enhances the purpose of the building.
Works Cited
Bartlett, Sarah. http://www.wrenkitchens.com/blog/ten-facts-celebrate-sir-christopher-wrens-birthday/.
20 October 2014. web. 2 June 2015.
Fiero, Gloria. The Humanistic Tradition Book 1.
New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Textbook.
http://www.aoc.gov/. n.d. 2 June 2015.
Wallpapers111.com. http://wallpapers111.com/united-states-capitol-building-pictures/.
n.d. 2 june 2015.
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