Classical Architecture Critique Labeled Picture

Classical Architecture Critique

Allie Haught

Professor Bomboy

Modern Culture and the Arts

February 19, 2014

Classical Greek Architecture Found in Gettysburg

            There is no doubt that modern architecture has been influenced by the Greek Classical period. The Adams County Library in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was definitely built using the architecturally sound method of the Greeks. The library most closely relates to the Corinthian order of architecture, which is the most "ornate" of the orders (Fiero 124). This style enhances the building’s presence tremendously. The building design could have also been influenced by later architects, as well; specifically the ones who integrated Classical designs into their ideas. The Adams County Library was, without a doubt, inspired by ancient Greek architecture. This evidence is found simply by looking at the structure of the building.

            The Adams County Library most closely resembles the Corinthian order. The columns all appear to be straight, but this is found in other orders, as well (Schulman). The columns themselves look like they remain the same size vertically, while the columns of the other two orders appear to get fatter at the bottoms (Fiero 123). The library has what appears to be leaves on the capitals of the columns, which is consistent with the Corinthian style (Dietsch and Stern). The library’s columns also have bases that appear to be “stacked rings,” which is found in both Ionic and Corinthian architecture (Schulman). The architrave has a simple design on it, and designs were a characteristic of the Corinthian order (Fiero 123). In fact, the entire building has different designs on it. It also has a flat roof instead of a slanted one like the styles of the other two orders (Schulman). There is a pedimental sculpture on top of the door that gives homage to the Greek styles (Fiero 124). The library is an example of “clarity, balance, and harmonious proportion” (Fiero 122). It is most definitely symmetrical. The attractive and decorative essence of the Corinthian style could be why it was chosen for the library (Schulman). These intricate decorations make the building more appealing and inviting. Classical Greek buildings were “designed to serve the living” (Fiero 122). The buildings were designed for the public, much like the library was (Fiero 122). By having Corinthian characteristics, the building’s perception is enhanced greatly.

            In the presence of the library, I knew, just by looking at it, that it was a prestigious building. The size and decorations of the building tell that it is an important place. By using the Corinthian order and having all of the fine embellishments on the outside, the library is made more visually inviting and appealing while still keeping an atmosphere of distinction. This style shows that the library is a place of great importance. This perception enhances the building’s use by attracting more people to it. Also, by keeping the outside of the building attractive and clean, it helps to reflect the building’s use – to educate people and to make them more intellectual. A building of this stature should look prominent and as though it can do its job. The Adams County library definitely upholds this standard. The Corinthian order was the perfect choice for the library because of its decorative nature. Something like the Doric order’s columns would have been too plain and not as "eye-catching." Although it is clear that the Corinthian order was chosen for the design, later architects could have definitely had an impact on the building’s architecture.

Later architects had certain signature designs and ideas that could have definitely influenced the library’s structure. Andrea Palladio, who got many of his designs from ancient architecture, could have influenced the building’s shape (“Andrea Palladio 1508-1580”). Palladio’s use of “simple lines” and “satisfying symmetry” could explain the building’s rectangular, proportionate shape and straight lines instead of complex modern patterns (“Andrea Palladio 1508-1580”). It is very possible that Palladio could have had an influence on the library's structure since his designs eventually became “a model for public buildings” (“Andrea Palladio 1508-1580”). Another architect who could have had an influence on the design is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was inspired by the Classical designs that Palladio replicated (Johns). Jefferson wanted buildings to reflect the ideals of the United States, and this idea could definitely fit with a library (Johns). The Adams County Library’s clean and attractive exterior shows that we, as a country, consider education essential. The works of architects like these could have helped to enhance the design of the library.

            It is clear that the order that the Adams County Library most closely resembles is the Corinthian order. This is true because of the decorations on the columns, the base, and the ornamental and prestigious nature of the building. The Corinthian order was the perfect choice for the library because it helps to attract people and to announce the stature of the building simply by looking at it. Although the Corinthian order existed during the Classical period, the library’s structure could have also been influenced by works of later architects such as Andrea Palladio and Thomas Jefferson. The Adams County Library was undeniably inspired by the style of the ancient Greeks.

Works Cited

"Andrea Palladio 1508-1580." Irish Architectural Archive. LPH Media Ltd, 2012. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Dietsch, Deborah K., and Robert A. M. Stern. "Greek Architecture: Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian?" Architecture for Dummies. New York: Wiley, 2002. N.p. For Dummies. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Fiero, Gloria K. The Humanistic Tradition. 6th ed. Vol. 1. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. Print.

Johns, Josh. "The Architectural Politics of Thomas Jefferson." The Architectural Politics of Thomas Jefferson. The American Studies Group at UVA, Mar. 1996. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.

Schulman, Bruce R. Classical Orders of Architecture. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, n.d. Web. 16 Feb. 2014.