Photo by Daniel Bendig
There are so many ways that architecture impacts society. Aside from providing the basic need for shelter, architecture also gives off a cultural impact that can gather and bring people together sharing the same values or advocacies.
The American architectural landscape is ever-dynamic and ever-changing throughout its lifetime. With every colonizer that decided to settle and conquer the country throughout history and with every immigrant that significantly impacted the infrastructural design and integrity, American architecture remains one of the most resilient architectural practices in the world.
Evolution of American Architecture
To discover a country’s origin and culture, look at its architecture. How the city’s landscape is laid out or designed tells what the place has gone through. Those murals, sculptures, paintings, etc., sprawled across city streets, towns, villages, and government buildings, all depict and reflect a touch of the place’s history.
If there’s one country whose architectural design is so diverse, that is the American landscape.
The colonial era (1600-1720) is the one period that left the most significant impact and still reverberates to this day in infrastructural designs. The colonial period of North America was defined by the settlers who brought their country’s cultural influence. These diverse groups include the Spanish settlers, English, Scots-Irish, Dutch, German, French, and Swedish.
Spanish colonizers brought with them the influence of Baroque architecture. Dutch colonial architecture employs the stone and brick foundation structure. Swedish colonial is characterized by round logs, or what is known as the “log cabin” design. Pennsylvania colonial adopted the English sophisticated Georgian-type style. French colonial architecture is evident and ever-present down south, most prevalent in New Orleans, Louisiana. While the New England colonial architecture, the American offshoot of the English colonizers, is characterized by oak frames and clapboard sidings.
The Georgian architectural period in America (1700-1770) came into being named after the English monarchs George I, II, and III. The style period introduced balanced and symmetrical features that the famous Georgian designs.
Neoclassical architecture (1776-1920) introduced the influence of Greek and Roman designs into the fledgling democracy of the United States. It was the most prolonged surviving influence in the American architectural period.
When Skyscraper architecture (1850-1970) entered the construction design scenes, modern America was never the same as before. Now, it’s all about height, height, and height! And super tall buildings. America is directly associated around the world with tall, high-rise buildings that seem to, yes, reach, if not, cover the sky.
Outstanding Work of Architecture
America is one of the many countries with a fascinating history, many of which are reflected in art forms or infrastructures. Many notable architectural works across the country bore witness to America’s dramatic course in history.
But some stood out in terms of aesthetics, uniqueness, and their contribution and value to history.
Statue of Liberty
What is the first image that comes to mind if a foreigner thinks of the United States of America? None other than the looming structure that greeted anyone who entered its territory – Lady Liberty itself, known as the Statue of Liberty. This monumental sculpture, located on Liberty Island, Upper New York Bay, south of Ellis Island, New York City, was designed by French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi.
The statue is a stunning example of neoclassical architecture, with its engineering feat of hollow construction of thinly pounded copper sheets laid over a steel framework. This Roman goddess architectural depiction symbolizes freedom for all immigrants arriving in America, seeking shelter on its shores.
The White House
Another architectural landmark that defined American history is the White House. Constructed in 1972 by Irish architect James Hoban, the building is famous for housing the highest official in the United States – the president. The overall infrastructure represents the Palladian-neoclassical style resembling the Dublin Leinster House.
Lincoln Memorial
Another national treasure, the Lincoln Memorial, was built in honor of the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, designed by architect Henry Bacon. The monument is a neoclassical-inspired design, built in the ancient Greek-temple style of the Parthenon, symbolizing the late president’s ideal of freedom, equality, and dignity of all people – thereby preserving America’s high ideals. Incidentally, the memorial is also the site where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech, “I Have a Dream.”
Independence Hall
The Independence Hall is arguably the most important building in the United States as it is the birthplace of American independence. The US Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were said to be drafted and signed within the halls of this building. The design of the infrastructure was inspired by the Georgian style of balance in proportion and symmetry.
Takeaway
Look at the concepts and designs, as they say, if you want to know more about a place. The Untold Architectural book by Ronald Lee Harden takes readers to a fantastic look into Tampa’s significant architectural structures that served the purpose and needs of the community for decades.
From the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Gaither and Bloomingdale High Schools, the book proves the importance of architecture beyond being just an art, but a practice that stood the test of time to build the culture and lives of the people for generations to come.
Reymond Reviews 